The Royal Institution Courses

How Irrationality Created Modern Science - With Michael Strevens

Explore how breaking logical rules led to scientific breakthroughs, examining the paradoxical role of irrationality in modern scientific progress and methodology.

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

Overloaded - How Your Brain Chemicals Influence Your Life - With Ginny Smith

Explore the fascinating world of neurotransmitters and their impact on our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Discover cutting-edge research on brain chemistry and its influence on everyday life.

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

How Do Crime Labs Translate Forensic Evidence into Proof? - With Beth Bechky

Exploring forensic science's role in criminal investigations and courtrooms, detailing the challenges scientists face in delivering unbiased evidence under pressure.

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

Effective Data Visualisation - With Valentina D'Efilippo

Explore innovative data visualization techniques beyond standard charts with designer Valentina D'Efilippo. Learn to create impactful visual stories through creative approaches, empathy, and unique perspectives on data representation.

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

Viruses, Pandemics and Immunity - With Arup K Chakraborty and Andrey S Shaw

Experts explore virus emergence, immune system responses, and pandemic-fighting tools, providing insights into public health policies and future preparedness against global health threats.

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

Our Quest to Understand the Cosmos - Brian Greene in Conversation with Jo Marchant

Explore the cosmos from its beginning to its end with physicist Brian Greene, discussing life, consciousness, free will, and the scientific method in this thought-provoking conversation.

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

Why Mental Health Goes Wrong and How to Make Sense of It - With Dean Burnett

Explore the complexities of mental health in modern society, examining causes, treatments, and evolving understanding. Gain insights into anxiety, depression, and addiction from a neuroscientist's perspective.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 14 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

How Can Machines Learn Human Values? - With Brian Christian

Exploring challenges in AI ethics, including data bias, fairness, and value alignment. Discusses innovative solutions for building more robust and ethically-aligned machine learning systems.

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

How Can Climate Models Help Us Respond to Climate Change? - With Vicky Pope

Explore climate models' role in understanding and responding to climate change, including their development, applications, and implications for policy and technology.

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

A History of Nerve Agents - With Dan Kaszeta

Uncover the chilling history of nerve agents, from their 1930s invention to recent attacks. Explore their global spread, deployment in conflicts, and international control efforts.

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

What Is Reality? - With Frank Wilczek

Nobel laureate Frank Wilczek explores fundamental concepts shaping our understanding of the universe, including time, space, matter, energy, complexity, and complementarity, offering insights into the nature of reality.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 18 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

A Series of Fortunate Events – With Sean B. Carroll

Explore the profound impact of chance on life's evolution and diversity. Sean B. Carroll reveals how random events shape our world, challenging traditional views on purpose and design in nature.

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

The Hunt for New Batteries - with Serena Corr

Explore the science of batteries, their evolution, and ongoing research for safer, more efficient energy storage solutions to power electric vehicles and support renewable energy transitions.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 11 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

The 10 Equations That Rule the World - With David Sumpter

Explore 10 key mathematical equations and their real-world applications in finance, relationships, social media, and personal development with Professor David Sumpter.

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

Diary of an Apprentice Astronaut - With Samantha Cristoforetti

Samantha Cristoforetti shares her extraordinary journey as an astronaut, from selection to life aboard the International Space Station, offering unique insights into the challenges and wonders of space exploration.

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