An audience listens to a speaker at a David Elder lecture in the Planetarium

David Elder Lectures

Glasgow Science Centre is proud to host the David Elder Lectures in partnership with the University of Strathclyde's Department of Physics. The David Elder lecture series presents a line-up of fascinating talks by expert astronomers, spaceflight pioneers, award-winning science writers and broadcasters. This lecture series continues the tradition of monthly astronomy lectures in Glasgow which began with the first David Elder Lecture in 1905!

This regular monthly programme of talks in The Planetarium runs over the winter months each year. Each lecture lasts approx. 1 hour and is best suited to older teenagers (aged 16 years+) and adults.

  • Month: Monthly from September to March
  • Time: 19:00 GMT
  • Duration: 1 hour

2024-25 Lecture Series

The 2024-25 David Elder Lecture series has now finished. Watch this space for details of the 2025-26 series coming in the Autumn.

Special summer event - "The Science of Star Trek" with Dr Erin Macdonald

Dr Erin Macdonald

Join us on 19 July in the IMAX for a special David Elder Lecture with astrophysicist and Star Trek science advisor Dr Erin Macdonald.

In 'The Science of Star Trek', Erin explores the real science behind iconic fictional tech like warp drives, transporters and replicators, and shares her journey to becoming the franchise’s first female science advisor, plus a few favourite behind-the-scenes tales.

The evening includes a Q&A with Erin, followed by a special screening of J.J. Abrams’ 2009 Star Trek on Scotland’s BIGGEST screen.

Book Tickets


 


The University of Strathclyde - Department of Physics

 

Past lectures

Explore previous talks and speakers

Learn more

The David Elder Memorial Bequest

Read about the 'father of marine engineering on the Clyde'

Learn more

Top