The Royal Institution

The Royal Institution has been looking for engineers to take part in an exciting new

In the wake of the Christmas Lectures, Ri Demo Technician Andy Marmery return

Professor Jon Butterworth introduces his Ri Discourse: "Electroweak Symmetry Brea

In this Friday Evening Discourse at the Royal Institution, Professor Jon Butterworth, member of the High Energy Physics group on the Atlas experiment, provides an overview of his work at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Friday Evening Discourses The tradition of Friday evening discourses at the Royal Institution was started by Michael Faraday in 1825. Since that time most major scientific figures have spoken in the famous Lecture Theatre at the heart of the Ri building at 21 Albemarle Street. Notable talks include Faraday announcing the existence of the technology of photography in 1839 and J.J. Thomson announcing the existence of the fundamental particle later called the electron in 1897.

Professor Chris Bishop, pre

Professor Chris Bishop, presenter of the 2008 Royal Institution Christmas Lectures, leads us through a spectacular tour of the curious, and sometimes surprising, world of chemistry. Please help us transcribe this lecture: http://www.youtube.com/timedtext_video?v=ti_E2ZKZpC4 Subscribe for regular science videos: http://bit.ly/RiSubscRibe The Ri is on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ri_science and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/royalinstitution and Tumblr: http://ri-science.tumblr.com/ Our editorial policy: http://www.rigb.org/home/editorial-policy Subscribe for the latest science videos: http://bit.ly/RiNewsletter

Journalist Alok Jha brings together three experts to discuss the latest philosophical and scientific thinking on how the wet stuff in our heads creates the world we experience. Featuring: Dr Anil Seth from the Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science (University of Sussex), Philosophy Professor Barry Smith (University of London) and neuropsycologist Professor Chris Frith (UCL). Watch the event here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=313yn0RY9QI The Ri is on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ri_science and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/royalinstitution and Tumblr: http://ri-science.tumblr.com/ Our editorial policy: http://www.rigb.org/home/editorial-policy Subscribe for the latest science videos: http://bit.ly/RiNewsletter

Andy, Ed and Thea tidy up the Royal Institution Prep-Room. The Ri is on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ri_science and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/royalinstitution and Tumblr: http://ri-science.tumblr.com/ Our editorial policy: http://www.rigb.org/home/editorial-policy Subscribe for the latest science videos: http://bit.ly/RiNewsletter

Ri Demo Technician Andy Marmery shows us how to light a match without strik

Are we moving increasingly closer towards a benevolent society? Steven Pinke

What is the latest philosophical and scientific thinking in e

Scientists and journalists need different things from science. Discuss. C

Scientists and journalists need different things from science. Discuss. In part one, Ananyo Bhattacharya, Chief Online Editor at Nature, Chris Chambers, from Car

Professor Hugh Montgomery recalls his Royal Institution Christmas Lectures from 2007 when

Dr Andrea Sella of University College London demonstrates how one of his favourite molecules, carbon dioxide, reacts with water. More than just another pretty demonstration, the experiment acts as an alarm signal for what we are doing to our world. As rising levels of CO2 dissolve in our seas many species -- especially those in coral ecosystems -- are unable to adapt to increasingly acidic waters. The Ri is on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ri_science and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/royalinstitution and Tumblr: http://ri-science.tumblr.com/ Our editorial policy: http://www.rigb.org/home/editorial-policy Subscribe for the latest science videos: http://bit.ly/RiNewsletter

How long can Andy keep his boat afloat on a fluidised bed of sand? Aided by a troop of floating objects Andy dusts off the fluidised bed, a classic piece of Ri demonstration kit handed down from the 1950s. Subscribe for regular science videos: http://bit.ly/RiSubscRibe Check our playlist "Tales from the Prep Room" here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list... The Ri is on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ri_science and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/royalinstitution and Tumblr: http://ri-science.tumblr.com/ Our editorial policy: http://www.rigb.org/home/editorial-policy Subscribe for the latest science videos: http://bit.ly/RiNewsletter

