Noteworthy lectures (audio)

Julia Marton-Lefèvre, environmentalist and academic, delivers the final lecture in the 2015 Our Changing World series. This lecture is also part of our Enlightenment Lecture series. In this lecture Julia Marton-Lefèvre will compare the profound changes that took place in the 18th century European Enlightenment, emphasizing reason rather than tradition, with the need for a new enlightenment to face the stark challenges posed by an unprecedented loss of biodiversity, a rapidly changing climate and increasing inequality among nations and individuals. Recorded on 24 November 2015 at the University of Edinburgh's George Square Lecture Theatre.

Jack Matlock, former US Ambassador to the Soviet Union, delivers the 2015 Fulbright Lecture, entitled The Ukrainian Crisis: Reflections on Power in Today's World. In this lecture, Jack Matlock suggests that Western policies have exacerbated Ukraine's internal problems and estranged Russia. The lecture is part of an initiative by the Fulbright Commission and the University to enhance mutual cultural understanding between the UK and US through educational exchange. http://www.ed.ac.uk/news/2015/fulbright-lecture-220515

Professor Sir John Beddington, Former Government Chief Scientific Adviser, and Edinburgh alumnus, delivers the Enlightenment Lecture entitled Legacies of the 20th Century and Challenges for the 21st. This lecture also forms part of the 2014 Our Changing World lecture series. Recorded 19 November 2014 at the University of Edinburgh's McEwan Hall.

The Edinburgh India Institute is delighted to present the inaugural India Day lecture by Gopalkrishna Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi. Mr Gandhi's lecture begins at 36:48. www.ed.ac.uk/news/2014/india-week-240914

Mona Siddiqui, Professor of Islamic and Interreligious Studies at the School of Divinity, will in conversation with Mike Russell MSP, Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning.The discussion covers the constitutional changes Scottish independence could bring and what it could mean to the church in Scotland and other faith communities.Find more information on this event at http://edin.ac/1gb1Sf7

February 2014 marks ten years of the University of Edinburgh supporting fair trade, following a student vote to become a Fairtrade University. February 25th also marks one year of Scotland becoming a Fair Trade Nation.In this lecture, Paul Chandler, former Chief Executive of leading fair trade organisation Traidcraft, examines the history and impact of fair trade, discuss critiques of fair trade, and offer ideas on what is next for the movement.Recorded on 25 February 2014, at the University of Edinburgh's Playfair Library Hall.

Professor Peter Higgs gives a talk about the particle that bears his name.The celebrated scientist joins a panel discussion on the Higgs boson, a particle whose recent discovery is regarded as a milestone in modern physics.Those accompanying Professor Higgs on the panel are Mr Alan Walker, Honorary Fellow and Director of the Particle Physics for Scottish Schools Exhibition; Dr Victoria Martin, Lecturer and Researcher in Particle Physics at the University of Edinburgh; and Francisca Garay Walls, PhD student.Recorded on Thursday 20 June at the University of Edinburgh's McEwan Hall.

Professor Tom Devine, Senior Research Professor in History and Director of the Scottish Centre for Diaspora Studies, delivers his lecture entitled "In bed with an elephant: why has the Union survived for over three centuries?". The lecture is followed by a debate, on the subject "Is the UK falling apart? Scotland and the future of the Union". Professor Charlie Jeffery, Director of the University’s Academy of Government, chairs a panel debate on the future of the Union. Recorded on 22 June 2013 at the University of Edinburgh's McEwan Hall.

Robert Cook-Deegan, Director, IGSP Center for Genome Ethics, Law & Policy, Duke University gives a genomics lecture entitled 'ConSequences: Some implications of DNA sequencing technology'.Organised by: ESRC Genomics Policy and Research ForumRecorded: Thursday 8 March 2012Venue: Anatomy lecture theatre, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of EdinburghAudio version. Listen to podcast

The General Council Lecture, presented by Professor Tom Devine on Saturday 12 June in Hong Kong.The lecture explores the historical links between Scotland and China.Tom Devine is Director of the Scottish Centre of Diaspora Studies and the Sir William Fraser Professor of Scottish History and Palaeography.He is considered the pre-eminent authority on the history of modern Scotland.

Anders Fogh Rasmussen, the Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), and former Prime Minister of Denmark, gave a public lecture at the University on Tuesday, 17 November 2009.

Professor Tom Devine and panel held a public discussion to celebrate the launch of the Scottish Centre for Diaspora Studies. Recorded at McEwan Hall, The University of Edinburgh on Thursday 30 October 2008.

The distinguished Scottish journalist and commentator, Neal Ascherson, spoke on the relationship between Scotland and Poland in a public lecture. Recorded at the University of Edinburgh on 1 October, 2009.