Online Events

Our experts explore the complex dynamics between Africa and Europe, and the deeply-rooted social and political challenges that, if better understood, could pave the way for better collaborations and dialogue.

Join historian Gillian Waters for an exploration of a love triangle that may have been the inspiration for the medieval Arthur, Guinevere and Lancelot stories.

Focusing on democratic ownership solutions, our expert panel reflects on what it would look like to have economic institutions that worked to reduce inequality and create a more democratic economy.

Medievalist Eleanor Parker of the University of Oxford explores the fascinating history of Anglo-Saxon festivals, customs and traditions linked to the different seasons.

Join wildlife filmmaker Tom Mustill for a thrilling investigation into the pioneering world of animal communication, where big data and artificial intelligence are changing our relationship with animals forever.

Join Peter Harvey, teacher of mindfulness of breathing and scholar of Buddhism, to find out more about mindfulness as understood in Buddhist philosophy.

Writer and educator Philip 'Maty' Matyszak reveals the lost peoples and cultures who flourished and fought for survival alongside the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans.

Geoff Ashton, former Head of Employer Insight at a UK Government department, will explain the nine factors that influence people’s behaviour and lead a discussion on how these might be showing up in our daily lives.

Human geographer Anika Haque of the University of York discusses the importance of gender equality for sustainable development.

Our expert panellists discuss how reimagining the way we incentivise drug development could lead to innovation at a reasonable price.

Neuroscientist Mark Humphries takes you on an epic journey to discover what happens in our brain in a single, brief action.

Find out how a collaborative project between the Universities of York and Maastricht is helping to transform our food system through business model innovation.

Join us as we explore and reminisce on what the internet has been, and how this helps us build paths forward into the digital future.

Writer and editor Sam Bright tells the story of how a privileged elite has emulated the infamous Oxford dining society, inflicting its debauchery and destruction on the nation to inflate its own power, money and ego.

Join us for a panel discussion on urban sustainability, focusing on how waste tyres are being made into new resources in the megacity of Lagos, Nigeria.

Sally-Anne Shearn of the Borthwick Institute for Archives provides a unique look into John Bowes Morrell’s imaginative idea for preserving and presenting history by building a Folk Park for York.

Science writer Katie Spalding shares the hilarious stories of celebrated historical figures that demonstrate the fine line between ‘genius’ and ‘extremely lucky idiot’.

Award-winning Guardian journalist Luke Harding discusses the war that changed everything, talking about his experience reporting on the ground and confronting the crucial question: which side will prevail?

Authors Emily Hund and Paula Marantz Cohen discuss how social media impacts our conversations, intimacy and relationship dynamics.

Philosophy professor Lawrence Shapiro explains why the tools of philosophy offer a powerful antidote to today’s epidemic of irrationality.

Cognitive neuroscientist Ana B. Vivas from CITY College, University of York Europe Campus discusses a new approach to improve learning in people with cognitive impairments.

A panel of literature experts discuss the first ever anthology of Sri Lankan and diasporic poetry and how it reshapes our understanding of migrational poetics.

Neuroscientist Eric H. Chudler explores the mysteries and marvels of the three pounds of tissue between our ears - the brain.

Art curator Helena Cox introduces the hidden treasures from the University of York’s extensive and exciting art collection.

Focusing on a curated selection of pagan art and artefacts, writer and researcher Ethan Doyle White explains the complex histories of paganism and how today’s Pagans are inspired by the pre-Christian past.

Queer science fiction writer and researcher Bee Scott explores how science fiction plays are reinvestigating and challenging our assumptions about the future of queer life.

Have your understanding of democratic politics turned upside down by political scientist Larry M. Bartels, in conversation with political analyst Jarosław Kuisz.

Clinical neuropsychologist Kalliopi Megari from ​​CITY College, University of York Europe Campus provides intriguing insights into the dynamic relationship and strong connection between the heart and the brain.

Zoologist Louise Allcock leads you down into the canyons, trenches and hydrothermal vents of the watery abyss, presenting the deep ocean and its inhabitants as you have never seen them before.

Leading archaeologist Duncan Sayer of the University of Central Lancashire reveals how ancient DNA is helping us explore the movement of people in the early Middle Ages, between AD 450-750.

Join award-winning reporters Paola Totaro and Robert Wainwright for a fascinating exploration of how losing our sense of smell can shape our world, and how the global pandemic transformed our understanding of this mysterious sense.

Join us as we talk to ‘manonabeach®’, Ian Brighouse, about his fascinating project that celebrates the elemental power of the beach, where the air, land and sea meet.

Neuroscientist and bestselling author Dean Burnett puts our everyday emotions under the microscope, uncovering how, far from holding us back, they make us who we are.

Join writer, scientist and educator Lixing Sun as he explores the evolution of cheating in the natural world, revealing how it has given rise to wondrous diversity.

Our panel of experts investigate the ways women continue to be omitted from historical records, and discuss how we can better preserve women’s stories and voices.

Join us for an exciting opportunity to conduct real-time, interactive research - choose from a Census record for The Mount School York or information about World War 1 VAD nurses.

Jay Courtney reads from her new book 'Juicy Crones' and leads a conversation about the joys and challenges of being an older woman.

From roses to rhubarb and from parsnips to pigs - this fascinating talk with garden historian, writer and researcher Twigs Way will explore the impact of WW2 on the garden.

Award-winning psychologist Harriet Ennis returns to the Festival to discuss the latest, intriguing dream theories and to explore the science behind why we dream.