Royal Institution
@rigb.org
We're an independent charity connecting people of all ages and backgrounds with science.
📺 Home of the #XmasLectures
💥 Weekly science talks online/in person
🌐 rigb.org
📺 Home of the #XmasLectures
💥 Weekly science talks online/in person
🌐 rigb.org
What if there are no foundations, no hierarchies... and everything in the Universe is connected?
Carlo Rovelli is coming to the Ri on 25 September for an evening exploring philosophy, physics and our understanding of reality.
🎟️ Book now (livestream): rigb.org/whats-on/dis...
Carlo Rovelli is coming to the Ri on 25 September for an evening exploring philosophy, physics and our understanding of reality.
🎟️ Book now (livestream): rigb.org/whats-on/dis...
September 10, 2026 at 6:04 PM
What if there are no foundations, no hierarchies... and everything in the Universe is connected?
Carlo Rovelli is coming to the Ri on 25 September for an evening exploring philosophy, physics and our understanding of reality.
🎟️ Book now (livestream): rigb.org/whats-on/dis...
Carlo Rovelli is coming to the Ri on 25 September for an evening exploring philosophy, physics and our understanding of reality.
🎟️ Book now (livestream): rigb.org/whats-on/dis...
Reposted by Royal Institution
Somebody please pinch me! What an honour to give a lecture this evening in the legendary @rigb.org theatre. Thank you to the wonderful audience, it was delightful to see so many people interested in soil biodiversity 🪱
Stay tuned for the lecture going up on YouTube soon!
#TheWorldBeneathOurFeet
Stay tuned for the lecture going up on YouTube soon!
#TheWorldBeneathOurFeet
September 7, 2026 at 9:55 PM
Somebody please pinch me! What an honour to give a lecture this evening in the legendary @rigb.org theatre. Thank you to the wonderful audience, it was delightful to see so many people interested in soil biodiversity 🪱
Stay tuned for the lecture going up on YouTube soon!
#TheWorldBeneathOurFeet
Stay tuned for the lecture going up on YouTube soon!
#TheWorldBeneathOurFeet
Reposted by Royal Institution
Happy 60th Star Trek 🎂
My faithful little companion that’s been with me all these years and has become such a large part of my work and social life. I’ll be celebrating with @rigb.org this Saturday. Join the livestream! www.rigb.org/whats-on/sci...
My faithful little companion that’s been with me all these years and has become such a large part of my work and social life. I’ll be celebrating with @rigb.org this Saturday. Join the livestream! www.rigb.org/whats-on/sci...
The science of Star Trek
Celebrate 60 years of Star Trek as Jamie Gallagher and host of speakers delve into the real science behind t
www.rigb.org
September 8, 2026 at 7:19 AM
Happy 60th Star Trek 🎂
My faithful little companion that’s been with me all these years and has become such a large part of my work and social life. I’ll be celebrating with @rigb.org this Saturday. Join the livestream! www.rigb.org/whats-on/sci...
My faithful little companion that’s been with me all these years and has become such a large part of my work and social life. I’ll be celebrating with @rigb.org this Saturday. Join the livestream! www.rigb.org/whats-on/sci...
Reposted by Royal Institution
Back in 2024, a single yellow balloon on the floor, suddenly became an important detail to our online audience.
On 24th October, we return to @rigb.org for An Evening of Unnecessary Detail, and it's livestreamed again!
What might Sam & the audience focus on this time?
fotsn.com/tickets
On 24th October, we return to @rigb.org for An Evening of Unnecessary Detail, and it's livestreamed again!
What might Sam & the audience focus on this time?
fotsn.com/tickets
September 9, 2026 at 10:02 AM
Back in 2024, a single yellow balloon on the floor, suddenly became an important detail to our online audience.
On 24th October, we return to @rigb.org for An Evening of Unnecessary Detail, and it's livestreamed again!
What might Sam & the audience focus on this time?
fotsn.com/tickets
On 24th October, we return to @rigb.org for An Evening of Unnecessary Detail, and it's livestreamed again!
What might Sam & the audience focus on this time?
fotsn.com/tickets
Reposted by Royal Institution
7 DAYS TO GO! A prize should do more than recognise what a young person has achieved. It should help them imagine what they might do next. The #YSWA2026 package combines financial awards, publication, books, technology and continued access to science.
September 9, 2026 at 2:00 PM
7 DAYS TO GO! A prize should do more than recognise what a young person has achieved. It should help them imagine what they might do next. The #YSWA2026 package combines financial awards, publication, books, technology and continued access to science.
