This workshop explores a concept which astronomers refer to as "The Cosmic Distance Ladder". By measuring progressively larger distances in the solar system, and then beyond, we can get a handle on ...

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, ...

In this workshop with John Davies and Rob Swinney, maths, science and engineering come together to show how humankind has reached the stars and beyond. Using the work of three great thinkers, ...

An early example of a chemical battery made up of a stack of plates of two different metals on a wooden base held in place by three glass rods and sandwiched with blotting paper. To use the battery ...

Join us for a live recording of podcast 'Who Moved the Tortoise?' featuring former lecturer Helen Czerski, CHRISTMAS LECTURES directors, producers and more, as they discuss bringing live science to a ...

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.

The Royal Institution (Ri) is an independent charity which has been connecting people with science for over 200 years. The Ri has inspired generations of scientists over the years whose discoveries ...

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 ...

Join Ioanna Georgiou on an unexpected maths adventure! Grab your colouring pencils and get ready to explore how maths has helped create maps in amazing ways. Along the way, we’ll uncover a super ...

For centuries, public lectures at the Royal Institution have enthralled audiences with the latest science discoveries, news and issues. Over time, cutting edge technology has been used to preserve and ...

Help us create more opportunities for everyone to discover, discuss and critically examine science and the way it shapes our lives. The Ri has been connecting people with science for over 200 years.

It starts with a spark. We rely on funding from the public, businesses and grant-giving organisations to sustain our work. We need your support to spark curiosity for science. Science changes lives.