In this upcoming Ri Collection in collaboration with the Centre of Sports Engineering Research at Sheffield Hallam University, Professor

Philosopher of physics David Wallace guides us the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics and the mind-b

Sir Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter discuss their new series of novels entitled The Long Earth

In the first film of the Engineering Sport series, Professor Steve Haake investigates how technological and scientific advancements have played a key role in the evolution of sport. The Ri is on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ri_science and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/royalinstitution and Tumblr: http://ri-science.tumblr.com/ Our editorial policy: http://www.rigb.org/home/editorial-policy Subscribe for the latest science videos: http://bit.ly/RiNewsletter

Today's coaches have access to a plethora of technology and scientific data - but how do they tran

Although athletes can be studied under controlled conditions, this isn't quite the same as measuring them 'in vivo', when competing under pressure in tournament conditions. In the third film of his Engineering Sport series, Professor Steve Haake investigates how motion capture technologies, are being used to provide accurate measurements of athletes in the field. The Ri is on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ri_science and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/royalinstitution and Tumblr: http://ri-science.tumblr.com/ Our editorial policy: http://www.rigb.org/home/editorial-policy Subscribe for the latest science videos: http://bit.ly/RiNewsletter

Professor Steve Haake from Sheffield Hallam University presents the Grand Unified Theory of Tennis. The Ri is on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ri_science and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/royalinstitution and Tumblr: http://ri-science.tumblr.com/ Our editorial policy: http://www.rigb.org/home/editorial-policy Subscribe for the latest science videos: http://bit.ly/RiNewsletter

In the last of his Engineering Sport films, Professor Steve Haake looks at how technology has affected athletic performance over time and how it may hold the key to the future of sport, leading to new rules and even completely new games. The Ri is on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ri_science and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/royalinstitution and Tumblr: http://ri-science.tumblr.com/ Our editorial policy: http://www.rigb.org/home/editorial-policy Subscribe for the latest science videos: http://bit.ly/RiNewsletter

Responding to a comment left on YouTube, Andy attempts to find out whether it's possible to light a match using just a single drop of water and a piece of Sodium. However, it seems that Andy may have to move further down the Periodic table before he can claim success. If you have suggestions for any other experiments to try in the prep room then please leave a comment below. Subscribe for regular science videos: http://bit.ly/RiSubscRibe Check our playlist "Tales from the Prep Room" here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbnrZHfNEDZyfUXqroIlSf2hOznnThqM0 The Ri is on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ri_science and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/royalinstitution and Tumblr: http://ri-science.tumblr.com/ Our editorial policy: http://www.rigb.org/home/editorial-policy Subscribe for the latest science videos: http://bit.ly/RiNewsletter

Andrew Robertson is designing software that can monitor and follow the tempo of a live drummer. Rather than the performer following exactly a pre-defined "click track" the system allows computer controlled samples and effects to be timed according to the drummers own pace. Via a process called "time-stretching" the software is then able to speed up or slow down sound samples without altering their actual pitch. In his second Components film, Andrew puts his software to the test at Queen Mary University London with a professional drummer and explains how the technology might be used creatively in musical performance. This film is part of a project funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering to develop the on camera communication skills of engineers across the UK. The Ri is on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ri_science and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/royalinstitution and Tumblr: http://ri-science.tumblr.com/ Our editorial policy: http://www.rigb.org/home/editorial-policy Subscribe for the latest science videos: http://bit.ly/RiNewsletter

