Talks and shows

Tim Harford: the truth detective

Discover the amazing power of science to understand our often strange world.

Image credit: Ollie Mann

Why do smart people sometimes believe such silly things? What can Minecraft and hot sauce teach us about getting into trouble at school? And how exactly does a toilet flush work? Tim Harford believes that numbers can help us see clearly in a confusing world - but only if we know how to use them. Join him as he talks about the ideas in his first children's book The Truth Detective.

Copies of Tim's latest book ‘The Truth Detective’ is available to purchase after the event.

This event is particularly suitable for ages 7+. As with all our family theatre talks, this event is designed to be enjoyed by adults and children 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.

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.

Timing

The doors will open at approximately 1.30pm, with a prompt start at 2.00pm.

Latecomers will be admitted into the gallery.

About Tim Harford

Tim Harford is an economist, journalist and broadcaster. He is author of 'How To Make The World Add Up', 'The Truth Detective', and the million-selling 'The Undercover Economist'. Tim is a senior columnist at the Financial Times, and the presenter of Radio 4’s 'More or Less', the iTunes-topping series 'Fifty Things That Made the Modern Economy', and the podcast 'Cautionary Tales'. Tim has spoken at TED, PopTech and the Sydney Opera House. He is an honorary fellow of the Royal Statistical Society and of Brasenose College, Oxford. Tim was made an OBE for services to improving economic understanding in the New Year honours of 2019.

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.

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