Perception is prediction: our brains are constantly anticipating what they think is most likely happening now 🧠
Science writer @jomarchant.bsky.social explored the science of "now" in her latest Ri talk.
Watch here: youtube.com/watch?v=SlF_FqG7IUM
Science writer @jomarchant.bsky.social explored the science of "now" in her latest Ri talk.
Watch here: youtube.com/watch?v=SlF_FqG7IUM
September 9, 2026 at 5:51 PM
Perception is prediction: our brains are constantly anticipating what they think is most likely happening now 🧠
Science writer @jomarchant.bsky.social explored the science of "now" in her latest Ri talk.
Watch here: youtube.com/watch?v=SlF_FqG7IUM
Science writer @jomarchant.bsky.social explored the science of "now" in her latest Ri talk.
Watch here: youtube.com/watch?v=SlF_FqG7IUM
What if the key to understanding the world lies in what’s *not* there?
Mathematician @kityates.bsky.social will explore the science of missingness: how our brains and external systems distort reality by filtering or filling in crucial information.
Book now ⬇️ www.rigb.org/whats-on/you...
Mathematician @kityates.bsky.social will explore the science of missingness: how our brains and external systems distort reality by filtering or filling in crucial information.
Book now ⬇️ www.rigb.org/whats-on/you...
You don't know what you're m ss ng: The hidden data shaping our behaviour
Mathematician and author Kit Yates returns to the Ri to explore how our understanding of reality is shaped b
www.rigb.org
September 6, 2026 at 8:01 PM
What if the key to understanding the world lies in what’s *not* there?
Mathematician @kityates.bsky.social will explore the science of missingness: how our brains and external systems distort reality by filtering or filling in crucial information.
Book now ⬇️ www.rigb.org/whats-on/you...
Mathematician @kityates.bsky.social will explore the science of missingness: how our brains and external systems distort reality by filtering or filling in crucial information.
Book now ⬇️ www.rigb.org/whats-on/you...
Prehistoric hippos used to roam what is now Trafalgar Square 150,000 years ago 🦛
Palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris uncovered the fascinating secrets of fossils and bones during his 1996 Christmas Lectures.
Watch the whole series here: rigb.org/explore-scie...
Palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris uncovered the fascinating secrets of fossils and bones during his 1996 Christmas Lectures.
Watch the whole series here: rigb.org/explore-scie...
September 5, 2026 at 4:43 PM
Prehistoric hippos used to roam what is now Trafalgar Square 150,000 years ago 🦛
Palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris uncovered the fascinating secrets of fossils and bones during his 1996 Christmas Lectures.
Watch the whole series here: rigb.org/explore-scie...
Palaeontologist Simon Conway Morris uncovered the fascinating secrets of fossils and bones during his 1996 Christmas Lectures.
Watch the whole series here: rigb.org/explore-scie...
Are smart speakers really listening to us? 👂
Internet of Things expert Anna Maria Mandalari reveals what happens when smart speakers mistakenly activate—which happens more often than you might think.
Watch the full talk at the 🔗 on our profile: @ri_science
youtube.com/watch?v=LCAqdqo-SJU
Internet of Things expert Anna Maria Mandalari reveals what happens when smart speakers mistakenly activate—which happens more often than you might think.
Watch the full talk at the 🔗 on our profile: @ri_science
youtube.com/watch?v=LCAqdqo-SJU
September 2, 2026 at 7:02 PM
Are smart speakers really listening to us? 👂
Internet of Things expert Anna Maria Mandalari reveals what happens when smart speakers mistakenly activate—which happens more often than you might think.
Watch the full talk at the 🔗 on our profile: @ri_science
youtube.com/watch?v=LCAqdqo-SJU
Internet of Things expert Anna Maria Mandalari reveals what happens when smart speakers mistakenly activate—which happens more often than you might think.
Watch the full talk at the 🔗 on our profile: @ri_science
youtube.com/watch?v=LCAqdqo-SJU
Reposted by Royal Institution
Sadly Dawn won’t be able to join us any more.
Good news! There is an opening for someone to come and explore science and Star Trek!
As the remaining speakers are all white I’d love to have some other voices included. Recommendations (and self recommendations) very welcome.
Good news! There is an opening for someone to come and explore science and Star Trek!
As the remaining speakers are all white I’d love to have some other voices included. Recommendations (and self recommendations) very welcome.
Warp drives, transporters, strange new worlds...how much of Star Trek is science fiction—and how much could actually become reality?
Join us at the Ri as scientists and engineers explore the real science behind one of the world's most influential sci-fi series. 🖖 www.rigb.org/whats-on/sci...
