what’s on autumn - royal institution · what’s on autumn science / culture / talks / events...

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Award-winning structural engineer Roma Agrawal explores the science behind our towers of steel, with her Recipe for a skyscraper.

Inspiration and wonder at the Royal InstitutionThe Royal Institution (Ri) is an independent charity dedicated to inspiring everyone about science and critically, how its application can be used to help society develop.

Every season we have a packed programme of accessible science for adults, children and families. Our internationally renowned museum is open every weekday, to everyone, for free. And at Family Fun Days our wonderful building is packed with people of all ages enjoying hands-on science and exploration together.

In the evening we throw open the doors to our iconic theatre for talks by today’s leading scientists and cultural commentators, just as we’ve always done since 1799.

This autumn at the Ri, rapt audiences packed tightly into the steep banks of our historic theatre, will hear inspirational and mind-expanding talks on everything from the machines that may one day surpass even our greatest writers and artists, to tackling the question ‘What is life?’.

Planning to visit more regularly? Become a member and enjoy discounts and other great benefits as well as meeting like-minded people who share your passion for science and culture.

Autumn 2019 themesWe have three themes running through our series of events this season. These give you the chance to gain a deeper understanding of a particular topic or area of science and allow you to explore them from many different angles. Our topics are:

We explore the hottest topic of the day and the most pressing challenge of our age – tackling climate change and the fight to save our planet.

An annual theme for the Ri, these events are stimulating a national conversation about technological advances and who, or what, is really in control of our lives.

Were we born the way we are or do we choose to be different? A series of events that delves into nature versus personal choice.

Keep up to date with everything and hear about last minute additions to our programme by signing up to receive our fortnightly newsletter at rigb.org.

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Book now at rigb.org

Who’s in control?

Born this way?

Saving our planet

September

The supposedly unbreakable Enigma machine.

Stranger tides: Treasure, plastic and circumnavigating rubber ducks

Monday 16 September, 7.00pm – 8.30pm

Join us for a fascinating insight into our wonderful oceans. How do currents work? What are the most unusual objects found in the sea and why do they wash up where they do? What is the difference between flotsam and jetsam? Do the rules of ‘finders keepers’ apply to items found on shore? (Spoiler alert – No!). Why is there so much plastic in the ocean and what can we learn from the humble rubber duck? All of these questions and more will be answered during a lively panel debate. This event is part of our contemporary maritime series in partnership with the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich.

The next talk, ‘Unspoilt world?’ is on 2 December 2019.

Science in our livesSaving our planet

Alan Turing and the Enigma machine

Tuesday 3 September, 7.00pm – 8.30pm

Enigma! Enjoy an epic tale of man against machine – including a demonstration with an original WWII Enigma machine – as James Grime illuminates the brilliant mathematical thinking of Alan Turing. Known as one of the 20th century’s greatest mathematicians, Turing was a pioneer of computer science best remembered for his role in breaking the Enigma, the supposedly unbreakable code used by the German military. He has been recently announced by the Bank of England as the scientist to be featured on the new £50 note. James Grime weaves the history of Alan Turing and the Enigma, sharing the triumph of mathematical ingenuity.

Who’s in control?

The future of mobility


How will we get around in the world of the future? Will autonomous vehicles be a common means of transportation; and will they change our lives for the better? How does the technology work? What are the financial, legal and ethical implications? What is the potential impact on training, skills and jobs? Join our panel of experts including presenter and electric car enthusiast Robert Llewellyn for a visionary look at our future in this event supported by the Faraday Institution. This event is the final of a three-part series entitled ‘The batteries are coming!’


SeptemberRi Patrons present: Recipe for a skyscraper


Join award-winning structural engineer Roma Agrawal as she explores the key milestones that led to our towers of steel. Roma will delve into the science and history of concrete and steel, the materials that enable immense construction. Then, through the accomplishments of visionary engineers – Henry Bessemer, Fazlur Khan and Elisha Otis – she highlights the human factor, the creativity and drive that are needed to push engineering forward. How high can we build? And what are the new technologies that might see our towers go beyond anything we ever imagined?

