Curious 2026
Scotland’s festival of knowledge
5 September–13 September 2026
Curious is our annual showcase of big ideas from Scotland’s leading minds. With a programme of free events spanning the arts, humanities, social sciences, policy, science, technology and more, you can hear from and speak with experts on the research and issues shaping society.
This year’s programme of events is out now! See what’s on below and book your free tickets.
What’s it like at Curious?
Quick links:
About the festival
Curious is Scotland’s annual festival of knowledge. Across its seven-year history, Curious has welcomed over 10,000 attendees into its free, yearly programme of talks, workshops, discussions and exhibitions – all covering different topics and subject areas. There’s no need for you to have any prior specialist knowledge before coming along, just bring your curious self!
With plenty of events both in person and online, you can take part from anywhere.
What’s on this year?
Here’s a look at just some of the events at this year’s festival. Our free tickets are live – go grab yours now!
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(Talk) Can a zoo change how we feel about nature?
Read MoreConnecting with nature is something that comes naturally for us, right? Explore the science behind the benefits of feeling closer to nature.
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Dyslexia as a mental health story
Read MoreExploring the relationship between dyslexia, dyscalculia and mental health.
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(Exhibition) Candour and Communities
Read MoreAn exhibition exploring 100 years of scandals, failings and cover ups in the UK.
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Murder Mystery: Can you use forensic science to solve the murder?
Read MoreUse your deduction and analytical skills to solve the crime in this thrilling interactive event.
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Expressing the Earth: Film screening
Read MoreJoin us for a special two-part event featuring an award-winning documentary exploring geopoetics.
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Who owns the Clyde?
Read MoreAn investigation into the ownership and future of Scotland’s most famous river.
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The Dynamite Detectives: Inside Forensic Science
Read MoreHow the Glasgow bombings of the 1800s shaped how we investigate terrorism today.
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Playing the nation: Identity, culture, and power in video games
Read MoreHow is national identity encoded into video games played all around the world?
Download the 2026 festival programme
You can see all events listings, plus helpful information about this year’s festival in the digital version of our programme.
Be the first to know more about this year’s festival
To keep up to date with Curious and news from across the RSE, make sure you’re signed up to our events newsletter.
Last year’s festival at a glance
Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, President of the RSE
Each of these talks and workshops will be an experience like no other and an opportunity to dive deeper into a topic you are already familiar with – or to learn about something entirely new – from informed specialists on the subject who are uniquely placed to fan the flames of your freshly ignited curiosity.
Most importantly, each event is free. The only cost of admission is your own curiosity. So, what are you curious about? Come and share it with the RSE.
Useful information
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FAQs accessibility
Read MoreAt the Royal Society of Edinburgh, we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment accessible to all.
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FAQs events
Read MoreFind some frequently asked questions about RSE events. How can I book tickets? How do I cancel? Can I watch events on demand?
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Getting here
Read MoreWith excellent transport links, getting to Edinburgh and the RSE is a straightforward trip.
Supported by
The support of the Scottish Funding Council is vital to our work to inspire and share knowledge with audiences, local communities, and future generations.