The Baggs Memorial Happiness Lecture

The Baggs Memorial Happiness Lecture is part of the Distinguished Lecture Series and began in 1976. Born in Birmingham in 1889, Thomas Baggs was an alumnus of the University who went on to become a teacher, journalist and a war correspondent for the Daily Mail before pursuing a successful career in advertising and publicity for the USA automobile industry.

When he died in 1973 Thomas bequeathed a substantial sum to the University to provide for an annual public lecture on the theme of ‘Happiness - what it is and how it may be achieved by individuals as well as nations.’

This lecture series has seen many distinguished speakers tackle the topic of happiness from their personal viewpoint including Yehudi Menuhin, David Attenborough, Peter Ustinov, Maureen Lipman, Rev'd Richard Coles, Adam Hart Davies, Robert Winston, Bernardine Evaristo, Michael Rosen and Clive Myrie.

To mark its 50th anniversary, the University is launching Happiness Week 2026 (9-13 November), centred around the Baggs Memorial Happiness Lecture with Tim Harford. The programme also includes the Search for Happiness - In Conversation, hosted by Kathryn Stanczyszyn and featuring leading University researchers, alongside Ha-ha-Happiness Night – a comedy night with MC Barbara Nice. Tickets will be available from 10am on Friday 25 September. A wider programme of events will invite staff, students and the local community to explore happiness, and to play an active role in the celebrations.