Edinburgh Zoo to host official livestream of Royal Institution Christmas Lectures

Edinburgh Zoo has been announced as an official livestream venue for this year’s Royal Institution (Ri) Christmas Lectures, taking place on Thursday 14 December 2023.

Running for almost 200 years, the RI Christmas Lectures were started by Michael Faraday to inspire and engage young people with science.  

Held within the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) capital zoo for the first time, the livestreamed lecture will feature Professor Mike Wooldridge, exploring the truth behind Artificial Intelligence (AI) - the most rapidly evolving field of science. 

Phill Mathis, RZSS Learning Manager, said, “Our wildlife conservation charity has pledged to create stronger connections with nature for more than a million people by 2030.  

“By hosting events like this, we can inspire the next generation of scientists to protect, value and love nature, all while learning new skills and deepening their understanding of evolving STEM topics. 

“We want to welcome people of all ages to come along and watch the magic of the Lectures unfold in real time as they are filmed in front of an audience in the Ri’s Theatre in London.” 

Attendees will have the chance to get involved with hands-on activities and learn the truth about AI. Across the lecture series Professor Mike Wooldridge will be joined by major figures from the AI world, including scientists from the world’s leading AI companies. He will also introduce a range of robot friends, who will demonstrate what robots today can do – and what they can’t.