Human beings naturally keep time to the rhythms of music and, just as orchestras have a conductor, live bands also need to stay in time. Traditionally a drummer listens to a 'click-track' to set the pace of a band's tempo. However, Andrew Robertson, a Sound Engineer at Queen Mary University London, has been trying to unshackle a drummer from rigidly following a set beat by engineering software that can instead monitor and follow the drummer. With his software a band can trigger computer controlled samples and effects that are timed accurately to a drummers tempo. Placing tempo control in the hands (or sticks) of a drummer in this way allows them to slow things down or speed things up, as and when they choose. In theory, this produces more fluid and expressive performances -- and, ultimately, more interesting music. But how successful is this system at moderating tempo? And could a real drummer tell the difference between a tempo matched by a human or by the machine. This film is part of a project funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering to develop the on camera communication skills of engineers across the UK. The Ri is on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ri_science and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/royalinstitution and Tumblr: http://ri-science.tumblr.com/ Our editorial policy: http://www.rigb.org/home/editorial-policy Subscribe for the latest science videos: http://bit.ly/RiNewsletter

For a pilot, air-to-air refuelling is one of the most difficult and dangerous procedures to perform. Automating the process would not only eliminate the risk of human error but would also cut down the number of pilot hours required for training. Jonathan du-Bois, an engineer at Bristol University is currently developing these automated systems using a combination of sensors and control algorithms, not to mention a couple of very large robots. The problem isn't simple and with automated systems comes issues of feedback delay and latency - things which add new layers of complexity. Before he can begin though, he needs to hack into the robots' control system... This work is funded by Cobham Mission Equipment as part of the ASTRAEA Programme, which seeks to enable the routine use of UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) in all classes of airspace without the need for restrictive or specialised conditions of operation. The ASTRAEA programme is co-funded by AOS, BAE Systems, Cobham, EADS Cassidian, QinetiQ, Rolls-Royce, Thales, the Technology Strategy Board, the Welsh Assembly Government and Scottish Enterprise. This film is part of a project funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering to develop the on camera communication skills of engineers across the UK. The Ri is on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ri_science and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/royalinstitution and Tumblr: http://ri-science.tumblr.com/ Our editorial policy: http://www.rigb.org/home/editorial-policy Subscribe for the latest science videos: http://bit.ly/RiNewsletter

Most Ph.D.s focus on niche topics in a very specific field (see here) and Hilary Costello's research project is no different. Her ongoing Phd looks into the properties of aerodynamic stability of very long tethers for very high balloons or vew deep offshore oil and gas platforms underwater. Understanding tether dynamics is extremely complex with numerous factors effecting the behaviour of a cable - from the shape and aerodynamics of the tether to the elasticity, bending and torsion of the materials used not to mention the chaging wind speed and temperature at heights of up to 20km. Testing the cable dynamics of new tether designs in the real-world is a crucial part of the research process and by modelling and testing cables in isolated sections, it is possible to better understand and model how these may operate together in a larger system. With limited access to mile-high balloons, Hilary can often be found in the green pastures of Cambridge University flying kites! Join her as she explains her quest to design an aerodynamic, stable tether that will reduce tension and, ultimately, lessen the risk of large-scale failure. This film is part of a project funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering to develop the on camera communication skills of engineers across the UK. The Ri is on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ri_science and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/royalinstitution and Tumblr: http://ri-science.tumblr.com/ Our editorial policy: http://www.rigb.org/home/editorial-policy Subscribe for the latest science videos: http://bit.ly/RiNewsletter

Cycling is undoubtedly good for you but, as Donal McNally is all too aware, accidents happen. A Professor of Bioengineering at Nottingham University his work involves sim

Serious accidents and deaths on the roads of Britain have been greatly reduced over the last 20 years -- not because we are safer drivers but because of better safety engineering. Seat belts, airbags and crumple zones have all contributed to this decline. However, as Donal McNally from the University of Nottingham explains, it is very difficult to protect the body from the huge increase in the forces impacting upon it in an accident. The second most likely cause of death in a car accident is something called an "aortic rupture" and it remains a mystery. Under increased pressure the aorta always ruptures in the same place but no one knows exactly why. Like any good scientists or research engineer Donal is keen to test a particular hypothesis using real world simulations to discover the cause of aortic ruptures. Can he find the answer or will his hypothesis be disproved? This film is part of a project funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering to develop the on camera communication skills of engineers across the UK. The Ri is on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ri_science and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/royalinstitution and Tumblr: http://ri-science.tumblr.com/ Our editorial policy: http://www.rigb.org/home/editorial-policy Subscribe for the latest science videos: http://bit.ly/RiNewsletter

