You've just been yanked through a wormhole into the wonderfully weird cartoon universe. The sky is technicolour, logic is optional, and the locals? Well, let’s just say they’ve got their own peculiar ...

These liquids are some of the first examples of metallic gold colloids, made by Michael Faraday over 150 years ago. These liquids are the first examples of metallic gold colloids. They were made, ...

During school holidays we run a range of exciting hands-on workshops, bringing to life all areas of science – including mathematics, computing and engineering. All workshops take place in our building ...

Eric Laithwaite (1921–1997) was Professor of Electrical Engineering at Imperial College between 1964 and 1986 and Professor of Applied Electricity at the Royal Institution from 1967 to 1975. He ...

In 2025 we’re celebrating 200 years of the CHRISTMAS LECTURES and Ri Discourses – both landmark moments in the Ri’s rich history of engaging public audiences with science – as well as the discovery of ...

Humphry Davy was a chemist and inventor who invented the Davy lamp and a very early form of arc lamp. He was director of the Ri from 1801–1825. Born in Penzance, Sir Humphry Davy attended Truro ...

The 2024 CHRISTMAS LECTURES are on BBC Four and iPlayer 29, 30 and 31 December at 9pm, and on our YouTube channel for those outside the UK. In this year’s Christmas Lectures, Dr Chris van Tulleken ...

When ChatGPT-3 crash-landed onto our computers in November 2022, you’d have been forgiven for thinking this massive leap in artificial intelligence had sprung out of nowhere. From one day to the next, ...

From the first electrical transformer to the tube that told us why the sky is blue, view the actual objects scientists of the Royal Institution built in some of the world's most famous experiments.

In the hidden world of forensic chemistry, miniscule molecules can tell us stories and invisible traces can provide key information for achieving justice. From fingerprints to fibres and even ...

Rodney Mullen, known for inventing numerous tricks and revolutionising the sport, will take the stage to break down the science behind skateboarding. Join Rodney Mullen, one of the most influential ...

The first ever prototype of Davy’s miner’s safety lamp. Created in 1815, it prevented the methane gas present in the depths of the mines from reacting with the flame and exploding. Following a number ...