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
2026-27 Lecture Series
Tickets for the first three of the 2026-27 Lecture series are on sale now.
The Universe: Reality or Simulation?
Speaker: Prof. Catherine Haymens, University of Edinburgh/Astronomer Royal for Scotland
Wednesday, 23 September 2026
Time and Space: From Atomic Clocks and Cosmic Clocks to Testing Einstein’s Relativity
Speaker: Dr. Setnam Shemar, NPL
Wednesday, 21 October 2026
OSIRIS-REx – The journey to Bennu and back
Speaker: Dr. Sarah Crowther, University of Manchester
Wednesday, 25 November 2026
Details of lectures in February, March and April 2027 will follow shortly.
The David Elder Memorial Bequest
Read about the 'father of marine engineering on the Clyde'
Your donations make a real difference!
As a registered Scottish charity, our mission is to engage and inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to discover and enjoy science. Your generosity will allow us to continue to provide fun and informative outreach programmes for young people and to work with communities from the local area and across Scotland, making a real difference to people's lives. We appreciate your support.
Science Passport
Get unlimited access to the Science Mall for a year when you become a member of our Science Passport scheme.
Price
£44.25 per adult | £39.45 per concession | £34.50 per child | Under 3s go free!
Buying a Science Passport
The best way to purchase is online as you will be able to manage your Science Passport and renew through your online account in future and we will keep you up to date when your year is nearly up.