Talks and shows

Tough science made simple

Discover how to make the world of complex science concepts easier to understand.

JJ Ying via Unsplash

The world is full of science concepts that we could spend a lifetime trying to figure out, and still not even scratch the surface. From gravity and atoms to black holes, many of these topics just seem too complex to understand.

But is there a way that would them all easier to get our heads around?

Join award winning science writer and broadcaster Marcus Chown as he explains how we can breakdown even some of the most complex scientific concepts into smaller more digestible sections of information.

From gravitational waves to global warming, discover this accessible guide to all the tricky stuff you've always wanted to understand more about.

Copies of Marcus' latest book 'The One Thing You Need to Know: The Simple Way to Understand the Most Important Ideas in Science' 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 Marcus Chown

A man with short white hair is standing in front of a white wall. He is wearing a white shirt.
via Eleanor Crow

Marcus Chown is an award-winning writer and broadcaster. Formerly a radio astronomer at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, Marcus completed his Masters in astrophysics and studied under Richard Feynman. He now focuses on communicating his science through books as a Royal Literary Fund Fellow at Brunel University. His books include 'Breakthrough', 'The Ascent of Gravity', which was the Sunday Times 2017 Science Book of the Year; 'Infinity in the Palm of Your Hand', 'What A Wonderful World', 'Quantum Theory Cannot Hurt You', 'We Need to Talk About Kelvin', and 'Afterglow of Creation', both of which were runners-up for the Royal Society Book Prize. Marcus has also won the Bookseller's Digital Innovation of the Year for 'Solar System for iPad', and also enjoys stand-up comedy where he has performed everywhere from an upturned inflatable cow on the South Bank to a shark tank at the Brighton Sealife Centre.

Timing

Doors to the theatre will open at 6.45pm and the talk will begin at 7.00pm.

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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