Join us at the Ri as scientists and engineers explore the real science behind one of the world's most influential sci-fi series. 🖖 www.rigb.org/whats-on/sci...
The science of Star Trek
Celebrate 60 years of Star Trek as Jamie Gallagher and host of speakers delve into the real science behind t
www.rigb.org
September 2, 2026 at 11:52 AM
Sadly Dawn won’t be able to join us any more.
Good news! There is an opening for someone to come and explore science and Star Trek!
As the remaining speakers are all white I’d love to have some other voices included. Recommendations (and self recommendations) very welcome.
Good news! There is an opening for someone to come and explore science and Star Trek!
As the remaining speakers are all white I’d love to have some other voices included. Recommendations (and self recommendations) very welcome.
Reposted by Royal Institution
In 1868, Thomas Henry Huxley addressed the @rigb.org in London and argued to great acclaim that birds evolved from dinosaurs.
On Saturday Sept 26, I’ll be in the same place, telling the story of how dinosaurs took flight!
Join us! Tickets ⤵️
www.rigb.org/whats-on/sto...
On Saturday Sept 26, I’ll be in the same place, telling the story of how dinosaurs took flight!
Join us! Tickets ⤵️
www.rigb.org/whats-on/sto...
The story of birds: From the Jurassic to today
Using fossil records and his own work uncovering extinct species, paleontologist Steve Brusatte rewinds 150
www.rigb.org
September 2, 2026 at 11:40 AM
In 1868, Thomas Henry Huxley addressed the @rigb.org in London and argued to great acclaim that birds evolved from dinosaurs.
On Saturday Sept 26, I’ll be in the same place, telling the story of how dinosaurs took flight!
Join us! Tickets ⤵️
www.rigb.org/whats-on/sto...
On Saturday Sept 26, I’ll be in the same place, telling the story of how dinosaurs took flight!
Join us! Tickets ⤵️
www.rigb.org/whats-on/sto...
Reposted by Royal Institution
The science of heatwaves, health, and wildfires: Why was the summer of 2026 so hot?
Listen to @clairbarnes.bsky.social and @gkonstantinoudis.bsky.social explain the science around extreme heat and climate change to the @rigb.org Science Podcast
Spotify: buff.ly/7In5jqa
Apple: buff.ly/Us1ppxy
Listen to @clairbarnes.bsky.social and @gkonstantinoudis.bsky.social explain the science around extreme heat and climate change to the @rigb.org Science Podcast
Spotify: buff.ly/7In5jqa
Apple: buff.ly/Us1ppxy
The science of heatwaves, health, and wildfires: Why was the summer of 2026 so hot? - with Clair Barnes, Gary Konstantinoudis and Alisha Fuller-Armah
Ri Science Podcast · Episode
open.spotify.com
September 1, 2026 at 9:43 AM
The science of heatwaves, health, and wildfires: Why was the summer of 2026 so hot?
Listen to @clairbarnes.bsky.social and @gkonstantinoudis.bsky.social explain the science around extreme heat and climate change to the @rigb.org Science Podcast
Spotify: buff.ly/7In5jqa
Apple: buff.ly/Us1ppxy
Listen to @clairbarnes.bsky.social and @gkonstantinoudis.bsky.social explain the science around extreme heat and climate change to the @rigb.org Science Podcast
Spotify: buff.ly/7In5jqa
Apple: buff.ly/Us1ppxy
Warp drives, transporters, strange new worlds...how much of Star Trek is science fiction—and how much could actually become reality?
Join us at the Ri as scientists and engineers explore the real science behind one of the world's most influential sci-fi series. 🖖 www.rigb.org/whats-on/sci...
Join us at the Ri as scientists and engineers explore the real science behind one of the world's most influential sci-fi series. 🖖 www.rigb.org/whats-on/sci...
The science of Star Trek
Celebrate 60 years of Star Trek as Jamie Gallagher and host of speakers delve into the real science behind t
www.rigb.org
August 31, 2026 at 5:02 PM
Warp drives, transporters, strange new worlds...how much of Star Trek is science fiction—and how much could actually become reality?
Join us at the Ri as scientists and engineers explore the real science behind one of the world's most influential sci-fi series. 🖖 www.rigb.org/whats-on/sci...
Join us at the Ri as scientists and engineers explore the real science behind one of the world's most influential sci-fi series. 🖖 www.rigb.org/whats-on/sci...
When you look into a magic mirror, it seems perfectly ordinary...but watch what happens when you use it to reflect light on a surface! 🪞
Our historian @katysduncan.bsky.social and University of Bristol physicist Michael Berry reveal the micron-sized science behind them.
