RSA Events

The impulse to be creative is ingrained in the human spirit.   We often turn to art not only to capture the beauty of the world, but also to manage its complexities. In an age where art is often devalued in favour of creating capital, will a new generation of artists be able to maintain their creative output? To answer this question, we will be joined by John Studzinski, philanthropist and Genesis Foundation founder, for a special conversation about his lifetime support of artists and cultural organisations and on what he has learned about the role creativity plays in mental health, recovery and collective life. The event forms part of the Genesis Foundation’s Genesis Conversationsseries and also marks the 25th anniversary of the Genesis Foundation. The evening will begin with a preview screening of a new opera Angels on the Underground, composed by Will Todd, and a libretto by Sally Gardner. After the screening there will be a panel conversation and a Q&A session. Speakers: John Studzinski CBE, Philanthropist and Genesis Foundation Founder Will Todd, Musician and Composer Rebecca Salter, President, Royal Academy of Arts Bobby Palmer, Author and Journalist Chair: Jennifer Johnston FRSA, Opera Singer and Cultural Strategy Consultant In partnership with: Genesis Foundation Please be aware that this event contains subject matter that listeners might find upsetting or triggering.  Listener discretion is advised. Donate to the RSA: https://thersa.co/3ZyPOEa Become an RSA Events sponsor: https://utm.guru/ueemb Follow RSA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thersaorg/ Like RSA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theRSAorg/ Listen to RSA Events podcasts: https://bit.ly/35EyQYU Join our Fellowship: https://www.thersa.org/fellowship/join  

In her new book, Being Old, Prue offers a candid look at the highs, lows and unexpected freedoms of ageing. From changing priorities to rediscovered passions, from loss to laughter, she explores how life can open up in surprising ways as the years advance.  Expect a conversation full of warmth, humour and refreshing honesty as Prue shares the lessons she’s learned, the things she wishes she’d known sooner, and why she believes ageing should be celebrated, not feared.  Followed by audience questions and a chance to have your book signed by Prue.  Speaker: Prue Leith, cook, author and TV personality Chair: Felicity Cloake, food and travel writer   Donate to the RSA: https://thersa.co/3ZyPOEa Become an RSA Events sponsor: https://utm.guru/ueemb Follow RSA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thersaorg/ Like RSA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theRSAorg/ Listen to RSA Events podcasts: https://bit.ly/35EyQYU Join our Fellowship: https://www.thersa.org/fellowship/join  

Will you make a stand with us this International Women’s Day? On 4 March, we’ll come together with The Circle to explore how we can protect women and girls in an increasingly turbulent global landscape, and drive change through collective action. Founded by Annie Lennox alongside other leading women, The Circle is a global feminist organisation bringing together women and allies to create a fairer, safer world. The evening will be hosted by Nuala McGovern, journalist and presenter of BBC Woman’s Hour, in conversation with co-founder of the Malala Fund, Ziauddin Yousafzai, Raakhi Shah, CEO of The Circle, and Delphine Uwamahoro, founder of Our Sisters’ Opportunity in Rwanda. One in three women in the world will experience violence in their lifetime. Join us on International Women’s Day to make a stand and demand change. Speakers: Raakhi Shah, CEO, The Circle Delphine Uwamahoro, Founder and Executive Director, Our Sisters’ Opportunity Ziauddin Yousafzai, Co-founder of Malala Fund Chair: Nuala McGovern, Award-winning BBC News TV and Radio presenter   Donate to the RSA: https://thersa.co/3ZyPOEa Become an RSA Events sponsor: https://utm.guru/ueemb Follow RSA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thersaorg/ Like RSA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theRSAorg/ Listen to RSA Events podcasts: https://bit.ly/35EyQYU Join our Fellowship: https://www.thersa.org/fellowship/join  

