The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.
The 10 Best Spring talks
On a new year fitness drive? Get your mind into shape as well with these great talks and lecture series around the UK...
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.1. Café Scientifique, Royal Society
Free, royalsociety.org
Join scientists and other specialists in discussion of current scientific issues over a drink at these free events at the Royal Society. Upcoming questions to grapple with include "is growing old an illness?"
2. Archaeology Lunchtime Talks, Museum Wales
Free, museumwales.ac.uk
It's not all bits of pots! In these lunchtime talks in Cardiff, archaeologists and other experts reveal their dig findings and explain how they help us to build a picture of the past.
3. Packed Lunch, Wellcome Collection
Free, wellcomecollection.org
Feed your curiosity as you eat your lunch at this series of free talks. Listen to scientists discussing their work and its implications. Previous topics include pain, deep-sea vision, influenza and bubbles.
4. Gifford Lectures, University of Edinburgh
Free online, ed.ac.uk
Held since 1888, the Gifford Lectures have been given by many notable scholars. This year's include Harvard's Stephen Pinker talking about his work on the decline of violence in the world.
5. Barbirolli Lectures, Royal Academy of Music
Free, ram.ac.uk
For those who want to know more about the people behind the music, the Royal Academy of Music hosts monthly talks with distinguished musicians, composers and conductors.
Prices vary, royalacademy.org.uk
The Royal Academy hosts lunchtime and evening talks on art. A must-see are the lectures on architectural history and also the Academy's current exhibition, Manet: Portraying Life, has a programme of talks between February and April.
£5, ica.org.uk
Priding itself as a home for the radical and the experimental, the ICA boasts several big names for its Culture series of talks. They include lunchtime lectures with sculptor Antony Gormley and Independent columnist Owen Jones.
8. Ideas to Change British Architecture, RIBA
Prices vary, architecture.com
RIBA will be holding a series of talks held to accompany its Venice Takeaway exhibition, which looks at architecture in Britain today. Issues trilled over include overseas inspiration and red tape.
9. Ulster Lecture Series, Open University in Ireland
Free, proni.gov.uk
History buffs interested in the Belfast's past will love this lecture series delivered in the city's new Titanic Quarter. Features timely talks on issues such as violence, law and order and public health.
10. Talks at the Photographers' Gallery
Prices vary, thephotographersgallery.org.uk
Further your understanding of the exhibitions at the Soho home of British photography with talks from the artists featured, as well as the gallery's curators.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments