Open lectures

Join YESI and the Department for Environment and Geography for a seminar with Prof Phoebe Barnard. Drawing on 30 years in science and policy, she addresses how we can guide a peaceful shift toward a wiser, sustainable global future.

Join YESI for a screening of the documentary The Climate Restorers, including a presentation from the directors John Bowey and Phoebe Barnard.

Hear from Celeste Leverton, founder of Leverton Wealth Partners as she talks financial wellbeing and shares tips to take control.

When the challenges facing society feel bigger than any one of us, what can we actually do about them?

Hear about exciting research happening at the University and how we teach sustainability to the next generation.

Celebrate World Geothermal Energy Day 2026. This free public event features a British Geological Society exhibition and expert talks on Campus East's new geothermal project aimed at reducing York's carbon footprint.

Author Meadhbh Park explores how modern online extremism radicalizes teens into real-world violence and cyberattacks, giving adults vital tools to spot warning signs and protect our youth.

A young person discovers the Beveridge Report: she questions… What happened? What is next?

A lecture from Andrew Morrison, chief executive officer of the York Civic Trust in celebration of the Trust's 80th birthday  

This lecture explores the discovery of an Arma Christi roll at York's Bar Convent—one of just 11 surviving medieval manuscripts of its kind. The talk examines its origin, purpose in domestic prayer, and how it remained hidden for centuries.

This lecture examines how modern art's boundary-pushing nature led to legal disputes over copyright, tax, offense, and contracts, questioning what these clashes reveal about the fundamental nature of art itself.

Environmental economist Dr Nesha Beharry-Borg explores how valuing Caribbean biodiversity as natural capital drives climate resilience and economic development, drawing on insights from international development finance.

Explore Palestinian audio history with the Palestinian Sound Archive. This event features an introduction, short documentary, talk, DJ set, and vinyl/merch sales exploring music as resistance.

Join experts and peers to discuss how to define, value, and create a fairer Britain in an interactive event inspired by Will Snell’s book, The Fair Necessities.

This lecture examines King Offa of Mercia (r. 757–796), who united most of southern England and reshaped governance. Drawing on coins, charters, and chronicles, it cuts through post-mortem criticism to reassess his pivotal medieval legacy.