The Royal Institution Courses

How Batteries Power the Modern World - With Paul Shearing

Explore the evolution of batteries and their impact on modern technology, from early experiments to cutting-edge lithium-ion innovations, highlighting key scientific breakthroughs and future challenges.

• YouTube
• 58 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

How Humans Have Genetically Modified Nature – With Beth Shapiro

Explore how humans have shaped nature through genetic modification, from ancient practices to modern techniques, and the potential future implications for conservation and species revival.

• YouTube
• 51 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

How Occam's Razor Changed the World of Science - With Johnjoe McFadden

Explore how William of Occam's principle of simplicity revolutionized scientific thinking, from medieval metaphysics to modern physics, and its enduring impact on problem-solving across disciplines.

• YouTube
• 56 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

The Fundamental Patterns That Explain the Universe - With Brian Clegg

Explore fundamental patterns shaping our universe, from cosmic microwave background to quantum behaviors. Gain unique insights into physical world's workings through ten essential sequenced systems.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 6 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Who Can Make Meaningful Change in the Climate Crisis?

Exploring diverse perspectives on effective climate action, from government policies to grassroots initiatives. Experts discuss the roles of various stakeholders and strategies for creating meaningful change and sustainable development.

• YouTube
• 58 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Lessons from Plants - with Beronda Montgomery

Explore plant adaptation, sensory experiences, and survival strategies. Discover how plants' self-awareness influences their growth and what humans can learn from their remarkable abilities.

• YouTube
• 45 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

How to Talk to a Science Denier - With Lee McIntyre

Strategies for engaging science deniers: building trust, understanding motivations, and using evidence effectively to address misconceptions and promote scientific understanding.

• YouTube
• 36 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Is Dark Matter Real? - With Sabine Hossenfelder

Physicist Sabine Hossenfelder explores evidence for dark matter, proposing a superfluid theory that combines dark matter with modified general relativity to explain cosmic observations.

• YouTube
• 51 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

What Are the New Discoveries in Human Biology? - With Dan Davis

Explore groundbreaking discoveries in human biology and their potential impact on future medical treatments, diets, and genetic modifications, presented by immunologist Dan Davis.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 2 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

The Hidden Geometry of Everything - With Jordan Ellenberg

Explore how geometry underlies diverse fields, from computer chess to democratic representation, revealing hidden mathematical patterns that shape our world and solve complex problems.

• YouTube
• 54 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Rutherford, Radioactivity and the Future of Physics - With the Cosmic Shambles Network

Explore Rutherford's impact on nuclear physics and the future of the field with experts. Delve into his groundbreaking discoveries, scientific legacy, and ongoing research in particle physics and cosmology.

• YouTube
• 58 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

What Can Intelligent Materials Do? - With Skylar Tibbits

Explore the future of intelligent materials that sense, adapt, and self-assemble. From self-building furniture to growing islands, discover how programmable materials can revolutionize design and sustainability.

• YouTube
• 53 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

How Easy Is It to Grow a Supermassive Black Hole? - With Dr Becky

Explore the fascinating growth of supermassive black holes with Dr Becky Smethurst. Discover the challenges, mechanisms, and limits of their expansion in this engaging astrophysics lecture.

• YouTube
• 45 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

How Do Neural Networks Grow Smarter? - With Robin Hiesinger

Exploring neural networks' growth into brains, this talk delves into the interplay between neurobiology and AI, questioning if biological brains are just messy hardware and if nature or artificial intelligence holds the key to smarter systems.

• YouTube
• 54 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Is It Our Moral Duty to Explore Other Planets? - With Christopher Mason

Exploring the ethical imperative of space exploration and human adaptation for extraterrestrial habitation, discussing genetic engineering and long-term plans for interplanetary colonization.

• YouTube
• 52 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video