Diversity challenge

Thursday 19 September, 6.30pm – 8.00pm

Where are all the black and brown scientists? Women engineers? LGBTQ+ mathematicians? The current state of diversity in science is poor at best. And our past is no better with the discoveries and stories of under-represented scientists often erased from the history books, when in fact they have played significant roles in the advancement of science. Diversity challenge, inspired by the popular quiz ‘University Challenge’, pits two teams of renowned scientists from around the UK to see who knows more about the science and histories of their under-represented colleagues. Join Suze Kundu as she hosts an unmissable evening of short talks and enlightening questions.

£10 standard tickets / £5 concesssions tickets

Free for Ri Members and Ri Patrons

WiFi Wars Debug XI

Friday 20 September, 7.00pm – 9.00pm

Future-tech video gaming comedy show WiFi Wars returns to the Ri for another fun development night where they test out their newest toys and technology. Hosted by Steve McNeil from the hit TV show ‘Dara O Briain’s Go 8 Bit’, this event always sells out so book quickly.

Remember to bring your charged phone or tablet as it will be needed to play along.

DNA testing kits and me.

Ri Patrons presentDid you know... ‘Ri Patrons present’ events explore the intersection of science, culture, innovation and society with leading thinkers and decision makers. These events are supported by Ri Patrons, a group of philanthropically motivated individuals who help us to ensure that people of all backgrounds can build a lifelong journey with science.

DNA testing kits and me


The use of home DNA testing kits is increasing. You can buy cheaper accommodation based on your ancestry results and generate a ‘unique diet plan’ based on your genetics. Criminals from the past are being caught today because of a family member’s profile. So how did something only really seen in the lab or on CSI suddenly become part of our daily lives? Join our panel of experts chaired by Sara Abdulla, as they explore how these kits work, their accuracy and the ethics behind using your profile for adverts, discounts and catching killers.

Born this way?

There is no algorithm for truth (Discourse)


See description opposite.

Who’s in control?

Tom Scott is one of the most popular and successful science communicators in the world with 1.7 million subscribers to his YouTube channel. He’s visited the High Arctic, passed out in a centrifuge and somehow got three million people to watch a video about the British plug. In our first Discourse of the season, he’ll tell us about science in the age of social media, how to be popular on the internet, and what it means to work in a world where view counts are often more important than truth.

There is no algorithm for truth (Discourse)


Great science anywhere, anytimeWe’re adding well over 100,000 subscribers to our YouTube channel every year. Can’t make it to a talk? This is the next best thing. And 60 million video views say it’s science worth watching.

Visit us on YouTube and find the science that clicks with you in a flash!

Today’s computers are composing music that sounds ‘more Bach than Bach’, turning photographs into paintings in the style of van Gogh, and even writing screenplays. But are computers truly creative, or are they merely tools at our disposal? Join Arthur I Miller for a tour of creativity in the age of machines and see how they may one day develop the emotions and consciousness to surpass even our greatest musicians, artists and writers.

The artist in the machine: AI-powered creativity


Visit our free museum15 Nobel Prize winners, 10 elements, Davy’s lamps and Faraday’s motor. Join the 80,000 other people visiting our Faraday Museum and marvel at our internationally significant collection and the scientific discoveries that have shaped our modern world.

Did you know that our museum spans three floors? Ask at reception for more information and explore over 200 years of science in our historic building.

October

The popular Austra

lian media star Dr Karl.

The colour of an electron

Friday 11 October, 7.00pm – 8.30pm

What is the colour of an electron? Why is gold a golden colour? How do electrons relate to ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’, carrots and the colour of dinosaurs? How does the world look to the crazy eyes of the mantis shrimp? Join popular Australian media star Dr Karl, as he take us on an electrifying journey that will join the astonishing (and often tenuous) dots between light, electrons and the workings of our colourful Universe.

