What is autism? A lifelong disability, or a naturally occurring form of cognitive difference akin to certain forms of genius? In truth, it is both of these things and more,; and the future of our society depends on our understanding it. The winner of the 2015 Samuel Johnson Prize talks about his research and investigations. Chaired by Stuart Proffitt.

The investigative journalist and author lives under police protection from the crime syndicates he exposed and denounced in Gomorrah and ZeroZeroZero. He offers a personal and candid portrait of Italy today: a place of trafficking and toxic waste, where democracy is bought and sold, and organised crime rules both north and south.  

Why do naturally talented people frequently fail to reach their potential while other far less gifted individuals go on to achieve amazing things? The secret to outstanding achievement is not talent, but a passionate persistence. In other words, grit. The MacArthur Genius Award-winning psychologist shares fascinating new revelations about who succeeds in life and why. Chaired by Corisande Albert.

Join Spencer Kelly on an adventure into the future with Click, the BBC’s flagship science and technology TV show. From drones to self-driving cars, Spencer brings cutting-edge science to Hay with the help of virtual reality headsets and 360-degree video.

A Click Hay Festival special will be broadcast on the BBC News Channel and on BBC World News.

Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 years

The designer Alex Lifschutz and Foyles Trading Director Siôn Hamilton will tell the inside story of a plan hatched in the book trade’s darkest hour to reimagine the iconic London bookshop on Charing Cross Road. Siôn and Alex opened their doors to the publishing industry, holding a series of workshops that provided the insight to inspire an innovative shop design that has caught the imagination of book lovers across the world. Chaired by the editor of The Bookseller.

The molluscs of Wales and the world matter to humanity in surprising ways. Expect slugs, snails, love-darts and lungworms, and evolution in landscapes from Newport to the Nile. Rowson is Senior Curator Mollusca, National Museum Cardiff.

Julia Donaldson gives a first peek at Detective Dog Nell, her latest character, in a sensational all-singing, all-dancing performance. Join Julia and her friends as they introduce a dog who not only has super powers of smell but can also help children learn to read.

All aboard The Leaky Battery! In Rise of the Slippery Sea Monster the ever-popular Steampunk Pirates are attacked by a sea monster hungry for gold. Will the pirates by able to defend themselves? The author reveals the amazing powers of these remarkable seafaring heroes with the help of his ukulele and accordion and the singing of some rousing sea shanties. Pirate dress optional.

Please drop in to our new Compass venue, quiz leading academics about their subject and engage in some critical thinking. As part of Hay Festival 2016 and with help from the Welsh Government we have invited a range of university lecturers and speakers to drop in, talk about their subject areas and about university life.

Professor Gathercole is Unit Director at the MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge.

For BBC Radio 3’s The Essay two writers consider the art of storytelling. Today’s session features artist Edmund de Waal, author of The Hare with Amber Eyes, who considers the idea of storytelling through objects and novelist and short story writer Jon Gower who reflects on lessons learned from a master storyteller - his grandfather.

Recorded for broadcast on BBC Radio 3 from Monday 30 and Tuesday 31 May.

Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 years

Please drop in to our new Compass venue, quiz leading academics about their subject and engage in some critical thinking. As part of Hay Festival 2016 and with help from the Welsh Government we have invited a range of university lecturers and speakers to drop in, talk about their subject areas and about university life.

Monica Grady is Professor of Planetary and Space Science at the Open University.

Meet the authors of four of the most talked about YA books: Mind Your Head, Crush, Twenty Questions for Gloria and Orange Boy and hear how their books explore the complex and high-octane dramas of adolescence – including aspects of love, hate and psychological pressure.

Did you know that we share half of our DNA with a banana? Or that rattlesnakes can kill you even when they are dead? Or that we make better decisions when we need a wee? Test yourself on some of the weird and wonderful science facts explained by the scientist and TV expert best known for the TV series Duck Quacks Don’t Echo.

The Courtyard Theatre’s education department will be running ‘a play in a day’ workshop on Romeo and Juliet, designed to inspire and challenge 15- to 16-year-olds. The workshop will cover the whole play but break it down and give attendees the opportunity to explore new ways of bring the text to life –and take part in stage combat. It will end with a performance of the young people’s work. This session is aimed at a hands-on approach to Shakespeare, whether you have never had any interest in his work or are an ardent fan.

The Iranian human rights lawyer and activist tells of her fight for reform inside Iran, and the devastating backlash she faced after winning the Nobel Peace Prize. Having fought tirelessly for democracy, equality before the law and freedom of speech, Ebadi became a global voice of inspiration. Yet, inside her own country, her life has been plagued by surveillance, intimidation and violence

Are you willing to venture into the depths of your brain? Dr Critchlow will shock your senses, read your mind and explore how current neuroscience is shaping how we see our lives. Suitable for intrepid adventurers of all ages.

The great names of Leonardo da Vinci, Galileo, Copernicus, Raphael and Michelangelo were the mark of an age that saw a rush of discovery, the breaking down of barriers of ignorance and a newly connected world both politically and economically. Today we have better education and resources, the rate of innovation is doubling every year and there are great leaps in science, trade, migration and technology. Goldin argues that the results this time could be greater, but the world faces many of the same dangers as Renaissance man: warring ideologies, fundamentalism, climate change and pandemic.