Royal Institution Christmas Lectures — Season 52
About this season
The Royal Institution Christmas Lectures are a series of lectures on a single topic, which have been held at the Royal Institution in London each year since 1825. The lectures present scientific subjects to a general audience, including young people, in an informative and entertaining manner. Michael Faraday initiated the first Christmas Lecture series in 1825. This came at a time when organised education for young people was scarce. Faraday presented a total of nineteen series in all.
Episodes (3)
1. Say It with Sound
Aired 26 December 2017 • 59 min
Prof Sophie Scott uses hissing cockroaches, chirping crickets and rumbling elephants to explore how humans and animals have evolved to use sound to send messages.
2. Silent Messages
Aired 27 December 2017 • 59 min
Professor Sophie Scott explores the world of silent communication, investigating why smells and body language can say so much.
3. The Word
Aired 28 December 2017 • 59 min
Professor Sophie Scott investigates what language is and whether humans are really the only species to use it.