This year’s conference, which coincides with the MRS’ 70th anniversary, is based on the theme of ‘curiosity, insight and revolution'. 

Best-selling author Bill Bryson (pictured) will explore popular ethnography, the power of observation and the joys and challenges of negotiating the curious mind, while producer and co-presenter of TV gameshow Pointless Richard Osman will discuss trivia, viewing habits and the secret to audience engagement. 

Professor David Spiegelhalter, professor of Risk at Cambridge University, will take the floor to consider sex in modern society, including the exaggerations, misdirection and lies that surround it. 

Other speakers include senior vice president of consumer & market insights at Unilever, Stan Sthanunathan; chief executive of the BT Group, Gavin Paterson, and senior rabbi at the West London Synagogue, Rabbi Baroness Julia Neuberger. Rabbi Neuberger will discuss whether business can ever be good and how we can effect meaningful and moral change in society. 

“Impact 2016 sees us celebrate our 70th year with speakers drawn from across industry, politics, art and literature," said Jane Frost, MRS chief executive. "Their stories are rich and varied, united by the common threads of curiosity, insight and revolution and the power to drive commercial and social change.

“MRS Impact 2016 is packed with examples of how insight can spark revolution, from overhauling boardroom strategy to tackling social injustice. The stellar line-up of speakers provides a platform for cross-sector knowledge sharing which combines the very best in big ideas, inspiring strategy and practical guidance.”

The conference will take place at the Grange Tower Bridge Hotel on March 15 and 16. The full programme can be accessed here.

One-day, two-day, and party-only tickets can be purchased here.