Oxford Brookes University will host the Think Human Festival 2025 from Wednesday 07 to Saturday 10 May, offering a four-day programme of free public events exploring contemporary social issues, creativity, and what it means to be human.
The festival will feature panel discussions, workshops, exhibitions and film screenings led by academics, guest speakers, and artists. Events are open to the public and designed to spark conversation, inspire action, and encourage community engagement across Oxford and beyond.
Festival highlights
War and Peace in Ukraine: Leading experts will discuss the rapidly evolving situation in Ukraine following the re-election of Donald Trump as US President, examining the potential for peace deals, developments in Russian-occupied territories, and post-war reconstruction. Acclaimed designer Yurko Gutsulyak’s ‘Blue-Yellow Series’ posters will also be on display.
New Labour in Power: Nearly two decades after Tony Blair left office, what can we learn from his government? Professor Glen O’Hara and former Minister John Denham will reflect on the successes, challenges and relevance of New Labour to today’s political landscape.
Navigating Hybrid Work: Experience an interactive exhibition showcasing multimedia stories of young professionals adapting to hybrid work. Through short films and engaging activities, participants will share their struggles, resilience, and creativity in the modern workplace.
Olive Gibbs: Discover the remarkable legacy of Olive Gibbs—peace campaigner, politician, and education advocate—through an exclusive screening of ‘Olive Gibbs: A Remarkable Woman’ followed by a panel discussion on her enduring impact.
Future You Revisited: Letters written by young people between 2017 and 2019 to their future selves will be opened, offering an emotional reflection on personal growth. The event will feature a short film documenting their reactions and invite a new generation to take part in this thought-provoking project.
Who did it?: Touching on two murders that took place in 1959, this talk explores the issues encountered in researching a book that deals with the potential for miscarriages of justice around historical events.
Craft and Creativity for Social Change: Explore sustainable fashion and traditional textile techniques in a hands-on workshop focused on creativity, heritage, and social impact.
The Magic of Film Music: Discover how music shapes cinema in an engaging public lecture that explores the evolution of film scores. With a mix of history, humour, and audiovisual examples, this event will immerse audiences in the magic of movie soundtracks.
Professor Katharine Craik, Director of the Think Human Festival said: “Each Think Human event is designed to encourage discussion, learning, and new perspectives. The festival is a unique opportunity to engage with ideas that matter in a welcoming and interactive environment. We hope this festival helps people from all walks of life from Oxford and beyond engage with the creativity of academics and students at Oxford Brookes.”