Professor Martyn Pavier explores steam trains, bridges and potential catastrophe. By testing how cyclic

Researching tether dynamics involves more than just flying kites. As Cambridge University Ph.D student Hilary Coste

Distinguished Scientist, Ri Vice President and explosives expert Chris Bishop presents another action-packed d

Andy and Sean test out a variety of hydrogen balloons in the Ri Lecture Theatre - all in a day's work when you're

Professor Richard Dawkins talks about his experience of presenting the 1991 CHRISTMAS LECTURES. The series explored our "growing knowledge of how life grows up in the universe" - from the child growing up amidst the wonder and complexity of life, to the evolution of mankind and humanity's increasing understanding of the world and how it works through the devlopment of modern science. Prof Dawkins talks about the challenges of presenting in front of an audience of children and recalls the good will shown towards him once people heard he was involved in the prestigious Lectures. Amongst his personal highlights are a cutting-edge Virtual Reality version of the Lecture Theatre and working with a range of special guests - including the author Douglas Adams who 'volunteers' to read an extract from The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. The Ri is on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ri_science and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/royalinstitution and Tumblr: http://ri-science.tumblr.com/ Our editorial policy: http://www.rigb.org/home/editorial-policy Subscribe for the latest science videos: http://bit.ly/RiNewsletter

With the 2012 Christmas Lectures exploring the chemistry of the modern world, we asked some of our friends to ch

TV Presenter Liz Bonnin looks to the stars for her pick from the Periodic Table. The pr

Former Christmas Lecturer, Professor Mark Miodownik admits a (healthy) addiction to his favourite element, Oxy

The Ri caught up with presenter Dara O Briain on the set of Science Club to hear why he is such a fan of the group of elements known as the Alkali Metals. It might have something to do with Group 1's explosive reputation. Each day in December, we'll publish a new video revealing the elements that really excite and inspire people. The Ri is on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ri_science and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/royalinstitution and Tumblr: http://ri-science.tumblr.com/ Our editorial policy: http://www.rigb.org/home/editorial-policy Subscribe for the latest science videos: http://bit.ly/RiNewsletter

UCL Chemist Andrea Sella picks two elements that combine to form the compound didymium. This material is us

From coccolithophores to the White Cliffs of Dover, physicist Helen Czerski explains the amazing cycle that makes Calcium her favourite element. Each day in December, we'll publish a new video revealing the elements that really excite and inspire people. The Ri is on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ri_science and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/royalinstitution and Tumblr: http://ri-science.tumblr.com/ Our editorial policy: http://www.rigb.org/home/editorial-policy Subscribe for the latest science videos: http://bit.ly/RiNewsletter

Professor Brian Cox ponders whether an advanced knowledge of sub-atomic particles will one day

University of Nottingham chemist Professor Martyn Poliakoff - star of periodicvideos series (http://

Demo developer and science presenter Fran Scott joins us in the Ri Prep Room to de

Despite forgetting his periodic table party trick, presenter Dallas Campbell explains why travelling aroun

From the American symbol of freedom to jewelry, pennies and pans, science fan Jerry Hall demonstrates the bea

Each day in December, we'll publish a new video revealing the elements that really excite and inspire people. T

From the floor of the Science Museum in London, Roger Highfield explains why the scarcity of his favourite element Helium should concern us all. Each day in December, we'll publish a new video revealing the elements that really excite and inspire people. The Ri is on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ri_science and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/royalinstitution and Tumblr: http://ri-science.tumblr.com/ Our editorial policy: http://www.rigb.org/home/editorial-policy Subscribe for the latest science videos: http://bit.ly/RiNewsletter

