英国皇家学会圣诞节讲座

英国皇家学会圣诞节讲座自1825年以来每年举行，二战时有所中断。每年英国皇家学会都会面向大众，尤其是青少年，进行一系列主题科学讲座。2009年，圣诞节讲座的主讲人是英国苏塞克斯大学知名教授、著名生态学家、英国生态学会副会长Sue Hartley，演讲的主题是植物与动物之间的"三亿年战争(The 300 Million Years War)"。

The Royal Institution Christmas Lectures have been held in London since 1825. Each year, the Royal Institution presents a series of lectures on a single topic. The lectures present scientific subjects to a general audience, including young people, in an informative and entertaining manner. Michael Faraday, during his first year as Director of the Laboratory at the Royal Institution, initiated the first Christmas Lecture series at a time when organised education for young people was scarce. He presented a total of 19 series, establishing an exciting new venture of teaching science to young people that was eventually copied by other institutions internationally.

The Christmas Lectures have continued annually since 1825, interrupted only during World War II. Many world famous scientists have given the lectures, including Baroness Susan Greenfield (the current Director of the Royal Institution), naturalist Sir David Attenborough, astronomer Carl Sagan, biologist Richard Dawkins and Nobel Laureate George Porter.

In 2009, the Christmas Lectures will be given by Professor Sue Hartley of Sussex University on "The 300 Million Years War" between plants and animals.