Evolving Society

Join our panel of experts for an insightful discussion on how we can overcome the challenges facing the UK economy to deliver a fairer, more prosperous nation.

Philosopher Elizabeth Cripps reveals why climate justice goes beyond political polarisation and why climate activism is a moral duty, not a political choice.

Come along to this interactive drop-in event to talk about your experiences and challenges with the Internet and to find out how you can support those who are less confident in using technology.

Drawing on decades of observing other primates, world renowned primatologist Frans de Waal analyses our shared evolutionary history with the apes, broadening the conversation about human gender dynamics.

Join writer, researcher and producer Maria Leonard for an immersive workshop on possible futures that will challenge, question and develop your notion of what makes a future.

Join world-leading criminologist Matthew Williams as he explores the tipping point between prejudice and hate crime, analysing human behaviour across the globe and throughout history.

Experts in education - including Charlie Jeffery, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of York - come together to discuss the abundant possibilities for ‘higher’ learning.

Join Mariana López and Gavin Kearney of the University of York to discover the core principles of the Enhanced Audio Description methods and to experience cutting-edge examples of it.

Zion Tse of the University of York discusses digital health in and beyond the COVID pandemic, and provides a glimpse into the future of healthcare.

Louise Hampson will discuss the many meanings of ‘sanctuary’ today, share some fascinating stories from the past and offer you a chance to be the judge in several medieval cases.

Economist Diane Coyle and journalist Rory Cellan-Jones discuss their approaches to the impact of the digital economy.

Join our panel for a lively online discussion and learn more about the people, communities and supply chains all working to explore the full potential of chocolate.

Join us as we explore the power and visibility of youth activism, how those with global or national responsibilities can engage with young people, and what the future of citizen engagement might look like.

Award-winning author Helen Benedict and Syrian writer and refugee Eyad Awwadawnan provide us with a rare insight into the lives of refugees as they share powerful stories of resilience, suffering and hope.

Learn about the problems of the food system and get some inspiration for how we can transform it into one that benefits both population and planet.

Discover the ways emerging ideas are transforming our future railways and learn more about driverless public transport.

Journalist and adventurer Kit Chapman explores the science that has been translated from racing to the road and explains how the motorsport of today could save the world of tomorrow.

Let archaeologist David Wengrow transform your understanding of the human past and help you imagine new forms of freedom and new ways of organising society.

All individuals and communities should have access to quality essential health services without suffering financial hardship. But what should a global approach to health issues look like? Join our expert panel and have your say.

Robin Dunbar from the University of Oxford provides a fascinating and far-reaching analysis of religion and the quintessentially human impulse to believe.

Find out about ‘York Central Co-owned’ and ‘World Localization Day’ and be involved in a discussion on how we can create an alternative future for York Central.

Digital marketing expert Elina Ketikidi explains how social media can be used to educate consumers about the importance of sustainable fashion and sustainable living more generally.

Join writer and philosopher Nina Power for a bold, playful and open-minded exploration of the role of men in the 21st century.

Join writer, critic and scholar Anna Della Subin to learn about man-gods and the persistent impulse towards deification.

Join us as we discuss whether war can really be cleansed of sexual violence and, if so, what kinds of interventions are necessary, and which actors are best placed to implement them.

Journalist Jessica Nordell shows us the steps we can take to create a world beyond bias.

Discover the fundamental relationship between storytelling and the environment with Harvard Professor Martin Puchner.

Join York St John students and staff for an interactive panel event including short performances, citizen science activities and mini talks exploring air quality, health inequalities, and the kind of future they envision for York’s public spaces.

Join author, activist and strategist Jon Alexander in conversation with York resident and leading community power advocate Sophia Parker, as they discuss the power we all have to create a better world.

Join writer, researcher and producer Maria Leonard for an immersive workshop on possible futures that will challenge, question and develop your notion of what makes a future.

Renowned economic historian Claudia Goldin traces women’s journey to close the gender wage gap and sheds new light on the continued struggle to achieve equity between couples at home.

Climate campaigner Alice Bell tells the stories of the scientists who helped build our modern understanding of climate change, and delivers a hopeful message for the future.

Acclaimed sociologist Andrew Scull offers a definitive new account of psychiatry’s and society’s battle with mental illness.

Find out how York is creating a new approach to supporting entrepreneurs, driving inclusive economic growth and tackling the impact of COVID-19.

Come along to this interactive drop-in event for people of all ages to discover the latest research on how people over 65 in the UK are using the internet, and to find out how we can better support each other in the face of digital threats.