U3A at the Ri: Sun, CERN and the psychology of sorcery

Monday 7 October, 1.45pm – 4.45pm

Join us at the Ri for an afternoon of public talks in partnership with the University of the Third Age. Linda Geddes will reveal how to exploit your relationship with the Sun for improved health, sleep, and productivity. Then, Gustav Kuhn will reveal new insights into the nature of magic and how our brains are so easily manipulated by magicians. The afternoon will finish with a talk on the latest from CERN with Harry Cliff, whose last talk at the Ri is our most popular YouTube video ever. Tea and coffee included.

£21.50 standard tickets

John Tyndall: Provocative Victorian physicist

Wednesday 2 October, 7.00pm – 9.30pm

Join us as Sir Roland Jackson, the world’s leading authority on John Tyndall, reveals how his work on the absorption of heat by gases underpins our modern understanding of the greenhouse effect, climate change, weather and meteorology. Then hear about his colourful life as one of the most prominent intellectuals of his time, a mountaineer, and the accidental victim of matricide by his loving wife. This event is supported by the Institute of Physics.

Saving our planet

Biology WeekNow in its eighth year, Biology Week is an international showcase of the amazing world of biosciences, encouraging everyone from children to professional biologists to engage with a subject which is so fundamental to who we are.

Tuesday 8 October, 7.00pm – 8.30pm

Every minute, the equivalent of a truck load of plastic is dumped into our oceans. Heralded by many as a miracle material, plastic is now choking fish and slowly seeping down food chains. Can we reverse the damage already done? Can we change our behaviour enough to preserve biodiversity? Or is it too late to save our seas? This event is presented in partnership with the Royal Society of Biology and the Biochemical Society, for Biology Week 2019.

Ocean plastics: Is it too late to save our oceans?

Saving our planet


Are robots going to take our jobs? Are decisions about our health, security and finances made by computer programmes inexplicable and biased? Has our demand for energy driven the Earth’s climate to the edge of catastrophe? Join Lord Browne, in conversation with Vivienne Parry, as he draws on his experience as both an engineer and a business leader to make a clear and compelling case for progress. He will explain why engineering will always be the backbone of civilisation, outline its growing capabilities, and demonstrate how it can deliver a brighter future for us all.

Make, think, imagine: In conversation with Lord Browne


Hold your event at the RiIt’s not just another hotel conference suite; the unique Georgian splendour of our world-famous home is available to hire for parties of 40 to 400.

Visit venue.rigb.org

October

Pushing the boundaries of human movement.

Einstein on the run


In autumn 1933, Albert Einstein found himself living alone in an isolated hut in rural England. There, he toiled peacefully at mathematics while occasionally stepping out for walks or to play his violin. But how had Einstein come to abandon his Berlin home and go ‘on the run’? Andrew Robinson will tell the story of the world’s greatest scientist and his association with Britain for the first time, showing why Britain was the perfect refuge for Einstein from a rumoured assassination plot by Nazi agents.

Pushing the boundaries of human movement

Wednesday 30 October, 7.00pm – 8.30pm

How can we use mathematics and physics to prolong mobility or even win the Olympic Games? Eline van der Kruk will take you on a journey to the world of biomechanics, a place where computer simulations and smart sensors are being developed to push the boundaries of human movement.

Born this way?

Nanotechnology: The high-tech revolution


Minuscule laboratories that can fit on a postage stamp, efficient materials for solar panels and enhanced computer chips could help us solve some of the world’s biggest problems. Join Dave Blank, Chief Scientific Ambassador at the University of Twente, as he explores the small but powerful world of nanotechnology.

What is life? (Discourse)


In this Discourse, Nobel Prize winner Sir Paul Nurse will consider the question ‘what is life?’ by discussing five great ideas of biology, ranging from the ‘cell’ to ‘the logic of life’. By considering these concepts a direction of travel is set towards a definition of life itself.

Born this way?

Make, think, imagine: In conversation with Lord Browne



Who’s in control?

DiscoursesDid you know... Discourses are one of the Ri’s oldest and most prestigious series of talks. Since 1825, audiences have witnessed countless mind-expanding moments and over 100 lectures by Michael Faraday. Legend has it that a speaker once tried to run away before their Discourse so we now lock them into a room 10 minutes before the talk!

