Talks and shows

Hidden heroes of science (Family)

Discover the people behind some of the greatest scientific innovations of our time!

Image credit: Dorling Kindersley

Do you ever find yourself feeling curious about how humans invented flight? Or how we know about the amazing animals and plants that we share our planet with? Or even how we know the truly vast scale of the Universe? These are all things we know thanks to the work of scientists you probably haven’t heard of!

Join author Peter Gallivan to explore the amazing hidden heroes of science whose work shaped the modern world we live in, and how we understand our place in it. On a whistlestop tour of science, you’ll journey back thousands of years to meet some of the first scientists, before journeying onwards meeting heroes from all over the world. The Ri Demo team will also be on hand to help bring the science to life with exciting demonstrations and experiments.

Peter’s latest book ‘The Hidden Heroes of Science: Shining a Light on the Unknown Trailblazers of the Scientific World’ is an exciting new collaboration between DK Books and The Royal Institution will be available for purchase and signing after the event.

This event is free for Ri Young Members!

This event is particularly suitable for those aged 7+.

About Pete Gallivan

Peter Gallivan is the Outreach Manager in the Faculty of Natural, Mathematical and Engineering Sciences, King's College London. In this role, he develops and manages outreach programmes to engage a diverse range of young people with STEM subjects. Before working at King’s, Peter worked as Family Programme Manager here at the Royal Institution, organising a hands-on STEM-focused activities for families and young people. 

Prior to this, he worked at Kandersteg International Scout Centre in Switzerland, managing a wide-ranging programme of outdoor education activities and showing young people the amazing nature and wildlife there. He studied Zoology at the University of Sheffield. 

Peter is also a freelance science writer, contributing regularly for the award-winning young people’s science magazine The Week Junior Science+Nature, and having written three books for Harper-Collins ‘Big Cat’ grading reading series.

Event type

This is a theatre event for children and adults to enjoy together. All young people under the age of 13 need to be accompanied by a paying adult and those aged 4 and above need a ticket to attend.

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 workshop please get in touch by phone 020 7409 2992 or email events@ri.ac.uk.

Timing

The doors will open at approximately 1.45pm, with a prompt start at 2.00pm.

Latecomers will be admitted into the gallery.

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. 

Tickets for Good

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We’ve partnered with Tickets for Good to provide tickets for the NHS, teachers, charity sector workers, and cost of living payment recipients to come and enjoy our upcoming shows.

Tickets for Good offers free and discounted tickets for live events in the UK, and we’re very excited to have teamed up with them!

Grab your tickets by becoming a member here: https://go.ticketsforgood.org/3LPtYV5

Event terms and conditions