Jeremy Parr, Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, explores new scientific discoveries which are helping children with autism to overcome their fears by creating a virtual world where they can safely and gently try new experiences

The sky arches over us all. Nothing could be more familiar, yet more mysterious. How do we perceive the sky? Is the sky its light? Its colours? Its weather? Its atmosphere? Professor Timothy Ingold will explain & discuss why it is all of these, and more.

Vera Baird QC, Police & Crime Commissioner for Northumbria, elected in November 2012, will discuss the impact of her high profile campaign on domestic violence and initiatives to tackle anti-social behaviour as well as setting out the challenges ahead. 

The Director of the first UK Centre for the Study of Political Islam, University of Bradford, Afshin Shahi delivers an analysis into the rise of sectarian ideology in the Middle East, its role in shaping the power blocks & current conflicts in the region.

Can art free us from our damaging habits and propel us towards personal liberation and societal change? Barry Knight, social scientist and Director of the Webb Memorial Trust, will reflect on materials from the publication The Society We Want.

Prof Barry Smith, University of London, will share the results of collaborative research between philosophy, neuroscience and psychology. Barry will show how our experiences can mislead us, and why tasting is a complex fusion of many senses.

Ben Alderson-Day describes the work of Durham University's Hearing the Voice research project which aims to understand what it is like to hear voices. He will discuss some of the myths and preconceptions associated with the experience.

Prof Janet Eyre, Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, will explain how a new fun based play therapy for adults is being used to transform the lives of stroke survivors and others.

Jim Beirne MBE Chief Executive of Live Theatre will outline how Live uses its mission and vision to continue to grow in the context of reducing public investment.

If ageing well involves the rich idea of authenticity, it suggests being true to your self. Julian Hughes, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Newcastle University, will ask where is your true self to be located?