

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.

Dec 26, 2017 - 59m
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.

Dec 27, 2017 - 59m
Professor Sophie Scott explores the world of silent communication, investigating why smells and body language can say so much.

Dec 28, 2017 - 59m
Professor Sophie Scott investigates what language is and whether humans are really the only species to use it.