The UCL Institute of Archaeology invites you to an inspiring evening of ideas, debate and discovery at Future / Past: Decoding Society, a free public event exploring how archaeology and geography help us understand the world we live in today.
Taking place on 4 March 2026 (6 PM - 9 PM) at the Institute’s Bloomsbury home, this in-person event will feature two engaging TED-style talks from leading researchers at UCL. Designed for curious minds of all backgrounds, the session will reveal how the social and historical sciences decode human behaviour, culture and change across time.
Dr Borja Legarra Herrero (UCL Institute of Archaeology) will ask: Can archaeology change the world? Drawing on cutting-edge research into ancient societies - including his work on Mediterranean prehistory - he will explore how studying the deep past can inform solutions to contemporary global challenges.
From a geographical perspective, Dr James Kneale of the UCL Department of Geography will present “This isn’t big or clever”, examining the cultural history of drink, temperance and social attitudes in Britain. His talk highlights how everyday practices and moral debates shape societies over time.
Together, these talks demonstrate how archaeology and geography offer powerful tools for interpreting social change - from ancient civilisations to modern communities.
The evening will conclude with a live Q&A session, giving attendees the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers, followed by refreshments and informal discussion.
Future / Past: Decoding Society is free and open to all, including prospective students, researchers, alumni and members of the public interested in history, culture, environment and society. Whether you are considering studying archaeology or geography, or simply want to explore big questions about humanity, this event offers a unique chance to experience UCL’s world-leading research in action.
Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended.
Speakers
Dr Borja Legarra Herrero is an Associate Professor of Comparative Mediterranean Prehistory at the UCL Institute of Archaeology and a leading expert on Minoan gold. His research examines ancient gold artefacts from Crete to understand changes in supply, technology and society during the 2nd millennium BC. Using advanced scientific techniques, he explores how metallurgy shaped connections across the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean.
Dr James Kneale is a Senior Lecturer in the UCL Department of Geography and a cultural and historical geographer specialising in nineteenth- and twentieth-century drink and temperance in Britain and beyond, as well as the literary geographies of science fiction and horror. He has published widely, with nearly sixty papers and chapters, and is the author of Temperance Lives (Bloomsbury Academic, 2025).
Book Your Spot
Reserve your place for Future / Past: Decoding Society at UCL Institute of Archaeology. Enjoy TED-style talks, Q&A and refreshments.
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Explore Future / Past: Decoding Society at UCL Institute of Archaeology. Discover TED-style talks, Q&A, and insights from leading researchers.
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