Connor Rogerson, Newcastle University, will discuss whether ‘cured of HIV’ news stories are a sign that HIV and AIDS could soon be a thing of the past, or whether HIV is just too cunning for us to tackle

In times of austerity and unprecedented inequality, Erica Whyman, Deputy Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, will explore how we convince one another that cultural and creative engagement remains essential

Professor Jan Clarkson, Dundee University, considers the significant impact of oral disease on history. Whilst oral health has improved, basic questions - how often should you go to the dentist, what type of toothbrush should you use - remain unanswered

How can we imagine eleven dimensions? Artist Fiona Crisp, Northumbria University talks about how photography might aid our cultural negotiation of science.

Patient feedback is a key measure of NHS performance: but can patients rate the quality of healthcare? Chris Graham, Picker Institute, Oxford explores methods to involve patients in improving healthcare

Ronald Green will explore how Nothing allows us to look at the world in a different way, to give new angles to old problems and so stimulate questions that would otherwise not be asked.

Replacement speaker Bill Davies, IPPR North, will consider popular and political representations of unemployment.

Tom Shakespeare considers how sterilisation was used for eugenic purposes.

Robert Song, Durham University, explores ethical questions raised by Christian Theology.

How do we endeavour to improve our towns and cities in a way which prevents identity and sense of place being lost in the process?