Verifying you are human: TEDxAberystwyth returns for the eighth time
Speakers from Aberystwyth and beyond are coming together to share big ideas, fresh perspectives and powerful personal stories for the eighth TEDxAberystwyth event.
This annual, much-loved event here in Aberystwyth is entirely volunteer-run and not-for-profit, created by the community for the community. The curated programme of short, thought-provoking talks spanning the arts, science, technology, culture, society, and the environment provides a brilliant opportunity to discover the novel research and initiatives happening in our local community.
TED talks are famous around the world, and TEDx brings that same excitement to a local level. That local focus makes TEDxAberystwyth more personal and diverse, mixing the big ideas, community voices and a real sense of place.
The programme features a succession of compelling, short TEDx-style talks, brought to life with professional staging, cinematic lighting and high-quality filming, creating an immersive experience on the day and a lasting legacy online. Each of the twelve speakers has around 15 minutes to take the stage, keeping every talk engaging, dynamic and full of energy. You can find the full programme for the day on TEDxAberystwyth website later in February.
This year’s theme, “Verifying you are human,” asks a timely and provocative question. As technology accelerates and the world around us changes at pace, what truly defines our humanity? And in 2026, what should we be paying attention to?
The Organisers said: “We’re guided by local people who believe ideas can change things. This year’s volunteer team has put together an exciting programme, from mental health and AI to food and what it means to be human, and after selling out in recent years, we can’t wait to do it all again with our community.”
Expect an engaging day of local voices and ideas that challenge, inspire and stay with you long after the final talk ends.
This year’s speakers include a diverse mix of voices from Aberystwyth and beyond:
- Hannah Dee: Senior lecturer at Aberystwyth University, examining the human stakes of AI and cybersecurity.
- Imogen Davies: Writer, academic and editor reflecting on Welsh culture and minority languages.
- Hamilton Morrin: Academic Neuropsychiatrist and Wellcome Doctoral Fellow at King’s College London, investigating the complex relationship between AI and mental health.
- Jule Neumann: Aberystwyth University researcher and chronobiologist uncovering the hidden influence of lunar cycles and tides on the rich life in the sea.
- Alexander Holloway: Local conscious dance teacher and Director at The Joyful Life Guide, reframing dance as a radical and rebellious act.
- Hanna Jones: Young People’s Senior Peer Research Coordinator at The McPin Foundation, highlighting the power of peer-led research among young people.
- Zuzanna Karwowska: Computational biologist delving into the surprising impact of the gut microbiome on human health.
- Sam Cooper: Local creative, chef, fermenter and gardener, championing the humble black oat.
- Naomi Heath: Local artist exploring creativity through collaboration and community co-creation.
- Melanie Owen: Welsh writer, presenter and stand-up comedian, exploring the rarely discussed topic of adult friendship break-ups.
- Berit Bliesemann de Guevara: Professor of International Politics at Aberystwyth University, sharing her Creating Safer Space work about communities that protect themselves and others non-violently amidst violent conflict.
The event will take place on Saturday, 28th of February 10:00-15:30 at Arad Goch, Bath Street.
Ticket prices vary between £13.70 and £33.22, and are available on Eventbrite.
Find out more about speakers at https://tedxaberystwyth.com/ and on Facebook/Instagram at @tedxaberystwyth
TEDxAberystwyth 