Programme
Talks
Think. Talk. Discuss. Debate.
Expand your mind this festival as some of the world’s leading scientists gather to discuss and debate some of the most controversial and urgent issues of today.
Discover the truth about Scottish stereotypes, whether there really is life on Mars, why some of us worry whilst others dream, why time can’t go backwards’, and whether hypnosis is real or just a fraudulent trick.
Hear how we can forecast flash floods, harness wave energy, why 1 in 4 couples are infertile, how our bodies function at the top of Everest, whether we really can predict the future of our planet, treat skin cancer, combat the aging process, or predict how the world will be in 30 years time.
Search our talks listings below and get ready to expand your mind this festival.
Plus don’t miss this year’s Edinburgh Medal Award and your chance to hear Professor Chris Rapley’s keynote address on the dangers of climate change and our dependency on the planet’s ever depleting energy resources.
Dr Richard Wiseman
Join our adventure into the backwaters of human behaviour, uncovering the psychology of lying, laughter, love and life dressed as a giant chicken. Wiseman examines the strange science of life with quirky stories and the truth about Scottish stereotypes.
25 March, 6pm (1 hour), Adult,
Reid Concert Hall
Daniel Nettle
Why are some of us worriers, and others dreamers? Why do some people empathise while others control? Life is about finding a niche where your personality works for you. Join us to explore the perils and potential of your personality.
25 March, 8pm (1 hour), Adult,
Reid Concert Hall
Professor Frank Close
Picture a world with no sun, moon, stars or Earth. Without matter can ‘nothing’ exist? Be taken on a lively story through ancient ideas and cultural superstitions to the frontiers of current research into the vacuum.
26 March, 6pm (1 hour), Adult,
National Museum of Scotland - Lecture Theatre
Professor Muffy Calder
Surprising similarities exist between evolved and engineered systems. Find out why ideas in life sciences are being used in computing and vice versa in this wonderful fusion of mathematics, computing, engineering and biochemistry.
26 March, 8pm (1 hour), Adult,
National Museum of Scotland - Lecture Theatre
Sir David King
World renowned scientist and expert on climate change Sir David King, former Chief Scientific Advisor to the Blair government, tells us how we can make a difference. Hear his suggestions for action and join the fight against climate change.
27 March, 6pm (1 hour), Adult,
National Museum of Scotland - Lecture Theatre
Professor Peter Atkins
Four laws sit at the heart of how every aspect of the universe behaves. They describe why time can't go backwards and why your desk gets messier. Join us for a powerful and compelling introduction to the laws of thermodynamics.
27 March, 8pm (1 hour), Adult,
National Museum of Scotland - Lecture Theatre
Dr John Mason
Mars is a world of volcanoes, canyons, ice caps and dust storms. Today, the planet is dry and cold, but images from space missions have revealed ancient rivers, flash floods and water ice beneath the surface. The quest to find evidence of life continues.
28 March, 6pm (1 hour), Adult,
National Museum of Scotland - Lecture Theatre
Dr Helen Fraser
Some astro-food for thought for the next time you gaze into the heavens. There's more up there than meets the eye. In this guide to eclipses, asteroids, gravity and spacecraft, find out just how incredible the universe is and delve into the night sky.
28 March, 8pm (1 hour), Family,
National Museum of Scotland - Lecture Theatre
Dr Peter Naish
Charles Dickens thought it was a mysterious force that gave people strange powers, others have seen it as a fraudulant stage trick. Full of demonstrations, this talk will explore the latest research findings and current hypnosis theories.
29 March, 3.30pm (90 minutes), Adult,
National Museum of Scotland - Lecture Theatre
Dr Marty Jopson
This is not a world made by humans, it is a plant made world. Did humans civilize plants or was it the other way around? Find out why cotton is so good for clothes and if you can tell the difference between synthetic and real vanilla.
29 March, 6pm (1 hour), Adult,
National Museum of Scotland - Lecture Theatre