TEDxDurham

29/10/2025

Our gratitude for the generous support of the return of to the UK. We look forward to bringing everyone together this Sunday, 2nd November.

Apologies to everyone on the waitlist. Your enthusiasm is deeply appreciated & we sincerely hope to be able to include you in the next edition of the event.

Please check your inbox for our Joining Instructions or head to the site for the day's full agenda.. https://tedxdurham.co.uk/

25/10/2025

😀

Durham has been named the most beautiful city in England to visit in autumn, according to new research - and it's not hard to see why

22/10/2025

We couldn't be happier to confirm that our Speaker Line-up is now complete for taking place on Sunday 2nd November. 🙌
Our final 3 talks include..

🔴 'How the Universe Began & How It Is Likely to End' presented by Durham University cosmology legend Prof Carlos Frenk discussing how 5000 robots in the Arizona desert are discovering data that could fundamentally change our understanding of the Universe.
🔴 'A Catastrophic Mast Collapse, 800 Miles from Land & All Alone at Sea' presented by world-class yachtswoman on her attempt to be the only woman to ever twice complete the Vendée Globe, considered to be the ultimate test in sailing.
🔴 'Aurora Borealis: the Hunt for the Northern Lights' presented by astronomy photographer who discusses why he chases these cosmic storms and his methodology for hunting these elusive fires in the sky.

Our final three speakers join..
🔴 Vince Cable, the former Lib Dem Leader gives his first-ever TEDx talk on the rise & rise of China and what it means for the US, the UK and global balance of power.
🔴 Professional & England International footballer Jill Scott returns to her home region to give a behind the scenes look at key moments in her journey to sporting success & the insights she can share.
🔴 Durham Uni computer scientist Professor Sue Black OBE discusses how tech gave her the opportunities to rise from tough beginnings and how she's trying to give other people the same opportunities for growth & success.
🔴 was Disney's Head of Innovation & Creativity and journeys to Durham from Orlando to demonstrate the very human skills that will be in demand in a future world dominated by AI.
🔴 Jennifer Bartram is well known to North East audiences as the longtime weather presenter for BBC Look North. Behind the glamour of her high profile career, she joins us to discuss her own harrowing experiences with the scourge of Internet trolling.
🔴 Dr Martha Deiros Collado is a bestselling clinical psychologist who has joined the growing ranks of experts warning on the damaging effects of social media + smartphones on child development and will offer guidance on how to mitigate these risks.
🔴 Prof. Sophie Scott a UCL neuroscientist, comedian & TED speaker returns to the TEDx stage to present her research on why laughter & humour could be one of the superpowers that sets humans apart from the animal kingdom.
🔴 UKEBOX is the world's first & only ukulele boy band that can only be described as hugely entertaining. Having previously brought the house down at some of the largest TEDx events in the world, they join us with an entirely new show crafted for TEDxDurham.

For full speaker bios, talk descriptions & event info please head over to https://tedxdurham.co.uk/

19/10/2025

14/10/2025

🎶✨ Meet UKEBOX — the world’s only ukulele boy band!

Four brilliant musicians from Liverpool who mix comedy, creativity, and incredible harmonies into a show bursting with energy and joy. 🎤💫

From pop anthems to unexpected twists, their unique sound and playful spirit promise a performance that will have you smiling, singing, and wondering how four ukuleles can sound that good. 🎵🔥

Catch them live at TEDxDurham!
https://tedxdurham.co.uk/team/ukebox/

13/10/2025

💬 What happens when the spotlight turns hostile?

After more than 20 years with the , Jennifer Bartram knows what it means to live and work in the public eye. But when her visibility brought waves of online trolling, she faced a very different kind of challenge: one that no media training can prepare you for.

In her candid and moving talk, Jen shares how she learned to handle digital attacks, the limits of “just ignore it” advice, and what surviving online hostility can teach us about resilience, empathy, and being human in an age of invisible invaders.

Hear her story at .
https://tedxdurham.co.uk/team/jen-bartram/

09/10/2025

💻 From single mum of three to Professor of Computer Science and global tech leader

OBE’s journey is proof that technology can be a powerful force for change.

Leaving school at 16, Sue rebuilt her life through education and an extraordinary talent for tech. Today, she’s one of ’ Top 50 Women in Tech and the founder of initiatives like and TechUP, helping thousands access new opportunities through digital skills.

At , Sue shares how technology can lift lives, empower communities, and build a fairer future for all... especially those who’ve been left behind.

https://tedxdurham.co.uk/team/sue-black/

08/10/2025

⚽ From Sunderland to Wembley glory Jill Scott MBE has lived a footballer’s dream. With 161 England caps, multiple titles, and a UEFA Women’s Euro win, she’s one of the game’s true legends.

But Jill’s story goes far beyond the pitch. Since hanging up her boots, she’s become a broadcaster, business owner, and national treasure, still driven by the same energy and authenticity that made her a fan favourite.

Now returning to her North East roots, Jill reflects on her remarkable journey through sport, leadership, and life... and what it really takes to stay grounded when everything around you changes.

Catch her live at !
https://tedxdurham.co.uk/team/jill-scott/

05/10/2025

To start October we are extremely happy to bring to you news of the latest four speakers and performers confirmed to . Please welcome..

⚽✨From Sunderland to Wembley. Jill Scott MBE shares her journey from a 7-year-old on the local boys’ team to lifting the trophy with England.

🎤Jennifer Bartram, long-time BBC presenter, lifts the lid on the hidden cost of life in the spotlight. At TEDxDurham she shares her personal battle with internet trolling, its impact behind the scenes, and the powerful ways she overcame it.

💻🌍From leaving school at 16 to being named one of Forbes’ Top 50 Women in Tech. Professor Sue Black’s story is one of resilience, vision, and impact. At TEDxDurham, she shares how tech can transform lives — and how she’s helped thousands of women step into the industry.

🎶✨A ukulele boy band? Meet UKEBOX — four world-class musicians from Liverpool who mix comedy, creativity, and incredible harmonies into a performance like no other. From the G7 Summit to TEDxManchester, they’ve wowed audiences worldwide — and now they’re bringing something brand new to .

https://tedxdurham.co.uk/speakers

02/10/2025

😂 The science of laughter meets leadership!
Professor Sophie Scott CBE, Director at UCL's Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, reveals how humor shapes connection, influence, and what it means to be human.

Join us at !

01/10/2025

✨ From Disney Imagineering to ✨
How do we stay truly valuable in an AI-driven world? Duncan Wardle, ’s former Head of Innovation & Creativity, believes the answer lies in the most human skills of all: curiosity, empathy, imagination, and creativity. 🌍💡

Catch him live at TEDxDurham!

https://tedxdurham.co.uk/team/duncan-wardle/

30/09/2025

📱 When should kids get a phone – and how do we make it work?
Clinical psychologist and SundayTimes bestselling author Dr. Martha Collado shares practical insights on children, smartphones, and healthy digital habits.

Hear her at !
https://tedxdurham.co.uk/team/martha-deiros-collado/