Tam Dalyell Prize Lectures

Dr Niki Vermeulen, Dr Bill Jenkins and team in Science, Technology and Innovation Studies (STIS) in School of Social and Political Science deliver the 2017 Tam Dalyell Prize lecture entitled ‘Curious Edinburgh’. In this lecture, Dr Niki Vermeulen, Dr Bill Jenkins and team present their project Curious Edinburgh, a virtual walking tour of the city of ideas that explores Edinburgh's role in the history of science, technology and medicine. The lecture includes tasters of existing tours and explores future plans to connect with Edinburgh's local communities and showcase the city's international connections. Recorded on 15 April 2018, at the University of Edinburgh's Playfair Library.

Professor Sethu Vijayakumar, Personal Chair in Robotics, delivers the 2015 Tam Dalyell Prize lecture entitled, Sharing Autonomy (and responsibility): The Robots Are Ready, Are You?. In this lecture, Professor Vijayakumar will look at how humans and robots will work together in the future. The next generation of robots will work much more closely with humans, other robots and interact significantly with the environment around them. With significant autonomy devolved to the robotic platforms, will we be able to share control in a way we are comfortable with? Recorded on 10 April 2016, at the University of Edinburgh's Playfair Library.

Sarah Keer-Keer, Public Engagement, Outreach & Communications Manager at the Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology, presents this year’s Tam Dalyell Prize lecture entitled, "Life Through a Lens". This lecture reveals how taking a dramatic, artistic and fun approach to science helps cell biologists communicate with the public and how in turn the public have inspired the scientists. Join Sarah who will guide you through hundreds of years of science, up to the present day, when we will discover who today's scientists really are. This lecture was part of the 2015 Edinburgh International Science Festival. Recorded on 4 April 2015 at the University of Edinburgh's Playfair Library.

In the 2014 Tam Dalyell Lecture, Professor Harald Haas, Chair of Mobile Communications at The University of Edinburgh, reveals an amazing innovation that could change wireless communications forever. The Li-Fi system uses standard light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to transmit electronic data signals, which will enable users to access the internet through the ordinary lighting systems in schools, workplaces and homes. This revolutionary invention has the potential to bring cheap, energy efficient and super-secure wireless access to the world. Recorded on Sunday 13 April at the University of Edinburgh's Playfair Library.

Professor Clare Blackburn and Dr Amy Hardie deliver the University's 2013 Tam Dalyell Prize lecture. Professor Blackburn and Dr Hardie explore the history, biology, hopes and fears of stem cell research, the product of an innovative partnership between a stem cell research scientist and a documentary film director. Recorded on Sunday 7 April 2013 at the University of Edinburgh's Playfair Library.

Professor Colin Pulham delivers the University's 2011 Tam Dalyell Prize lecture. Professor Pulham explores how chemistry is key to developments such as green energy and better healthcare in the University's 2011 Tam Dalyell Prize lecture. Recorded on Tuesday 6 December 2011 at the University of Edinburgh's George Square Lecture Theatre.

Professor Jose Torero delivers the University's 2010 Tam Dalyell Prize lecture. In his lecture, Professor Torero examines the complex nature of fire. He discusses how humans have been fascinated with fire for millions of years. He describes how fire can provide welcome warmth in everyday life but, on a bigger scale, the unpredictability of fire can be terrifying. He contrasted the emotions associated with fire, depending on whether it is under control or not. Recorded on Wednesday 8 December 2010 at the University of Edinburgh's George Square Lecture Theatre.

Professor Chris Bishop delivers the University's 2009 Tam Dalyell Prize lecture. In his lecture, Professor Bishop explores the future of computers. Recorded on Wednesday 9 December 2009 at the University of Edinburgh's George Square Lecture Theatre.