Historian and broadcaster David Olusoga to deliver inaugural national lecture on why we need the humanities

The inaugural National Humanities Lecture will be delivered by the celebrated historian and broadcaster on 4 February, 2025, 6-8pm at the School of Advanced Study, University of London.   

Professor David Olusoga OBE will speak about the public value of the humanities – subjects such as history, languages, philosophy, and law – at The National Humanities Lecture, a celebration of the humanities and the vital role they play in our national life.  

Professor David Olusoga is an award-winning historian, writer and broadcaster, and has presented the BBC television series ‘Black and British: A Forgotten History’, ‘A House Through Time’, and the BAFTA Award-winning ‘Britain’s Forgotten Slaveowners’. Professor Olusoga has written for the Guardian, the Observer, the New Statesman, and BBC History. He is Professor of Public History at the University of Manchester.  

Professor Olusoga will discuss how the humanities influence public conversations around culture, history and community.  

He will explore questions such as the public role of the historian in an age of populism and digital disruption, how museums can adapt to an increasingly interconnected world and in relation to the phenomenon of ‘contested heritage’, how the humanities can adapt to an era of podcasts and Substack, and the broader intersection of the humanities and contemporary public life. 

In this lecture, Professor Olusoga will make the case for the humanities and explore how new ideas about humanities, heritage and institutions are emerging – from virtual museums to hyper-local history projects and alternative city tours.  

Drawing together thinking from history, political culture and public humanities he will ask what new forms our cultural institutions might take, and how they might support a more equitable, connected society. 

The prestigious new lecture will take place every year, which in 2025 will be at the School of Advanced Study, based at the historic Senate House in Central London, and part of University of London. The School has a unique national role in promoting and facilitating humanities research, engagement and impact. 

Alongside the lecture, the School will also establish the Public Humanities Fellowship. Fellows will be invited to work with the School to promote the humanities in the UK and across the globe.  

Up to four Public Humanities Fellows will be appointed each year, one of whom will deliver the lecture, which for 2025 will be Professor David Olusoga. The other appointments will be open to the public. 

Applications can be made through the School’s website, and will close on 6 December.

The National Humanities Lecture is free to attend, and those interested can register and book tickets through the event website.  

Professor David Olusoga said: 

"I’m delighted to be delivering the inaugural National Humanities Lecture, and at such a critical time for our disciplines both in the UK and around the world. 

“The humanities help us to understand our histories, cultures, and society, and have never been more valuable to answering the big questions and challenges that we all face.  

“I look forward to this much-needed event, which I hope will start some new conversations about why we need the humanities, and their continued value in a changing world with an uncertain future.” 

Dean of the School of Advanced Study, Professor Jo Fox said:  

“The National Humanities Lecture marks an exciting new chapter for the School and demonstrates our continued commitment to advancing the disciplines.  

“From climate change and geopolitical instability to the rise of AI and disinformation, the humanities provide the critical skills and expertise needed to solve our most pressing challenges.  

“This vital new lecture, delivered by esteemed public advocates of the humanities, will encourage greater engagement, support, and understanding of why these subjects are so important.”