Structural biologist Professor Stephen Curry talks about the multiple forms of Carbon - an element vital for life on earth but one that could also trigger envi

Dame Jane Goodall expresses her love of oxygen and its vital role in sustaining all animal and human life. Each day in December, we'll publish a new video revealing the elements that really excite and inspire people. The Ri is on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ri_science and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/royalinstitution and Tumblr: http://ri-science.tumblr.com/ Our editorial policy: http://www.rigb.org/home/editorial-policy Subscribe for the latest science videos: http://bit.ly/RiNewsletter

From the roof of the Ri, Derek Muller from the Veritasium YouTube channel stresses the need to communicate the beauty and importance of science. This 'element of truth' is vital to our understanding of how the world works and our place within it. Check out the Veritasium Channel http://www.youtube.com/user/1veritasium Each day in December, we'll publish a new video revealing the elements that really excite and inspire people. The Ri is on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ri_science and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/royalinstitution and Tumblr: http://ri-science.tumblr.com/ Our editorial policy: http://www.rigb.org/home/editorial-policy Subscribe for the latest science videos: http://bit.ly/RiNewsletter

Physicist Jim Al-Khalili focuses his attention on the very strange nucleus from an isotope of Lithium that only exists due to the "weird rules of quantum mechanics". Each day in December, we'll publish a new video revealing the elements that really excite and inspire people. The Ri is on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ri_science and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/royalinstitution and Tumblr: http://ri-science.tumblr.com/ Our editorial policy: http://www.rigb.org/home/editorial-policy Subscribe for the latest science videos: http://bit.ly/RiNewsletter

Comedian and songstress Helen Arney gives element number 5 an image makeover with the Boron song. Song by Helen Arney, all r

Physicist Suzie Sheehy demonstrates ho

Internet technologist Ben Hammersley explores the powerful properties of Potassium. Each day in December, we'll publish a new video revealing the elements that really excite and inspire people. The Ri is on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ri_science and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/royalinstitution and Tumblr: http://ri-science.tumblr.com/ Our editorial policy: http://www.rigb.org/home/editorial-policy Subscribe for the latest science videos: http://bit.ly/RiNewsletter

Professor Alice Roberts shows her love for calcium and how efficient the human skeleton can be. Did you

When water is added to quicklime, a fierce exothermic reaction takes place as calcium hydroxide

Dr Peter Wothers detonates the extremely sensitive contact explosive, Nitrogen Triiodide

Most people know the advice about never putting water on an oil fire. We joined Dr Peter Wothers

Sir Harry Kroto relives his discovery of Buckminsterfullerene before talking about another gr

A 1km long pipe snakes its way through the Royal Institution building in Mayfair, London. A team of volunteers helped to move the pipe in preparation for a groundbreaking chemistry experiment for the Christmas Lectures 2012. The Ri is on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ri_science and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/royalinstitution and Tumblr: http://ri-science.tumblr.com/ Our editorial policy: http://www.rigb.org/home/editorial-policy Subscribe for the latest science videos: http://bit.ly/RiNewsletter

Dr Sujata Kundu explains why an oxide of her favourite element, titanium, could one day save the world. Each

The Ri's very own Andrew Marmery and Olympia Brown celebrate filming the Christmas Lectures by sharing their love of

For the final film in our advent series, the 2012 Christmas Lecturer, Dr Peter Wothers, travels to the Sheffield University MRI Unit at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital to explore how the strange properties of his favourite chemical element are being used to image living lungs. In the build up to this year's Christmas Lectures, we've published a new video for every day of advent revealing the elements that really excite and inspire people. The Ri is on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ri_science and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/royalinstitution and Tumblr: http://ri-science.tumblr.com/ Our editorial policy: http://www.rigb.org/home/editorial-policy Subscribe for the latest science videos: http://bit.ly/RiNewsletter

In preparation for the 2012 Chris

On the last day of recording the 2012 Christmas Lectures Dr Peter Wothers illustrates the properties of Air with