"I'm so impressed by the work of the IAI School. Their programme is precisely the sort of thing I wish I'd done at school. While I missed out, students now are set to be stimulated and inspired" - Bruce Daisley, Vice-President EMEA of Twitter

The IAI School is aimed at 16-18 year old pre-university students who have an interest in critical thinking and want to broaden their understanding of what higher education offers beyond the national curriculum. Following its continuing successes both online and at our physical festivals, the IAI School returns to HowTheLightGetsIn Hay 2024 where a host of leading academics will inspire the next generation. As well as our exclusive IAI School programme (see below), tickets allow access to the rest of the HowTheLightGetsIn festival talks, debates, comedy and music.

Saturday 25^th May

9:30 – Breakfast (provided) on Arrival and Introduction

10:00-10:45– Thangam Debbonaire: How to Become a Politician

What's it like to being a member of parliament? Who should you vote for? And why should we even vote at all? Join key member of the Shadow Cabinet Thangam Debbonaire for a captivating journey, explaining how she became a politician and how society improves through piecemeal steps.

10:45 – Discussion Break

11:15-12:00– Tommy Curry: The Power of Philosophy

Although some might think of philosophy as rooted solely in ancient wisdom, it has always been deeply contemporary. Join radical philosopher professor Tommy J. Curry to find out why asking philosophical questions is more important than ever, and how they can help us tackle the societal issues we see in our world today.

12:00-14:00 - Lunch/Headline Debate (venue of your choice – I would recommend X!)

14:00-14:45 – Shannon Vallor: The AI Age

AI is revolutionizing industries, transforming how we work, live, and think. But with these new changes come new questions and challenges. Join leading AI philosophy professor Shannon Vallor as she debunks common myths and misconceptions about AI and how to distinguish between truth and fiction.

14:45-15.15 – Discussion break

15:15-16:15 – Mary Leng

University of York’s Philosophy professor, Mary Leng, hosts an open question and answer session to tackle students’ biggest questions concerning higher education. This includes admissions, entrance examinations and interviews, personal statements, and what to prepare for and what to expect when you get to university.

18:00 - Welcome Dinner (provided), Team Quiz and Prizes

Sunday 26^th May

9:30 – Breakfast (provided) on Arrival and Introduction

10:00-10:45 – Peter Singer: Exploring Ethics

Is it ethical to eat meat? Does what we consider right and wrong change over time? If so, what moral principles should guide us now? Join world-leading philosopher Peter Singer, known for his ground-breaking work in applied ethics, animal rights and effective altruism, as he answers your questions on what ethics is, why it's still important and why it should matter to you.

10:45-11:15 – Discussion Break

11.15-12:00 – Guy Standing: Navigating Tomorrow

If you are curious about a future where everyone has access to financial security, join pioneering professor Guy Standing for an empowering talk on universal basic income, and how it could reshape the ways we think about work, education, and social welfare.

12:00-14:00 - Lunch Break/HTLGI debate (venue of your choice)

14:00-14:45 – Güneş Taylor: Biology's Big Questions

Whether you dream of decoding DNA or are simply curious about the wonders of the natural world, join award-winning researcher Güneş Taylor to explore the biggest questions in the life sciences today. From the future of sex, the latest in CRISPR technologies, and our increasingly important connection to the natural world, find out how biology can answer your biggest questions.

14:45-15:15 – Final Discussion

15:30-16:30 – Explore debates

The Big Ideas

Speakers

Debates

Solo Talks

Hat Sessions

Speakers

Debates

Solo Talks

Hat Sessions

IAI School