Now entering its third year, our acclaimed, thought-provoking Ten Talks programme returns in June 2026 with an exciting new format!

Across five sessions — each pairing a distinguished academic with a group of emerging student experts — audiences will experience two presentations exploring major challenges for society. By showcasing the established expertise of academics alongside the fresh insights of students, this new structure for 2026 offers audiences an even richer and more dynamic exploration of the issues shaping our local, national and global futures.

Session 1: What Really Shapes a Life?

Our chair, Professor Deborah Longworth (Pro-Vice-Chancellor: Education), introduces:

• The First 1,000 Days: How Microbes Shape a Lifetime Professor Lindsay Hall, Chair of Microbiome Research (Institute of Microbiology and Infection)
• Alongside a presentation from students from the College of Medicine and Health drawn from the Global Challenge module, where students examine how emerging biomedical ideas, creativity, and global perspectives can shape lives and societies over time Make sure to check out our other sessions!

Book your place now:

For students, please book through the Careers Connect event page.

For staff, please book through the event booking form.