Polar bears and persuasion take centre stage for TEDxUEA
By: Communications
From the science of selling a rock to a caveman to how polar bears respond to climate change - the University of East Anglia is set to host a celebration of big ideas next month.
Bold thinking and world-changing conversations will take centre stage for a day of short, accessible TEDx talks on November 11.
The event brings together academics, entrepreneurs, business leaders and changemakers to explore four themes shaping society today - creativity, sustainability, health and the future of work.
Interest in speaking at TEDxUEA was global, with more than 200 applications received from around the world.
The final 17-strong line-up features researchers, innovators and business leaders alongside two current UEA students selected to share their ideas on the TEDx stage.
Inspirational topics
From ancient survival instincts to the future of wildlife conservation, the speaker programme spans a wide range of topics.
In How to Sell a Rock to a Caveman, Dr Georgy Pyatakov will explore how human biology shapes modern marketing, while Dr Alice Godden's Adapting on Thin Ice: The Genetic Future for Polar Bears examines how wildlife could respond to a changing climate.
UEA neuroscientist Dr Stephanie Rossit will share insights from The Day Half the World Disappeared, exploring how the brain adapts and recovers after injury.
Kelly Grainger, known as "The Autistic CEO", will challenge audiences to rethink workplace expectations in The Workplace Rules Nobody Wrote, Hidden Expectations and The Future of Work.
Other talks will cover topics including how refugees can save the world, male fertility in the modern age, and floral bioengineering.
James Gardiner, Associate Dean for Student Experience and Outcomes for the UEA’s Faculty of Social Science said: "The response to TEDxUEA has been phenomenal, with more than 200 speaker applications from around the world. Selecting just 17 speakers wasn't easy, but our experienced panel created a programme full of original ideas, fascinating stories and thought-provoking challenges.
"We're particularly proud that the final line-up includes former and current UEA students alongside internationally recognised speakers. That's very much what TEDx is about, giving great ideas a platform wherever they come from.
"Whether you're interested in climate change, technology, business, health, creativity or the future of work, there will be something that sparks your curiosity. We can't wait to bring TEDxUEA back to Norwich this November."
What is TEDx?
TEDx is a programme of independently organised local events licensed by TED, the global platform known for sharing "ideas worth spreading".
TEDx events bring people together for short talks designed to spark discussion, challenge assumptions and inspire new ideas.
Alongside the talks, attendees will have opportunities to network with researchers, entrepreneurs, businesses and community leaders from across the East of England and beyond.
'TEDxUEA: Original Minds' takes place at The Enterprise Centre at UEA on November 11, 2026.
For tickets, speaker biographies and further information, visit: www.uea.ac.uk/business/venue-hire-and-facilities/conferences-and-events/tedxuea-original-minds.
Thinking about studying at UEA?
Discover our award-winning campus, meet current students and staff, and find out what life at UEA is really like at one of our upcoming Undergraduate Open Days:
Saturday 24 October 2026
Saturday 28 November 2026
Related Articles
Major BFI Screen Heritage Fund investment secures future of nationally significant film archive in Norwich
£374,697 Resilience award will support relocation of the East Anglian Film Archive to UEA and safeguard more than 130 years of regional screen heritage
Read more
UEA’s grant and funding success – September 2026
Discover the latest research and funding grant successes happening within the University of East Anglia.
Read more
Childhood experiences shape employment outcomes in India
Research led by the University of East Anglia (UEA) shows that childhood poverty, poor living conditions and gender can have lasting impacts on employment opportunities and earnings in India.
Read more