Dr Christalla Yakinthou is a Birmingham Fellow in the Department of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Birmingham

TEDx University of Birmingham showcased nine high-impact talks from various speakers based around the theme of Throwing Caution to the Wind -- or in other words, risk taking. It was the first TEDx event the University has ever held and after a highly successful event we hope there will be many more.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. 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)