The Science of Ghosts

Tickets for iOS (Apple) App users - It is not possible to purchase online event tickets through the Eventbrite app, please open this page on a computer or mobile browser (safari or Google Chrome etc). To do this click the three buttons at the top right of the page, click share then copy the link to your browser.

Why do some people sense ghosts when others don’t?

Ghostly encounters aren’t as random as they seem. Reports often follow familiar patterns and are experienced by people with a certain sensitivity to their bodies and surroundings. Many people have repeated experiences over time, suggesting there may be more “haunted people” than we realise.

Join Dr Ciarán O’Keeffe on a fascinating journey into the science of ghosts. Drawing on both research and real-life investigations, he’ll reveal why ghostly stories often follow a structured pattern, why certain people experience them repeatedly, and how they can appear in everyday life – like children’s imaginary friends. You will be captivated by true accounts from Dr O’Keeffe’s own work, blending science with spooky. 

Workshop Highlights:

• Understand the traits of people who report hauntings 
• Discover six environmental factors that can trigger ghostly encounters, from lighting and sound to electromagnetic fields
• Explore compelling real-life case studies of haunting reports
• Gain insights into the latest research on ghostly phenomena, backed by Dr O’Keeffe investigations

About your host:

Dr Ciarán O’Keeffe is an Associate Professor, Chartered Psychologist and Associate Dean of Education for the College of Health & Society at Buckinghamshire New University. With 35 years of experience in paranormal research, both in the lab and in the field, his research has been reported in The Guardian, The Times, BBC, and published in various scientific journals. Dr O’Keeffe also provides a sceptical voice to various paranormal television shows such as Most Haunted, Ghost Adventurers, Celebrity Ghost Hunt Live, and Unexplained: Caught on Camera. Over the past few years he has been working with award-winning writer, broadcaster, Danny Robins, on several highly successful podcasts: The Battersea Poltergeist; The Witch Farm and, more recently, Uncanny (BBC Radio 4, BBC Sounds, BB2).

Testimonials from our guests

⭐ Very interesting talks and lots to learn. Well put together talks and lectures. Would definitely go again. - Mark M 

⭐ Expertly run, talks are always super informative and a lot of fun! Couldn’t recommend these enough! 5 star. - Owen S

⭐ Great events, amazing speakers on important topics, would recommend! - Scott F