Public lectures return to Reading on campus and online

A free public lecture about the perils and promise of artificial intelligence in film and media will mark the return of the University of Reading’s long-running public lecture series.

The flagship series, which began more than half a century ago, will be delivered to a live audience, streamed online, and be available as a recording afterwards.

Presented by Dr Dominic Lees, from the University’s Film, Theatre and Television department, the first lecture in the series will trace the development of ‘generative AI’ and discuss its potential cultural and social impacts.

Free in-person tickets are now fully booked, but people can still register to livestream the talk and ask questions live. The lecture takes place from 7.30pm on Wednesday, 30 October. 

The University of Reading’s Public Lecture Series gives members of the public access to experts at the cutting-edge of research. The next public lecture on Wednesday, 20 November, presented by Dr Holly Andrews of Henley Business School, will also be livestreamed. Free in-person tickets are available now. Register to attend lecture: ‘All toxic individuals are not created equal.’  

Vice-Chancellor Professor Robert Van de Noort said: “Universities are the natural habitat for debate and discussion. 

“Our public lectures are spaces where challenging ideas can be explored thoughtfully and rigorously, both with audiences face to face in Reading and those online around the world.

"The topics we talk about are often controversial or difficult, which is why they matter. Our lecturers bring expert perspectives to conversations about issues such as artificial intelligence, climate change, and social inequality, helping people to navigate complex issues with greater clarity.”