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Drones, huh? What are they good for?

45–60 minutes

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Uncrewed aircraft have gone from a niche hobby to an everyday tool in a little over a decade. This talk is a plain-language introduction to what they are, how they work, and what they can and can't do, aimed at people who are curious rather than already expert.

Along the way we look at how drones are being put to work for conservation, humanitarian, and scientific purposes: counting wildlife, mapping habitats, delivering medical supplies, and gathering data that would otherwise be dangerous, expensive, or impossible to collect. We also talk about the limits, the risks, and the rules, and about what it takes to use these tools safely, ethically, and legally.

Suitable for general audiences, schools, and anyone who has wondered what the fuss is about. No prior knowledge needed.

Where I've given this talk
  • u3a · online, follow-up discussion · 11 September 2026
  • u3a · online · 29 May 2026
  • Lyngford Park Primary School · a variation for a primary-school audience · 21 May 2026
  • Pint of Science, Bristol · 18 May 2026
  • Kew Millennium Seed Bank · 22 April 2026