Discourses are free for Ri Members and Ri Patrons.

Paul Nurse

It is clear that the cause of obesity is a result of eating more calories than you burn. It is simple physics. What is more complex to answer is why some people eat more than others? Differences in our genetic make-up mean some of us are slightly more hungry all of the time and so eat more than others. In contrast to the prevailing view, the popular and engaging Giles Yeo returns to the Ri to tell us that people who are obese are not bad or lazy; rather, they are fighting their biology.

Ri Patrons present: Is obesity a choice?

Friday 1 November, 7.00pm – 8.30pm

Join our communityJoin our community of like-minded people with a passion for science and its place in our lives. Ri Members, Ri Young Members and Ri Patrons receive free and discounted tickets for our talks, invitations to special events and access to the CHRISTMAS LECTURES ticket ballot.

Visit rigb.org/support

November

The Arecibo telescope.

Thursday 28 November, 7.20pm – 8.45pm

Former Science Minister Lord David Willetts’ book ‘The Pinch’ argued that the younger generation were getting a worse deal than the post-war ‘Boomer’ generation. It put fairness between the generations on the policy agenda. What has happened in the decade since the book first came out? The revised and updated second edition is out in November, but have his conclusions changed? Hear what David has found with fresh analysis and the radical policy changes he’s proposing as a result.

Have the ‘Boomers’ pinched their children’s future? (Discourse)


In 1974 a message was beamed towards the stars by the giant Arecibo telescope in Puerto Rico, designed to alert extra-terrestrial civilisations to our existence. For the past six decades a small cadre of researchers have been on a quest to find out if such civilisations really exist, as part of SETI, the search for extra-terrestrial intelligence. Keith Cooper will look at what SETI has found so far, what it hopes to find next, and the assumptions we make in our search for extra-terrestrial life.

The contact paradox

Chemistry WeekChemistry Week is an annual celebration of the chemical sciences, centred around activities to connect people with chemistry and demonstrate how its application is shaping our everyday lives.

Quantum in the city: The shape of things to come

Saturday 16 November, 1.30pm – 6.00pm

Quantum physics is not the realm of science fiction; quantum properties are driving the next generation of innovative technologies that will have an impact on our society in the very near future. From non-invasive medical imaging to un-hackable data security, come along to this panel discussion and exhibition to discover how the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme is translating quantum theory into real-world applications, and get a glimpse of what living in a ‘Quantum City’ might be like. This event is in partnership with Quantic.

Saving precious elements

Wednesday 20 November, 7.00pm – 8.30pm

The International Year of the Periodic Table gives us the perfect opportunity to celebrate an icon of chemistry. Join a panel selected by The Royal Society of Chemistry and find out how precious elements are being lost to landfill or hoarded in old tech, and a sustainability campaign to encourage government, retailers, consumers and manufacturers to safeguard these elements for future generations.

Saving our planet

Ri Patrons present: Is obesity a choice? (JBS Haldane Lecture)


The JBS Haldane Lecture recognises an individual for outstanding ability to communicate topical subjects in genetics research, widely interpreted, to an interested lay audience.


Born this way?

The world-famous CHRISTMAS LECTURES Watch out for this year’s CHRISTMAS LECTURES on BBC FOUR. They’re a Christmas family tradition and an entertaining and challenging exploration of a hot topic that we should all be thinking more deeply about.

DecemberUnspoilt world? Arctic geopolitics and modern exploration

Monday 2 December, 7.00pm – 8.30pm

The Arctic is often seen as an inhospitable, unexplored area, yet people have lived there for thousands of years. As the region heats up, so do discussions surrounding the exploration and potential exploitation of Arctic resources. Join us to hear Arctic researchers, ecologists and explorers debate current research and commercial exploration of the Arctic region. Where does exploration stop and exploitation begin? And what does it mean for the indigenous people…and our climate? This event is part of the contemporary maritime series in partnership with the National Maritime Museum. The first talk in the series ‘Stranger tides’ is on 16 September.

