Curious will run from 04-17 September 2023, with in-person and online events celebrating extraordinary people discussing contemporary issues and big ideas.

 

Take part in thought-provoking talks, group discussions and outdoor events and meet with some of Scotland’s leading thinkers and practitioners.

Curious is an opportunity to learn something new, engage with a range of important contemporary topics and connect with some of the world’s leading experts. Delve deeper, question further and look again through this year’s theme, ‘Under the surface.’

Each event is free to attend, but places are limited, so remember to book your place in advance!

Gallery

Browse a selection of photos from the Curious.

Throughout the years the programme has included workshops, and musical performances, we were proud to present the RSE’s Women in Science in Scotland photographic exhibition featuring 26 portraits of RSE Fellows, all of whom are working in, or have a connection to, Scotland.

Calling all curious minds

Frequently Asked Questions

Accessibility

It is essential to the RSE that our events are accessible to all. If you have any accessibility requirements, please contact the Public Engagement team at public_engagement@therse.org.uk.

What's the difference between a panel discussion and a group discussion?

In the group discussion events, there will be a smaller audience, and there will be a greater emphasis on the audience participating in the discussion with the experts. There won’t be any PowerPoints, notes or formality here – just the chance to ask questions and listen to some of Scotland’s leading thinkers and practitioners on various subjects.

The panel discussion events will feature a panel of leading thinkers and practitioners in conversation. For online events, the audience will be able to submit questions via the Q&A function on Zoom and for in-person events, the audience will be able to submit questions at the end of the discussion, the Chair of the event will pose questions to the panel.

How much do your events cost?

All of our events are free to join. Knowledge is the greatest gift we can share.

Do I need to register to attend? How do I register?

Yes, for all our events you need to register through Eventbrite.

I have registered for an event. What's next?

Check your emails to ensure the booking confirmation arrives. Please check your Junk/Spam folders.

For online events, the booking confirmation email will have all the details on how to join your event.

For in-person events, please remember to bring a copy of your ticket to show to RSE staff upon arrival. Alternatively, we will have a list of attendees for all in-person events.

If you accidentally delete or do not receive your booking confirmation, please email the Public Engagement Team, public_engagement@theRSE.org.uk, and they will be able to help.

Will the events be interactive?

Attendees are encouraged to ask questions, and some will involve more activities.

Will there be time for Q&A?

Yes, most of our events are planned with time for an audience Q&A. Some events, like our group discussions, are entirely focused on questions and conversations raised by the audience.

I've booked a ticket, but I can no longer attend. How do I cancel?

There will be instructions in your confirmation email on how to cancel your booking, or you can email public_engagement@theRSE.org.uk. Please cancel if you can no longer attend your event, as some events have limited spaces.

The event is fully booked, how can I get a place?

If an event is fully booked, we will be operating a waiting list system that will automatically let you know if a space becomes available. If an event proves very popular and the waiting list is substantial, we will endeavour to schedule an additional event.

What time should I join?

The online events should start at the time advertised. We recommend joining a few minutes before to ensure your internet connection is working so you can make yourself comfortable before the event begins!

For the in-person events, please arrive shortly before the event is due to start to get seated. Please note that the RSE building is being used to host events during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

I still have a query

If you have any queries before the event, please do not hesitate to contact us at public_engagement@therse.org.uk.

Covid-19 event attendance guidance

To prevent the spread of Covid-19, we kindly encourage participants to wear face masks if they feel comfortable, use the hand sanitisers provided at the venue, and stay at home if they have Covid-19 symptoms or have tested positive for Covid-19.

About

The Royal Society of Edinburgh recognises, supports and mobilises expertise from across academia, business and public service for the benefit of Scotland and the wider world. Our Fellows from academia, business and public service are among the most distinguished in their fields. We engage and connect nationally and internationally to share knowledge and tackle the most pressing challenges of the modern world. As Scotland’s National Academy, we provide independent expert advice to government and inspire the next generation of innovative thinkers.

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