Robert H. Layton Lecture Series

Our annual Robert Layton Lecture celebrates what anthropology can bring to understanding human life past, present and future by integrating or
juxtaposing methods, questions and areas of enquiry across its sub-fields.

Named in honour of Prof. Robert Layton FBA, Prof Layton has exemplified the integration of multiple anthropological perspectives in his wide-ranging
research interests. He has played a vital role in shaping the Department to reflect that interdisciplinary ethos.

View our events calendar to see upcoming lectures.

Previous Robert H. Layton Lectures:

2018: 'Is Quantity Just a Matter of Quality?'

Dr John Bunce (Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology) & Dr Matei Candea (Cambridge University) with Professor Catherine Alexander, Professor Helen Ball and Professor Rob Barton (Durham University)

2016: ‘What makes partly opaque beliefs and practices culturally successful?’

Dr Dan Sperber (CEU, Budapest)

2015: ‘Taking people seriously’

Professor Rita Astuti (London School of Economics)

2014: 'We think through our marwat (paintbrush)' – reflections on the Yolngu location of thought and knowledge.

Professor Howard Morphy and Dr Frances Morphy (Australian National University, and Fellows of the Institute of Advanced Study, Durham University)

2013: 'The Aesthetics of Diversity'

Professor Roy Ellen (University of Kent)