Can democracies still function when truth itself is destabilised – and what will it take to restore public trust? Around the world, democracies are being outpaced by a rapidly evolving information crisis. AI-generated deepfakes, automated propaganda, and weaponised synthetic media are now flooding public discourse faster than institutions can respond. What the world is witnessing is a runaway surge of falsehoods, which is turbo-charging a deeper collapse in our democratic capacity to verify what’s real, deliberate together, and hold power to account. At this pivotal moment, Eliot Higgins, founder of Bellingcat, is bringing forward a new framework for understanding and repairing the deeper democratic fractures beneath the disinformation crisis. This event marks the first public discussion of that work. Eliot is joined by award- winning investigative journalist Carole Cadwalladr – campaigner for a free and accountable press – for a timely discussion in collaboration with Media Revolution campaigners and early adopters of the Bellingcat ARC framework. Together they will examine how AI is supercharging already established disinformation networks – and what new civic, investigative, and institutional infrastructures are needed to rebuild shared reality. Speakers: Eliot Higgins, Founder, Bellingcat Carole Cadwalladr, Investigative Journalist Chair: Liz Pendleton, Co-Founder, Media Revolution   Donate to the RSA: https://thersa.co/3ZyPOEa Become an RSA Events sponsor: https://utm.guru/ueemb Follow RSA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thersaorg/ Like RSA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theRSAorg/ Listen to RSA Events podcasts: https://bit.ly/35EyQYU Join our Fellowship: https://www.thersa.org/fellowship/join  

In the past year, AI capabilities have rapidly advanced across fields ranging from coding to higher mathematics. Industry valuations and capital expenditure have soared to hundreds of billions of dollars, and nations are racing to build their own “sovereign” compute capacity. Sceptics warn of an AI bubble, but governments increasingly fear missing out on what could be the most fundamental general-purpose technology since electricity. The Observer’s Global AI Index aims to make sense of this landscape in the 93 countries that invest in artificial intelligence. Now in its sixth year, it’s the leading ranking of countries in their investment, implementation and innovation in artificial intelligence.Hear from The Observer’s data scientists as they discuss the latest rankings, trends and changes, before a conversation led by editor-in-chief, James Harding, about what this means. Speakers: Patricia Clarke, Technology Reporter, The Observer Serena Cesareo, Senior Researcher, The Observer Hannah Schuller, Data Reporter and Researcher, The Observer Chair: James Harding, Editor in Chief, The Observer In Partnership with The Observer. Donate to the RSA: https://thersa.co/3ZyPOEaBecome an RSA Events sponsor: https://utm.guru/ueembFollow RSA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thersaorg/Like RSA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theRSAorg/Listen to RSA Events podcasts: https://bit.ly/35EyQYUJoin our Fellowship: https://www.thersa.org/fellowship/join 

From debates over impartiality and political pressure to digital consumption habits and culture-war narratives, this Great Room discussion brings together leading voices to examine what a renewed, resilient BBC could become.Speakers:Alan Rusbridger, Journalist and Editor, Prospect MagazineManveen Rana, Journalist and Podcast Host, The TimesLewis Goodall, Journalist, Broadcaster (The News Agents) and AuthorHardeep Matharu, Editor-in-Chief, Byline TimesChair:Nina Nannar, Arts Editor, ITV NewsDonate to the RSA: https://thersa.co/3ZyPOEaBecome an RSA Events sponsor: https://utm.guru/ueembFollow RSA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thersaorg/Like RSA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theRSAorg/Listen to RSA Events podcasts: https://bit.ly/35EyQYUJoin our Fellowship: https://www.thersa.org/fellowship/join

In the RSA’s historic Great Room – the home of ideas since the Enlightenment – cognitive scientist Gaurav Suri explores how both human and AI minds emerge from vast, hidden networks of neural activity. A clear, compelling introduction to the science behind intelligence, attention and learning.Speaker:Gaurav Suri, Cognitive Scientist and Psychologist (Associate Professor, San Francisco State University)Chair:David Malone, Documentary Filmmaker and AuthorDonate to the RSA: https://thersa.co/3ZyPOEaBecome an RSA Events sponsor: https://utm.guru/ueembFollow RSA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thersaorg/Like RSA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theRSAorg/Listen to RSA Events podcasts: https://bit.ly/35EyQYUJoin our Fellowship: https://www.thersa.org/fellowship/join

