The broad theme I’m introducing in this year’s Christmas lectures is about the importance of openness and internationalism, whether for us as individuals, for our organizations or for societies as a whole.

The first lecture was given by economist Bryan Caplan, and was based upon his groundbreaking graphic novel.  The second lecture comes from Alice Gast, the president of Imperial College London, who talks about the increasingly collaborative nature of modern science and research, and how so much of this collaboration benefits from the international nature of its participants.

Fresh ideas, fresh perspectives and fresh insights are all crucial to the scientific breakthroughs we see today, and so remaining open to those ideas and perspectives is vital for civilization as we know it.  I hope you enjoy.