Friday 20 December, 7.00pm – 9.00pm

Following their regular residency and five annual lectures in the Royal Institution theatre, Steve McNeil and Rob Sedgebeer from WiFi Wars return for a very special festive spectacular where the whole audience will get to play on their World Record-breaking gaming technology! They’ll be joined by special comedy guests. All proceeds from ticket sales will be shared equally between the Miscarriage Association, the Alzheimer’s Society and the Royal Institution. Remember to bring your charged phone or tablet as it will be needed to play along.

WiFi Wars Christmas bash

Saving our planet

The ticket ballot for Ri Members, Ri Patrons and UK schools runs throughout September!

Get hands-on with science at our Halloween-themed spectacular! Expect a fun and interactive day exploring the medicine, engineering and science being deployed to save our world. And marvel at Dan Plane’s explosive show in our theatre...what will he wow us with this year?

Free for Ri Young Members.

Family Fun Day: Chaos, contagions and cures for catastrophe

Ages 7+. Saturday 26 October, arrive any time between 11.00am and 4.00pm

Paul Nurse

Book now atrigb.org

Family Fun DaysCool experiments, explosive theatre shows and a chance to explore the ‘Wembley of science’! During our popular Family Fun Days the Ri is buzzing with excited children as we throw open our doors for families to enjoy hands-on science together. Our Family Fun Days are extremely popular so remember to book early.

Ri Young Members go free

Family eventsImmerse the whole family in science, mathematics and engineering, with loads going on throughout the autumn.

Find more events online at rigb.org/families

How to be a science wizard

Sunday 1 September 2.00pm – 3.15pm and 6.00pm – 7.15pm

To be a science wizard, you don’t need a laboratory filled with fancy equipment. In fact, many of the world’s most famous scientists made great discoveries and inventions using common, everyday items. Join Steve ‘Jake’ Jacobs from Midnight Science Club at Faraday Studios in the US, for a demo-filled spectacular, and find out the surprisingly simple skills it takes to think like a scientist. Steve is a renowned American scientist and TV personality, having worked for the Discovery Channel, National Geographic and more! Expect laughs, excitement and plenty of interesting science along the way.

Ages 7+

Maths on the back of an envelope


Doing mathematics without a calculator seems like an unnecessary feat in the 21st century. These clever little electronic devices have given all of us the power to perform in a few seconds what might previously have taken hours to work out. But much of the time, we don’t need the exact answer with its endless decimal points – we just need to know whether something is in the right ballpark. Join bestselling maths author Rob Eastaway for an interactive talk finding out clever mathematical techniques to do exactly that. It’s sure to be an entertaining look at how to do complex maths with nothing but the back of an envelope, a pencil and some good old-fashioned brain power.

Ages 12+

An audience with Konnie Huq and Cookie

Thursday 10 October, 6.00pm – 7.15pm

Get ready to meet Cookie Haque – funny, science-obsessed and ready to take on the world! Join author, broadcaster and former Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq as she introduces you to Cookie and her adventures, in the first of a sparkling new series of books. With live draw-alongs, brain-busting quizzes and games galore, prepare for non-stop comedy fun.

Ages 7+

Andrew Szydlo’s metal mayhem

Saturday 2 November, 6.00pm – 7.30pm

Chemistry teacher and science demonstrations virtuoso Andrew Szydlo is back at the Ri for an unforgettable evening exploring the exciting world of metals. Metals make up the bulk of the periodic table, and show a huge range of interesting behaviours. From watching liquid metals become solid, to seeing solid metals dissolve before your eyes, Andrew will take us on a journey through the weird and wonderful ways in which metals behave and react. Expect lots of flashes, smokes and smells, exciting colourful chemistry, and plenty of flames along the way!

Ages 7+ Thursday 19 December, 6.00pm – 7.30pm

Australian radio and TV presenter and author Dr Karl is back at the Ri for a special night of festive formulae and Christmas questioning. As well as taking us on a tour of some of the more interesting and obscure yuletide science, we will also flip things around for one night, with the audience going head-to-head with Dr Karl in an interactive quiz at the end. Bring a fully charged smartphone or tablet (and brain), and join us for an evening of festive fun!