The 2025 RDI address will be delivered by incoming Master Johanna Gibbons RDI, founding partner of J&L Gibbons and founding director of Landscape Learn.Johanna is a Landscape Architect, Founding Partner of J&L Gibbons established in 1986 and Founding Director of social enterprise Landscape Learn. She studied at Edinburgh College of Art and is a Fellow of the Landscape Institute and the RSA, and a Research Partner of Urban Mind with Kings College London with an international profile as design panellist, juror and speaker.Jo was awarded Royal Designer for Industry in 2019 for her ‘pioneering and influential work combining design with activism, education and professional practice’. She is respected for routinely and seamlessly incorporating ecology, organismal biology, urban planning, conservation, community organising, the arts, and pedagogy, being driven by a keen awareness of climate change, biodiversity loss, and social need.Her many award-winning, collaborative and innovative designs span over four decades of practice, mostly within the cultural and public realm sector. They range from urban regeneration, heritage and estate planning to artist collaboration and the landscapes of cathedrals and museums, including the Natural History Museum London, Inger Munch Pier Oslo, Horniman Museum and Gardens, St Albans Cathedral and The British Library.Prior to the Address, 5 new Royal Designers for Industry (RDI) and 2 new Honorary Royal Designers for Industry will be welcomed to the Faculty.The title ‘Royal Designer for Industry’ is awarded annually by the RSA to designers of all disciplines who have achieved sustained design excellence, work of aesthetic value and significant benefit to society.The RDI is the highest accolade for designers in the UK. Only 200 designers can hold the title. Non-UK designers may become honorary Royal Designers.The ‘Royal Designers’ are responsible for designing the world around us, enriching our cultural heritage, driving innovation, inspiring creativity in others and improving our quality of life.Speakers:Johanna Gibbons RDI, founding partner of J&L Gibbons and founding director of Landscape LearnCharlie Paton RDI, founder and director of Seawater Greenhouse Ltd and RDI MasterChair:Sir Loyd Grossman CBE, chair of trustees, RSADonate to the RSA: https://thersa.co/3ZyPOEaBecome an RSA Events sponsor: https://utm.guru/ueembFollow RSA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thersaorg/Like RSA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theRSAorg/Listen to RSA Events podcasts: https://bit.ly/35EyQYUJoin our Fellowship: https://www.thersa.org/fellowship/join

As the Government looks to appoint a new Freelance Champion for the creative industries we delve into the findings of the latest State of the Nations report from Creative PEC on Arts, Culture and Heritage workforce.Dr Mark Taylor will unveil the findings and plot the freelancer journey in the creative industries. A panel of guests including Yasmin Khan, Director for Individual Practitioners, Arts Council England, Philippa Childs, Deputy General Secretary, of the Broadcasting, Entertainment, Communications and Theatre Union, Amy Tarr, Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Creative UK, and Alexander Jacob, freelance television director, will explore how creative freelancers can be better supported and what the priorities should be for the new government champion. Chaired by Bernard Hay, Head of Policy, Creative PEC. Followed by Q&A and soft drinks reception.The new State of the Nations report, Who stays and who leaves?: Mapping arts, culture and heritage careers, will be released and available to download on the day.The Creative PEC is funded by the AHRC and led by Newcastle University with the RSA.Speakers:Speakers:Yasmin Khan, Director for Individual Practitioners, Arts Council EnglandPhilippa Childs, Head of BectuAmy Tarr, Associate Director, Policy & Research, Creative UKDr Mark Taylor, Research Lead for Arts, Culture and Heritage at Creative PEC, and Senior Lecturer in Quantitative Methods, University of SheffieldAlexander Jacob, Freelance television directorChair:Bernard Hay, Head of Policy, Creative PECDonate to the RSA: https://thersa.co/3ZyPOEaBecome an RSA Events sponsor: https://utm.guru/ueembFollow RSA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thersaorg/Like RSA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theRSAorg/Listen to RSA Events podcasts: https://bit.ly/35EyQYUJoin our Fellowship: https://www.thersa.org/fellowship/join

