The Royal Society Summer Exhibition in London (Photo: The Royal Society)
When: 2nd – 8th July 2018
Where: Royal Society, 6-9 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5 AG
£: Free
What is it?
The 2018 Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition will be held in London from Monday 2nd to Sunday 8th July, with more than 20 exhibits celebrating cutting edge science in the UK.
Things to do at this year’s exhibition will include the chance to get hands-on with cutting-edge research. From playing rock paper scissors with cybernetic arms to getting hands-on with the wound healing properties of slug slime, the Royal Society has curated a selection of exhibits from around the UK for visitors to interact with.
Space lovers can meet the team of scientists and engineers behind the James Webb Telescope, the eagerly anticipated, 20-years in the making successor to the legendary Hubble Telescope. Those looking closer to home can guide themselves through alien Martian landscape and find what the ExoMars rover has found out about life on the Red Planet so far.
Exhibits at the forefront of medical research include breakthroughs in prosthetics, where visitors will get first-hand experience on how to harness the nervous system’s electric signals to control artificial limbs. Visitors will also get the chance to meet the team behind the ‘intelligent toilet’, who use technological advances to detect tiny molecules in urine, with important implications for real-time health monitoring or drug testing.
Get hands on with cutting edge science (Photo: The Royal Society)
Nature enthusiasts can discover the cutting-edge technology used to sleuth out animal behaviour of rare species living in remote and extreme environments. Get hands-on with the miniature cameras, camera traps and tracking devices that reveal the richness and complexity of far-flung habitats and find out how environmental changes are affecting wildlife.
Visitors to this year’s event can also catch the utterly revolting science show, a disgusting but utterly scientific journey through the human body, exploring what really happens to a mouthful of food after you’ve eaten it. From snot-eating to cooking with vomit, it promises to be a stimulating experience for all your senses.
There will also be talks throughout the week. Fed up of swiping left? Kissed more frogs than princes? Ever wondered if there’s a better way to find a mate? Join biologists for a series of hilarious, fact-filled talks, arguing that we should take inspiration from the insect world for romantic ideas.
Family friendly activities will include a chance to get up close to some of our planet’s most fascinating creatures in a hands-on show. Meet snakes, lizards, tarantulas and explore some of the super science that’s helping to protect the habitats of these amazing animals, and learn how we can all live more sustainably to conserve our planet.
Finally, visitors can discover the secrets that lie beneath. For one evening only, on Tuesday 3rd July, join the Royal Society for an after hours chance to explore the Summer Science Exhibition, and enjoy an evening of science, comedy and cocktails. This is an evening for those curious about the mind-boggling collection of artefacts and records that lie in the depths of Carlton House Terrace. Join the expert library team for an exclusive opportunity to explore the UK’s archival treasures and learn about the Royal Society’s fascinating history.
More info: royalsociety.org