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The Origins of the Elements

In this talk, Dr Wilkins will discuss the astrophysical origins of the chemical elements, almost all of which have an origin ranging from the big bang, to exploding white dwarfs, the collapse of massive stars, and the merger of ultra-compact objects, neutron stars.

Weighing the Universe

This lecture will explain the physics of the cosmic microwave background and the challenges in understanding where our universe came from.

Frozen in Time?

This talk will review the dramatic consequences on what we observe in the night sky that arise purely from the consequences of light-travel time effects.

Have Women Achieved Professional Equality? 100 years since the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act

2019 marks 100 years since the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919 when a woman was recognised as a ‘person’ in law. This groundbreaking Act enabled women to be awarded university degrees and to enter professions such as law and medicine from which they had been barred.

Faster than Light?

This talk will explain how the speed of light was first measured, and how an obscure but brilliant patent clerk in Bern, Switzerland by the name of Albert Einstein deduced that the speed of light is the upper speed limit for everything in the Universe.

Human Traffic: Race and Post-War Migration Policy

In the years after 1945 successive British governments set out to weaponise the nation’s immigration policy.

Toothpaste, Custard and Chocolate: Mathematics Gets Messy

This talk looks at mathematical modelling of real, complex fluids in flow situations – some with serious commercial applications, and some just for fun.

Is There Danger Ahead With AI: Superintelligence, Ethics, Work, Leisure and Automation

Professor Wilks will discuss the argument that ‘superintelligent’ AI may turn against us, as Hawking and Bostrom have warned.

Jesus, Hitler and the Abolition of God

This series has argued that the origins of modern secularism lie in the age of the Renaissance. This last lecture will track that legacy down to the present.

The Spiritual Quest Against Religion

The Protestant Reformation set out to purge Christianity of error. But once you have started, how do you know when to stop? Some radicals tore up layer upon layer of tradition in the tireless search for deeper truths, proving their faith by their refusal to believe.

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