Ufi VocTech Trust and the RSA are delighted to unveil the recommendations of the Digital Badging Commission.Over the past 18 months, the Digital Badging Commission has brought together leading minds across education, technology, policy and employment to reimagine and define the essential steps required for digital badges and credentials to transform learning, recognition, and opportunity in the UK. Our collective vision is clear: now is the time for digital badges and credentials to unlock a more inclusive, dynamic and skills-rich economy. The recommendations offer a clear roadmap to revolutionise the UK’s skills system by using digital badges to: Make skills more visible, portable and economically valuableSupport employers to source and develop the skills they needEnable the government to unlock talent and address the challenges of economic inactivity and regional growthJoin Ufi VocTech Trust, the RSA, Phil Smith and senior leaders from education, industry, politics and technology as we reveal the Commission’s far-reaching recommendations for practical, transformative system-wide change. BackgroundThe UK’s current systems for recognising skills and experience are not fit for purpose. They are failing to keep pace with the needs of learners, employers and the broader economy, contributing to persistent economic inactivity, skills gaps and stalled productivity. The weaknesses impact everyone: individuals cannot easily demonstrate their capabilities, employers struggle to assess them, and regions and national governments lack precise data on who has what skills and where they are located. Since its launch, the UK’s Digital Badging Commission has engaged extensively with forward-thinking employers, pioneering education leaders, influential policymakers and technology innovators. At its heart, the DBC has pursued a bold, game-changing ambition: creating a trusted, unified approach to digital badges and credentials with the potential to transform the UK skills system. Our recommendations outline a roadmap to empower individuals to clearly showcase their unique talents, help employers identify the skills they urgently need, and position the UK economy to thrive with increased agility, inclusivity, and productivity. The Commission suggests that a UK-wide digital credentialing ecosystem, which combines formal qualifications and digital badges in interoperable digital skills wallets, could generate substantial economic value by addressing inefficiencies in training, hiring, and workforce mobility. Analysis conducted for the Commission suggests that such a system could reduce duplicated training across sectors, lower recruitment costs through faster hiring, and improve workforce retention through better-recognised upskilling. We’re pleased to announce that Phil Smith, CBE REng, Chair of Skills England, will kickstart the conversation, followed by a panel discussion featuring some of the UK’s leading voices in skills and innovation.Keynote speakerPhil Smith, CBE FREng, Chair of Skills England and the Digital Skills CouncilPanel membersDr. Patrina Law, Digital Badging Commission, The RSAProf Sir Chris Husbands, Co-Chair of the Digital Badging CommissionRebecca Garrod–Waters, Chief Executive of Ufi VocTech Trust and Co-Chair of the Digital Badging CommissionAlexandra Willans, Careers and Technical Education Partnership Director, Bradford CouncilAbout the Digital Badging CommissionThe Digital Badging Commission, a collaboration between Ufi VocTech Trust and the RSA, has explored how digital badges can be developed and adopted to strengthen the UK’s skills infrastructure. It is working to design a national approach to digital badging and credentials, helping to recognise learning, participation and skills wherever they happen. Find out more at www.badgingcommission.orgDonate to the RSA: https://thersa.co/3ZyPOEaBecome an RSA Events sponsor: https://utm.guru/ueembFollow RSA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thersaorg/Like RSA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theRSAorg/Listen to RSA Events podcasts: https://bit.ly/35EyQYUJoin our Fellowship: https://www.thersa.org/fellowship/join