Talks and shows

SOLD OUT - For your inspiration: Measure up

This event is sold out. Get hands-on exploring the amazing science of measurement.

a scientist looks at aparatus
Image credit: the National Physical Laboratory

How do you measure the Universe? Whether it’s healthcare, computing, engineering, or the development of new technologies, they all need one thing to work and that is measurement!

Join us for our next ‘For Your Inspiration’ event in partnership with the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) to dive into this amazing topic and uncover how scientists at NPL are expanding our knowledge of the world around us.

Start your evening in the theatre with talks from experts on the International Systems of Units (SI) used across the world. From how to measure temperature, light, time and more. Then ask our panel of experts all the questions you can think of!

Continue the evening with demonstrations and activities across the building with scientists working in a range of different areas of STEM and discover leading-edge scientific research from around the UK.

The event was made possible by the generous support of NPL.

This highly interactive event will be hosted by Andrew Hanson MBE who will be joined by an exciting cast including Umar Akram interviewing Prof Graham Machin FREng, DSc, with panellists Laura Bevilacqua, Hannah Cheales, Jonathan Fletcher, Matthew Johnson, Andrew Lewis, Perdi Potgieter and Maddie Stedman.

This event is suggested for ages 13+. This event is designed to be enjoyed by adults and young people together. All young people under the age of 13 need to be accompanied by a paying adult. This event is free for Ri Young Members 13 and over. 

About Graham Machin

Professor Graham Machin DSc, FREng is a Senior NPL Fellow in Thermometry – the measurement of temperature. He and his team made world-leading contributions to the redefinition of the kelvin (K), thermodynamic temperature measurement and novel approaches to reliable thermometry at high temperatures. He is currently working on realising the redefined kelvin and quantum thermometry. He and his team love solving temperature measurement puzzles in extreme environments like aviation, space and nuclear decommissioning! 

About For Your Inspiration events

These events are designed for young people aged 13+, and offer an exciting hands-on experience of a huge range of scientific topics. Featuring scientists from Universities and companies from across the UK, these events give young people the chance to explore in depth a topic, talk to scientists working in this field, and discover the wide range of different jobs available. Adults are also welcome and encouraged to come along too, together with their young people. 

The event starts at 6.00pm in the theatre with talks and a Q&A session. Attendees will then explore the libraries on our first floor, where they will find interactive exhibits from a range of research groups and companies working in the sector. This gives you the chance to get hands-on with active research, chat with scientists, and discover what it is actually like working in science. 

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. 

Timing

The doors will open at approximately 5.30pm, with a prompt start at 6.00pm. There will be time for questions after the talk.

After the talk finishes at 7.30pm there will be hands on activities around the building until 9.00pm.

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. 

Event terms and conditions