Our historian @katysduncan.bsky.social and University of Bristol physicist Michael Berry reveal the micron-sized science behind them.
August 30, 2026 at 2:02 PM
When you look into a magic mirror, it seems perfectly ordinary...but watch what happens when you use it to reflect light on a surface! 🪞
Our historian @katysduncan.bsky.social and University of Bristol physicist Michael Berry reveal the micron-sized science behind them.
Our historian @katysduncan.bsky.social and University of Bristol physicist Michael Berry reveal the micron-sized science behind them.
A magnet, a coil of wire and a little movement can generate electricity.
#OnThisDay in 1831, Michael Faraday discovered electromagnetic induction. ⚡🧲
Watch the full talk with David Ricketts: youtube.com/watch?v=z1uOsg2-LTA
#OnThisDay in 1831, Michael Faraday discovered electromagnetic induction. ⚡🧲
Watch the full talk with David Ricketts: youtube.com/watch?v=z1uOsg2-LTA
August 29, 2026 at 1:11 PM
A magnet, a coil of wire and a little movement can generate electricity.
#OnThisDay in 1831, Michael Faraday discovered electromagnetic induction. ⚡🧲
Watch the full talk with David Ricketts: youtube.com/watch?v=z1uOsg2-LTA
#OnThisDay in 1831, Michael Faraday discovered electromagnetic induction. ⚡🧲
Watch the full talk with David Ricketts: youtube.com/watch?v=z1uOsg2-LTA
There’s a whole world beneath our feet that we rarely see—from fungal networks to the microbes that transform decay into new life. 🌱
Join ecologist @frankashwood.bsky.social on a journey into the extraordinary ecosystem underground. www.rigb.org/whats-on/eco...
Join ecologist @frankashwood.bsky.social on a journey into the extraordinary ecosystem underground. www.rigb.org/whats-on/eco...
The ecosystem of life underground
Ecologist and photographer Frank Ashwood embarks on a visual journey through the science of the soil below us.
www.rigb.org
August 27, 2026 at 2:52 PM
There’s a whole world beneath our feet that we rarely see—from fungal networks to the microbes that transform decay into new life. 🌱
Join ecologist @frankashwood.bsky.social on a journey into the extraordinary ecosystem underground. www.rigb.org/whats-on/eco...
Join ecologist @frankashwood.bsky.social on a journey into the extraordinary ecosystem underground. www.rigb.org/whats-on/eco...
What holds the quarks inside a proton together? ⚛️
Particle physicist Kate Shaw explains how gluons act a little like springs, binding quarks together through the strong force.
Watch the full talk: youtube.com/watch?v=OkJbR75P9PU
Particle physicist Kate Shaw explains how gluons act a little like springs, binding quarks together through the strong force.
Watch the full talk: youtube.com/watch?v=OkJbR75P9PU
August 24, 2026 at 5:01 PM
What holds the quarks inside a proton together? ⚛️
Particle physicist Kate Shaw explains how gluons act a little like springs, binding quarks together through the strong force.
Watch the full talk: youtube.com/watch?v=OkJbR75P9PU
Particle physicist Kate Shaw explains how gluons act a little like springs, binding quarks together through the strong force.
Watch the full talk: youtube.com/watch?v=OkJbR75P9PU
Reposted by Royal Institution
Despite recent rain, the ongoing drought is still having an impact on us and the world around us. Want to know about the amazing research we're doing to support solutions to floods and droughts?
Join us at the @rigb.org on 16 November: www.rigb.org/whats-on/new...
Join us at the @rigb.org on 16 November: www.rigb.org/whats-on/new...
August 24, 2026 at 1:34 PM
Despite recent rain, the ongoing drought is still having an impact on us and the world around us. Want to know about the amazing research we're doing to support solutions to floods and droughts?
Join us at the @rigb.org on 16 November: www.rigb.org/whats-on/new...
Join us at the @rigb.org on 16 November: www.rigb.org/whats-on/new...
Galileo first demonstrated his telescope #OnThisDay in 1609 🔭
The telescope provided crucial evidence for the heliocentric model, placing the Sun at the centre with the planets orbiting it.
The telescope provided crucial evidence for the heliocentric model, placing the Sun at the centre with the planets orbiting it.
August 23, 2026 at 3:01 PM
Galileo first demonstrated his telescope #OnThisDay in 1609 🔭
The telescope provided crucial evidence for the heliocentric model, placing the Sun at the centre with the planets orbiting it.
