Michael Faraday Spearheaded the Royal Institution’s Christmas Lectures

The Christmas lectures are the world's most popular science talks for children and adults, and they have inspired both children and adults. Faraday recognized the value of making science accessible to the general audience. Since 1825, when organized education for children was uncommon, Michael Faraday's Christmas lectures have pioneered an exciting new manner of imparting science to youngsters.

The Lectures have been held annually since 1825, except for World War II. Nobel Laureates William and Lawrence Bragg, Sir David Attenborough, Carl Sagan, and Dame Nancy Rothwell are among those who have delivered the Lectures. On 19 occasions, Faraday was the speaker.

The Christmas lectures are the earliest science television series, having been aired in 1936. Since 1966, they have been televised every year on the BBC, and then on Channel Five, Channel Four, and other channels4. The Lectures were reintroduced to BBC Four in 2010.