Disconnected in a Connected World
4 February 2026, 12pm-5pm
Soundstage Poole Gateway Building, Bournemouth University (Talbot Campus)
In a time of instant communication, limitless data, and hyper-connectivity, why do so many of us feel more disconnected than ever?
Disconnected in a Connected World
In a time of instant communication, limitless data, and hyper-connectivity, why do so many of us feel more disconnected than ever?
TEDxBournemouthUniversity explores this paradox through bold ideas that challenge how we live, design, create, and adapt in a rapidly changing world. Under the theme “Disconnected in a Connected World,” this event brings together speakers who examine the gaps between technology and humanity, progress and tradition, presence and isolation.
4 February
12pm – 5pm
Soundstage Poole Gateway Building
Event schedule and speaker line up
From the power of doing in an age of overthinking, to the vital role of indigenous knowledge in climate adaptation, from AI-driven storytelling that stretches beyond human imagination, to the architecture of connection in a lonely world, each talk invites us to rethink how we reconnect with ourselves, our communities, and our planet.
Welcome
Jeffery Ononiwu | TEDx Bournemouth University Organiser and SUBU VP Student Opportunities
Opening Remarks
Darren Lilleker | Bournemouth University
The Power of Doing
Dr. Sukanya Ayatakshi Endow | Bournemouth University
Let’s Include Human Heritage In Climate Adaptation Conversations
Harriet Sams | Bournemouth University
If Shakespeare Had An Algorithm…
Dr. Elvira Bolat | Bournemouth University
D.A.N.G.E.R System
Ahmed Berramdane | Bournemouth University
A Note From The Diety Of The Land (Orisha Oko)
Mosope Akinrinmade | Bournemouth University
The Unintended Consequences Of Just Doing It
Matt Desmier | Bournemouth University
How AI Is Changing Storytelling Beyond The Human Imagination
Afsha Haslani
Designing Spaces For Loneliness: The Architecture Of Connection
Prudence Pitter
Spoken Word Performance
Atanas Burmov | Bournemouth University
Closing Remarks
Professor Alison Honour | Vice Chancellor and CEO Bournemouth University
What is TEDx?
In the spirit of discovering and spreading ideas, TED has created a program called TEDx. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. Our event is called TEDx[name], where x = independently organized TED event.
At our TEDxBournemouthUniversity event, TED Talks video and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events, including ours, are self-organized.
About TEDx, x = independently organized event
In the spirit of discovering and spreading ideas, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)
About TED
TED is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to discovering, debating and spreading ideas that spark conversation, deepen understanding and drive meaningful change. Our organization is devoted to curiosity, reason, wonder and the pursuit of knowledge — without an agenda. We welcome people from every discipline and culture who seek a deeper understanding of the world and connection with others, and we invite everyone to engage with ideas and activate them in your community.
TED began in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design converged, but today it spans a multitude of worldwide communities and initiatives exploring everything from science and business to education, arts and global issues. In addition to the TED Talks curated from our annual conferences and published on TED.com, we produce original podcasts, short video series, animated educational lessons (TED-Ed) and TV programs that are translated into more than 100 languages and distributed via partnerships around the world. Each year, thousands of independently run TEDx events. Through the Audacious Project, TED has helped catalyze $6.6 billion in funding for projects that support bold solutions to the world’s most urgent challenges — working to make the world more beautiful, sustainable and just. In 2020, TED launched Countdown, an initiative to accelerate solutions to the climate crisis and mobilize a movement for a net-zero future, and in 2023 TED launched TED Democracy to spark a new kind of conversation focused on realistic pathways towards a more vibrant and equitable future. View a full list of TED’s many programs and initiatives.
TEDx Team
Jeffery Ononiwu
Organizer
Esther Isaiah
Event Manager
Simonne Gautron
Technical Manager
Shalom Vic-Jumbo
Communication Manager
Contact information
Bournemouth University,
Fern Barrow, Poole, Dorset,
BH12 5BB,
United Kingdom