Talks and shows

ExpeRience: Sensational senses

Rediscover the world around you as we explore the senses.

Nitish Goswami via Unsplash

We experience the world by using our senses, but they can be tricky to understand. Some of us have fewer senses than others, sometimes our senses can deceive us. We've been taught there are five of them, but some scientists and researchers think we can have as many as twenty!

Our speaker for the evening is Siri Leknes exploring pleasure and pain. Discover research into how these sensations are very similar but have their differences, and how our bodies perceive them.

Continue your evening with activities and tasks to complete throughout the building. 

'Touch the AI' with Shan Luo from King's College London

Step into the future with our leading-edge camera-based tactile sensor demo! Witness embedded cameras capturing artificial skin deformation, unveiling tactile images brimming with texture, force, and slip data. Join us to unravel how robots interpret the world through touch!

'The smell of history' with Cecilia Bembibre Jacobo from University College London 

Explore new details and sensations with smells based on history. Who knows what you might find?

Discover how genetics effect our taste, examples of weird animal flirting, 'seeing' in UV, tricking your taste buds, and enjoy a sensory den for ultimate relaxation.

This event is strictly for those aged 18+.

Timings

Food and drink will be available from our bar between 6.00pm - 6.45pm. Food and drink aren't allowed in the theatre.

The talk will start at 7.00pm and continue until 8.00pm.

Demos and activities are available from 8.00pm and the bar will reopen too.

Event type

This is a theatre only event where the speakers and audience are together in our Theatre.

By booking to attend events at the Royal Institution, you confirm that you have read and accept the Ri's event terms and conditions. You also agree to abide by our code of conduct, and help to create a great experience for yourself and your fellow participants. Please note that Eventbrite adds a small booking fee to the amount paid for each ticket option.

For any queries regarding this event please get in touch by phone 020 7409 2992 or email events@ri.ac.uk.

Accessibility

The event will take place on the first floor and there is step-free access from the street via lift.

The closest underground station is Green Park, which is step-free.

There is space at floor level in the theatre for wheelchair users.

Seating is usually unreserved for our events. If you and your group require seating reservations, please do let us know by emailing us at events@ri.ac.uk, and we’ll be more than happy to help.

Carers can receive a free ticket to an event by emailing events@ri.ac.uk.

Our theatre is equipped with an Audio Induction Loop. 

Event terms and conditions