Adelard events

We’re marking our 60th anniversary with a series of lectures named in honour of Adelard of Bath, the influential 12th‑century natural philosopher.

Watch live: Powering the next generation to lead climate action

Follow the conversation with the University and Outrage + Optimism on Wednesday 14 October from 19:25 BST.

The Adelard programme draws on our heritage and future focus to showcase bold ideas that can shape the next 60 years of the University’s contribution to society, reflecting our commitment to curiosity, global knowledge exchange and evidence‑led debate.

By bringing Adelard’s story to the fore, we celebrate the legacy of the man often described as “England’s first scientist” and highlight Bath’s deep scholarly roots. Working with partners including the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, Bath Festivals and Bath Digital Festival, we’re convening thinkers whose ideas span science, society and public policy, with a focus on our core research themes: health, digital and sustainability.

Christiana Figueres

Global climate leader Christiana Figueres, architect of the Paris Agreement, joined Outrage + Optimism co-hosts Tom Rivett-Carnac and Paul Dickinson for a live event with University in Bath Abbey.

The final event in the University of Bath’s 60th anniversary Adelard Series welcomed Christiana Figueres, architect of the landmark Paris Agreement, to a packed Bath Abbey on Wednesday 14 October.

In ‘Powering the next generation to lead climate action’, Christiana was joined by Tom Rivett-Carnac, Paul Dickinson and University of Bath students, researchers and leaders for a discussion on climate leadership and how young people can help shape a more sustainable future.

The conversation explored the reasons for both concern and optimism, the importance of empowering the next generation, and how education, research and innovation can help turn climate ambition into action

Dr Jacky Wright

Marking the University of Bath’s 60th Anniversary, our second Adelard event welcomed one of the world’s most influential digital leaders, Dr Jacky Wright, to Bath.

A global pioneer in digital leadership and a champion for inclusion, Jacky Wright has driven transformation across some of the world’s most influential organisations.

Taking place as part of Bath Digital Festival, in an exclusive event at BRLSI, Jacky reflected on key moments in technological change over the six decades since the University was founded, and considered what those years can teach us about the world we are shaping today.

In conversation with Professor Rachid Hourizi MBE, Director of the University of Bath’s national Institute of Coding, they revisited key moments in the digital era, culminating in today’s AI revolution, and explore the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Drawing on her own career, Jacky explored how the role of technology and technologists has evolved - moving from supporting businesses to actively shaping strategy, culture, and innovation. In an AI era, she talked about the importance of instilling curiosity and the spirit of entrepreneurship.

Professor Sir Chris Whitty

In the first Adelard Lecture, Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Chris Whitty, reflected on decades of progress in health and the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Marking the start of the University of Bath’s 60th Anniversary, this Adelard Lecture invited Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Chris Whitty to reflect on how health interventions have evolved over the past sixty years and what this experience can teach us about the future.

He looked at the major advances that have improved public health, the role of preventative approaches in helping people stay well for longer, and areas where progress has been uneven or slow. Drawing on decades of evidence, he explored the challenges that remain and the opportunities emerging through research and innovation.

Re-watch Chris Whitty's Adelard talk Learn more about the Adelard health showcase