Talks and shows

A materials science and craft odyssey

Join Anna Ploszajski for a crafting adventure through the world of materials science.

via Anna Ploszajski

Join Anna Ploszajski to learn about materials science - the interdisciplinary field of researching and discovering materials - in ways you'd never imagine through the world of craft.

As a materials scientist, Anna has turned to storytelling to communicate her work in new and engaging ways. Through her interviews with makers, artists and experts, Anna will share stories and experiences of materials that make the crafting world tick.

Get your hands dirty with a pre-lecture-making experience, sit back and enjoy the stories and demonstrations in the theatre, and dance the night away at the funk and soul afterparty in the library.

This event will be a science and ambitious exploration of the true meaning of materials by making them in ways you've never heard about them. Come away with a newfound appreciation for crafting and materials!

A pre-lecture showcase of makers and making experiences will run from 6.00pm - 7.00pm. Makers include:

- Blacksmith Agnes Jones

- Paper conservator Zofia Wyszomirska-Noga

- Wool dyer Helen Reed

- Stonemason Andrew Ziminski

- Sugar demonstrations by Ellie Doney and Terri Mercieca

A cash bar and jazz band performance will be in the Library, after the event, until 10.00pm.

Copies of Anna's latest book 'Handmade: A Scientists Search for Meaning through Making' are available to purchase after the talk.

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.

About Anna Ploszajski

A short haired woman is crouching next to a table. She is picking up a metal mesh with a magnet.
Anna Ploszajski

An honorary Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, Anna Ploszajski is an award-winning materials scientist, presenter, comedian and storyteller based in London. She’s a materials generalist, equally fascinated by metals, plastics, ceramics, glasses and substances from the natural world. Her work centres around engaging traditionally underserved audiences with materials science and engineering through writing, podcasting, presenting and social media. Having developed her own unique blend of autobiographical scientific storytelling in her first book, Handmade: A Scientist’s Search for Meaning Through Making, she now trains professional technical people to communicate what they do better, through the study of story. In her spare time, Anna plays the trumpet in a funk and soul covers band and is an ultra-endurance open water swimmer. Oh, and it’s pronounced “Por-shy-ski”.

With thanks to the Royal Academy of Engineering for their generous support in making tickets to this event free to London schools.

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. 

Covid guidelines

Face masks are no longer mandatory and wearing one in our Theatre and at other Ri events is at your discretion, however please do not attend the Ri if you are displaying Covid symptoms or, if you have tested, the result remains positive. Thank you for respecting other people and their choices, and for helping us keep all of our visitors and staff safe and well.

Event terms and conditions

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