Sheldonian Series
The Sheldonian Series is a termly event convened by the Vice-Chancellor aimed to promote discussions about the big issues of the day, informed by our commitment to free and inclusive speech, diversity of thought and the vibrant exchange of ideas. This event is open to all students and staff, and will feature scholars and voices from a range of fields and viewpoints.
Sheldonian Series: Truth
The third event in this series will focus on the topic of ‘Truth’ and will take place on Tuesday 20 May 2025. Sign up below to be notified when registration for the event opens.
Past events
Sheldonian Series: Life
The second event in the series took place on Tuesday 11 February 2025. A recording of the event will be shared on this page in the next few days. You can read the news story about the event here.
Host:
- Professor Irene Tracey, CBE, FRS, FMedSci
Speakers:
- Professor Jayne Birkby, Associate Professor of Exoplanetary Science
- Rev Canon Prof Luke Bretherton, Regius Professor of Moral & Pastoral Theology
- Professor Sir Nigel Shadbolt FRS FREng, Principal of Jesus College and Professorial Research Fellow in Computing Science
Sheldonian Series: Democracy
The inaugural event in the series took place on Monday 25 November 2024.
Read our news story: Sheldonian Series launches with an energetic and open exchange of views on 'Democracy'.
Moderator:
- Rachel Sylvester, Political Columnist at The Times
Speakers:
- Henry Zeffman, BBC Chief Political Correspondent
- Sonia Sodha, Chief Leader Writer and a Columnist at the Observer
- Professor Ben Ansell, Professor of Comparative Democratic Institutions
- Anne-Marie Slaughter, CEO of New America and former Director of Policy Planning at the US State Department
- Professor Simon Johnson, Nobel Prize winner in Economics Sciences