Dr Karl’s Christmas crackers

Ages 12+

That’s non-sense!

Sunday 24 November, 2.00pm – 3.15pm

Ever wondered why food tastes funny when you have a cold? Or what happens when you get dizzy? Join Ginny Smith as she explores the wonderful world of our senses, and the tricks they can play on us. Buckle up for a whirlwind tour through the senses you’re familiar with, and some you might never have heard of.

Ages 7+

For your inspiration: the elements of success


This autumn we are excited to launch a new series of events for young people aged 12 and above, and free for Ri Young Members. ‘For your inspiration’ offers a hands-on look at different areas of science, with the opportunity to talk directly to people working in them. This season, in partnership with the Royal Society of Chemistry, we are celebrating 150 years of the periodic table by looking at the exciting world of chemistry. Hear from practising chemist and former Christmas Lecturer Saiful Islam, and try out exciting activities exploring this diverse topic.

Free for Ri Young Members

Ages 12+

How to bookYou can book tickets to any of our events by visiting rigb.org. Alternatively you can contact our events team on +44 (0)20 7409 2992 between 9.30am and 5.00pm from Monday to Friday.

Ticket prices, unless stated otherwise

Address: The Royal Institution, 21 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4BSTelephone: +44 (0)20 7409 2992 Email: [email protected]

Contact

Registered Charity No. 227938Find us on

Standard Concessions Ri Members Ri Young Members Ri Patrons

Standard events £16 £10 £7 £7 £7Family Fun Days £16 £10 £7 FREE £7Ri Patrons Present £16 £10 £7 £7 FREEDiscourses £20 £15 FREE £7 FREE

Concessionary ticket prices apply to over 60s, under 16s, anyone registered as a student, unemployed or disabled. Free tickets are offered to carers attending with the person receiving care.Special concessionary rates are offered to educators attending with school groups.

Supporters

Company of Actuaries Charitable Trust, AWE plc, Bayer, Causeway Technologies, The Clothworkers’ Foundation, John S Cohen Foundation, The Doris Pacey & Dr Michael and Anna Brynberg Charitable Foundations, Ernst & Young LLP, Faraday Foundation, Faraday Institution, Bernard Gold Foundation, Lloyd’s Register Foundation, L’Oréal UK & Ireland, A G Manly Charitable Trust, Brian Mitchell Charitable Settlement, GM Morrison Charitable Trust, Newtecnic, Reece Foundation, Royal Society of Chemistry, Schlumberger, Science and Technology Facilities Council, Medtronic, Roche, Shears Foundation, L G Harris Trust, the Genetics Society, UK Research and Innovation, and all Ri Patrons.

Image credits: Nicola Evans, James Grime, kjpargeter, Tom Scott, The Royal Institution, Leon Gatys, Tim Mitchell, Mel Koutchavlis, Stanford Business Graduate School, L1 Energy, Medical Center MP Template, Giles Yeo, Irene Carter, Xavier Garcia/Bloomberg, Paul Wilkinson, Katherine Leedale, Freepik

Stroll through the historic Royal Institution and see the original samples of four of the nine elements first isolated by Humphry Davy, see Michael Faraday’s lab and marvel at the equipment John Tyndall used to establish the principles of global warming. Then stay for a coffee, a bite to eat and free WiFi in our beautiful Atrium café.

Open weekdays 9.00am – 5.00pm.

Visit our free museum

Become an Ri Member or Ri Patron community and help us inspire everyone to think more deeply about science and its place in our lives. Plus enjoy free and discounted tickets for our events, exclusive access to the CHRISTMAS LECTURES ticket ballot and much more.

Visit rigb.org/membership or call +44 (0)20 7491 6588 for more information.

Join our community

Visit rigb.org and sign up to our fortnightly newsletter to hear about everything that we have coming up at the Ri.

what’s on autumn - royal institution · what’s on autumn science / culture / talks / events...

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