The telescope provided crucial evidence for the heliocentric model, placing the Sun at the centre with the planets orbiting it.
Cats have had mosquito repellents figured out for millions of years 🦟
In the first episode of our new Puzzling Science series, biologist Jaap de Roode explores one of the most surprising questions in animal behaviour: can animals use plants as medicine?
Watch the full video: youtu.be/P98E9G8rrng
In the first episode of our new Puzzling Science series, biologist Jaap de Roode explores one of the most surprising questions in animal behaviour: can animals use plants as medicine?
Watch the full video: youtu.be/P98E9G8rrng
August 18, 2026 at 2:55 PM
Cats have had mosquito repellents figured out for millions of years 🦟
In the first episode of our new Puzzling Science series, biologist Jaap de Roode explores one of the most surprising questions in animal behaviour: can animals use plants as medicine?
Watch the full video: youtu.be/P98E9G8rrng
In the first episode of our new Puzzling Science series, biologist Jaap de Roode explores one of the most surprising questions in animal behaviour: can animals use plants as medicine?
Watch the full video: youtu.be/P98E9G8rrng
Reposted by Royal Institution
Join us for the 2026 JBS Haldane Lecture at @rigb.org!
This year's lecture by Carola Vinuesa @vinuesalab.bsky.social from @crick.ac.uk, will explore how genetic discoveries can transform our understanding of human health and even help deliver justice.
Tickets: www.rigb.org/whats-on/jbs...
This year's lecture by Carola Vinuesa @vinuesalab.bsky.social from @crick.ac.uk, will explore how genetic discoveries can transform our understanding of human health and even help deliver justice.
Tickets: www.rigb.org/whats-on/jbs...
August 18, 2026 at 9:16 AM
Join us for the 2026 JBS Haldane Lecture at @rigb.org!
This year's lecture by Carola Vinuesa @vinuesalab.bsky.social from @crick.ac.uk, will explore how genetic discoveries can transform our understanding of human health and even help deliver justice.
Tickets: www.rigb.org/whats-on/jbs...
This year's lecture by Carola Vinuesa @vinuesalab.bsky.social from @crick.ac.uk, will explore how genetic discoveries can transform our understanding of human health and even help deliver justice.
Tickets: www.rigb.org/whats-on/jbs...
Severe brain injury can affect an individual to the point where their loved ones don't recognise them 🧠
@arielzj.bsky.social highlights the ethical considerations of this when looking at the science of brain preservation.
Watch the full talk: www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYKD...
@arielzj.bsky.social highlights the ethical considerations of this when looking at the science of brain preservation.
Watch the full talk: www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYKD...
August 16, 2026 at 12:01 PM
Severe brain injury can affect an individual to the point where their loved ones don't recognise them 🧠
@arielzj.bsky.social highlights the ethical considerations of this when looking at the science of brain preservation.
Watch the full talk: www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYKD...
@arielzj.bsky.social highlights the ethical considerations of this when looking at the science of brain preservation.
Watch the full talk: www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYKD...
Could a speck of dirt solve a crime? 🔬
Soil forensics expert Lorna Dawson shows us how investigators can narrow down the source of a sample to a shockingly small area.
Watch the full talk: youtube.com/watch?v=rgfsxYAMksA
Soil forensics expert Lorna Dawson shows us how investigators can narrow down the source of a sample to a shockingly small area.
Watch the full talk: youtube.com/watch?v=rgfsxYAMksA
August 14, 2026 at 6:20 PM
Could a speck of dirt solve a crime? 🔬
Soil forensics expert Lorna Dawson shows us how investigators can narrow down the source of a sample to a shockingly small area.
Watch the full talk: youtube.com/watch?v=rgfsxYAMksA
Soil forensics expert Lorna Dawson shows us how investigators can narrow down the source of a sample to a shockingly small area.
Watch the full talk: youtube.com/watch?v=rgfsxYAMksA
Reposted by Royal Institution
Never a better occasion to have a gander at these beautiful plates in the @rigb.org’s collection. Taken by Warren de la Rue in 1860, they sought to settle the mysteries of the “tentacles of light” that only appeared during totalities…. 👉 www.rigb.org/explore-scie... 🧪🔭🌚 #histsci #eclipse
August 12, 2026 at 4:37 PM
Never a better occasion to have a gander at these beautiful plates in the @rigb.org’s collection. Taken by Warren de la Rue in 1860, they sought to settle the mysteries of the “tentacles of light” that only appeared during totalities…. 👉 www.rigb.org/explore-scie... 🧪🔭🌚 #histsci #eclipse
