Throughout human history, change has never felt as fast or relentless as it does today. Technology is transforming how we work, live, and connect.

Tired ideas need fresh perspectives. That’s why we are holding TEDxLeeds Beckett University on 12 February 2025. Four leading minds from across the institution will share their unique views on the challenges of today.

Our speakers will reveal the hidden judgements embedded in everyday household objects. They are navigating equity and security in borderless digital spaces that stretch the limits of sovereignty. They are reclaiming an identity and heritage in the shadow of empire and discovering the evolving science that protects athletes at their limits.

For over 200 years, Leeds Beckett has empowered generations of unlike-minded people to tackle the challenges of their times. At TEDxLeeds Beckett University, discover what we are doing today to meet the needs of our changing world and to shape it for the better.

Our speakers:

Dr Rachel Rich

Dr Rachel Rich is a historian specializing in the cultural history of food in modern Europe, with a current focus on royal dining in Georgian England. She is the Co-Editor of Food and History, a member of the scientific council of the IEHCA and is a Fellow of both the Royal Historical Society and the Higher Education Academy.

Rachel’s research explores the intersections of food, gender, class, and national identity, with particular attention to women’s roles as cookbook writers and readers. Her publications include the monograph Bourgeois Consumption: Food, Space and Identity in London and Paris, 1850–1914 and studies on women’s domestic timekeeping and cookbook authorship. Her current British Academy-funded project digitises and analyses menus from the household of King George III.

Professor Nnenna Ifeanyi-Ajufo

Nnenna is a Professor of Law and Technology at Leeds Law School and a Technology and Human Rights Fellow at Harvard University's Carr Center for Human Rights Policy and an Associate Fellow of the Africa Programme at Chatham House. Her research focuses on the governance of digital technologies, cybersecurity and digital rights, with contributions to major projects, including a White Paper on digital challenges for international law presented at the International Law Association's Paris 2023 conference.

She serves as Chair of the Cybercrime Working Group of the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise and Vice-Chairperson of the African Union Cyber Security Experts Group, advising African nations on legal frameworks for cybersecurity.

Nnenna is a member of UN committees addressing cybercrime and ICT governance and contributes to leading journals and international initiatives on digital policy. Recognised as a leader in legal innovation, she has taught at universities worldwide and published influential research on the intersection of technology and racial discrimination.

Professor Ben Jones

Ben is a Professor of Sports Science specializing in sports performance, injury prevention, and player welfare. He has published over 250 peer-reviewed articles, supervised more than 30 PhD students and secured over £6 million in research funding. As a consultant, he heads up research strategies for Premiership Rugby and the Rugby Football League.

Ben also holds Visiting Professor positions at Australian Catholic University in Australia, University of New England in Australia and University of Cape Town in South Africa. He is an active member of the UK Concussion Network, DCMS Concussion Innovation and Technology Panel and UK Concussion Prevention Network. He is a member of a number of RFL board sub-committees and English Rugby Union Advisory Groups and has engaged in a number of parliamentary discussions.

He is a globally recognised speaker, contributing to policy and practice in sports, particularly around concussion and player welfare.

Dr Lara Rose

Lara Rose is a multidisciplinary artist based in Leeds whose work spans visual art, sculpture, poetry, authorship, singing, and songwriting, deeply rooted in Yoruba culture. Her creative journey intertwines these disciplines to explore themes of identity, heritage, and the fusion of cultural narratives.

Lara is a Creative Associate of the Geraldine Connor Foundation. As part of her PhD, she created a life-size sculpture of Geraldine, the first sculpture of a black woman in Leeds.