Engaging Keynotes and Workshops on Light, Health, and Performance
Book Shelley James for your next event, conference, or team workshop to inspire and educate your audience on the science of lighting and its impact on wellbeing, productivity, and learning.
Most People Underestimate the Power of Light
Light is often overlooked – seen as purely functional or aesthetic. But science shows it’s a powerful tool that affects:
Sleep quality and circadian rhythms
Focus, learning, and cognitive performance
Mental health, mood, and behaviour
Workplace productivity and wellbeing
/ International Speaker and Educator
Meet Shelley James
Shelley James is a TEDx speaker and global thought leader in lighting and health. Her engaging, accessible presentations translate complex science into insights your audience can apply immediately.
She has spoken for:
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TEDx -
EuroLuce -
IALD -
Leading healthcare organisations, and corporations worldwide
Whether delivering a keynote at a major conference or a tailored workshop for your team, Shelley combines rigorous research with storytelling and humour to leave a lasting impact.
Speaking Topics and Workshops
Tailored to Your Audience
Shelley speaks on topics including:
Light for Healthy Ageing
How lighting impacts sleep, mood, and wellbeing
Lighting for Learning
Optimising education environments for comfort, focus and wellbeing
Boost Workplace Productivity
Offices with human-centric lighting report up to 23% improvement in productivity.
Biophilic Lighting Design
Connecting nature, design, and health
Lighting for Neurodiversity
Creating inclusive spaces for all brains
Light for Healthy Ageing
How lighting impacts sleep, mood, and wellbeing
Lighting for Learning
Optimising education environments for comfort, focus and wellbeing
Boost Workplace Productivity
Offices with human-centric lighting report up to 23% improvement in productivity.
Biophilic Lighting Design
Connecting nature, design, and health
Lighting for Neurodiversity
Creating inclusive spaces for all brains
/ Inspire. Equip. Transform.
Inspire Change With Science-Based, Actionable Insights
Audiences leave Shelley’s talks feeling:
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Inspired by the science behind lighting and wellbeing -
Equipped with practical tips they can implement immediately -
Motivated to create healthier, high-performing environments
Trusted by leaders in productivity,
healthcare and education
Shelly is an inspirational speaker who brings evidence to life in a way that is both accessible and deeply meaningful to her audiences. I thoroughly enjoy collaborating with her to highlight the evidence behind lighting in mental health environments. She a passionate ambassador for the Design in Mental Health Network, consistently supporting and promoting the charity’s work while continually striving share her knowledge.
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Charlotte Burrows
Chief Executive Officer, Design in Mental Health Network
Dr Shelley James is an expert in light and a brilliant teacher who is passionate about designing the most impactful learning spaces. Working with her to apply known theories as well as delving into new areas of research has been both inspiring and thought provoking; she just makes you want to learn more!
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Joanne Ladds
Associate Education Consultant, Noble+Eaton
It was an absolute pleasure working with Dr Shelley. From our first conversations, she opened up our ideas on how our event could work and was instrumental in helping us craft an experience that really emphasised the importance of light and control, in a fun and engaging way. Her enthusiasm and depth of knowledge is infectious, and played a key role in making the event as successfully as it was.
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Chhaya Landschultz
Director & Lighting Designer, IndigoZest
” A great session !- super-practical and full of cool facts too, the conversation was really interesting and engaging at all times. The session was over booked
and the room was packed with colleagues from every level in the organisation. We all left with a better sense of what might work better for ourselves and other people, we learnt about the impact and importance of light exposure and how this is related to our mental and physical health. … The session with Dr. Shelley was enlightening and my colleagues came away buzzing and excited to put some of the tips into practice at home and in the office. “
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Andrea Burnett
Executive Director, Santander
We have loved working with Shelley: we value especially her rigour and generous-spirited creativity. She literally sheds light on the subject of human thriving and wellbeing – people go away from her sessions with a host of new illuminating insights.
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Tracy Camilleri
Co-founder Thompson Harrison, Associate Fellow at Oxford University Said Business School (OSBS)
Working with Dr. Shelley James was a great experience. While she has the knowledge of a researcher, she has the time management skills of a business person. Always professional, courteous, knowledgeable–and on time!
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Randy Reid
Editor, The Edison Report
Shelley advanced the role of lighting in a compelling way — touching on wellbeing and productivity, and how light can improve sleep, resolve conflict, reduce back pain and support shift work.
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Jeremy Myerson
Director, WorkTech Academy
I first met Shelley when she launched her Luna Golightly campaign. Since then we have found numerous ways to collaborate and what fun it is. With me being firmly and squarely in the commercial and technical segment of the lighting industry, it’s wonderful to work with Shelley as she brings deep knowledge of the latest and historical science and research related to light and lighting, along with a sharp mind and eye for creating actionable insights. Her industry reputation and credibility precede her and she is a proper team player who conducts herself with integrity. These qualities combine to make Shelley a formidable commercial partner and industry colleague.
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Pete Earle
UK Marketing Director, Kumux
I had heard about Dr. Shelley James, affectionately known as ‘The Light Lady,’ even before assuming my role at The Lighting Industry Association. Renowned as a trusted academic in our field, she has a remarkable ability to distil complex lighting concepts into clear, relatable insights for a much wider audience.
Her wealth of research and expertise in quality lighting, particularly its impacts on health and well-being, is an invaluable resource to The LIA.
It’s always a delight to meet her at industry events and experience the warmth and professionalism she brings to those she organises. Her commitment to improving the industry and advancing the understanding of lighting’s role in our lives is truly inspiring.
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Ayça Donaghy
CEO, The LIA
Dr Shelley James is a great addition to the design team. In her work, she considers not just the lighting proposals but also the wider implications of the project, such as energy efficiency, inclusive design, and the building users’ well-being.
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Zane Putne
SEND Director, Noviun Architects
Book Shelley for Your Next Event
Deliver a keynote or workshop that enlightens, inspires, and drives real change in your organisation.