Our speakers are national and international experts who enjoy sharing their knowledge with an inquisitive audience eager to hear what lies behind the headlines. A friendly atmosphere pervades all our meetings, and a complimentary drink after each lecture assists further discussion.
The Society was founded in 1802 “to aid the study, diffusion, and advancement of the arts and sciences with their applications”. Over two centuries later, we added “the better understanding of public affairs”. Our regular meetings consider many topics and contribute to public life in the West of Scotland and beyond.
Our meetings attract an audience of between 300 and 400 people who come not only to listen to presentations from distinguished speakers but also to engage them in lively discussion. The speakers seem to enjoy the evening as much as the audience and many comment on the high standard of debate.
The lectures are open to members and non-members alike and attract expert and inexpert individuals of all ages from every background. Why not come and try it out?
All meetings take place on Wednesdays at 7.30pm. The venue, which will be within the University of Glasgow campus, will be announced closer to the date of the talk. The lecture ends, after Q&A, at 9pm.
Programme 2023
4th October: Professor Steve Brusatte - The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs... and The Rise of the Mammals
18th October: Professor Tim Birkhead - The Great Auk: greed, death and regret
1st November: Professor Neil Adger - Changing Places: Migration and Climate Change
15th November: Dr Gavin Francis - Free For All: Why the NHS is Worth saving
29th November: Sir John Kay - From the pin factory to the iPhone – the complete history of capitalism – The Adam Smith Lecture
13th December: Professor Miles Padgett - Does God play dice? – Kelvin Lecture
25th January: Stephen Venables - Everest East Side Story
7th February: Professor Hester Parr - Why we should think about the relationship between climate change and mental health in Scotland
21st February: David Edgar - All the world’s a play...
6th March: Professor Sarah Cunningham-Burley - Towards a public bioethics
20th March: Professor Sian Harding - The exquisite machine: the new science of the heart
Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.
All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Glasgow, click here to find out more!
Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Glasgow? Just hit 'Like' on our Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group and 'Follow' on our Twitter account and you're all set!Join a historic walking tour of the University of Glasgow the fourth oldest university in the English-speaking world!
READ MOREhe Houseplant Sale is coming back to The University of Glasgow! Taking place outside the Main Building inside the Memorial Gates, for 4 days between 16th and 19th September!
READ MOREEnjoy a specially curated talk about the history and context of a new object(s) from the Burrell Collection each week, delivered by Curators, Gallery Assistants, Volunteer Guides and more!
READ MOREJoin the Burrell Collection's expert Volunteer Guides as they take you on a journey through the collection with free themed weekly tours.
READ MOREA lecture about spiritual healing and help through the teaching of Bruno Groening is taking place in Glasgow.
READ MOREAs the Gold Standard Tinnitus Support Group awarded by Tinnitus UK, we provide local help and support to those with Tinnitus and Hyperacusis.
READ MOREGlasgow Scribes meet during September to May to develop calligraphy skills, share ideas, promote the art of calligraphy and to meet fellow calligraphers!
READ MOREWith his unwavering determination and passion for making a difference, James English continues to leave a permanent mark on the world, one story at a time.
READ MOREJoin Aye Write for this special event celebrating the publication of Peter May's latest novel The Black Loch, an explosive return to the Hebrides and the internationally bestselling Lewis Trilogy.
READ MOREJoin Janice Hallet and Louise Welsh, two of the biggest names in crime fiction, as they team up for this special Aye Write event!
READ MOREJoin Waterstones Sauchiehall Street on Monday 16th September when they will be joined by legendary sports presenter Dougie Donnelly to celebrate the release of My Life in Sport.
READ MOREGo Radio | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West - Listen on DAB, Online or on your Smart Speaker, just say "Launch Go Radio"