The Blaikie Seminars are an annual public lecture series named in honour of Piers Blaikie, one of the emeritus professors of UEA's School of Global Development* and an influential figure in the world of political ecology.   ​

The lecture is intended as a vehicle to explore the real world politics of the environment and global development*. The lecture is given by eminent international speakers who are renowned for their contribution to environmental politics and practice. It is a public engagement event, attended by a large and well-informed audience with a research and activist agenda. ​

The lecture is supported by a wide-ranging press and social media campaign. It is also the occasion for presentation of the Annual Blaikie Prize for the best master's dissertation on the politics of the environment. ​​

Previous Speakers: ​

  • Joji Carino ​(2019)
  • Yolanda Kakabadse (2018)​
  • Ramachandra Guha ​(2016)
  • Jakob von Uexküll ​(2015)
  • Sir Jonathon Porritt, Forum for the Future ​(2014)
  • Pippa Howard, Director, Business and Biodiversity Programme, Fauna and Flora International ​(2013)
  • M. S. Swaminathan, MS Swaminathan Research Foundation ​(2012)
  • Melissa Leach, Director, Institute of Development Studies (2011).

*As part of the celebration of our 50th anniversary in 2023, we have changed our name from the School of International Development to the School of Global Development.