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.

Book your online space at the next Adelard lecture

The 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

Join us online in June for a live event hosted in Bath Abbey with the University of Bath as part of its 60th Anniversary.

Christiana Figueres is a globally-renowned figure on climate change. From 2010 to 2016 she was Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, leading the process that secured the landmark Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

In this exclusive event in Bath Abbey, we ask: what do generations owe one another in a warming world? Christiana will be joined by Professor Phil Taylor, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bath. This event is part of the University's 60th anniversary Adelard series, inspired by the legacy of Bath's own medieval scholar and polymath, Adelard of Bath.

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