Asteroids colliding with the planet aren’t just something that the dinosaurs had to deal with. Astronomers think that there are approximately 25,000 “city killer” asteroids in near-Earth orbit – and ...

There are approximately 25,000 'city-killer' asteroids in near-Earth orbit, but we haven’t found them all yet! Even though some are too small for us to find, they’re still capable of large-scale ...

The Royal Institution was founded to 'introduce new technologies and teach science to the general public through lectures and demonstrations'. We've been connecting people to science for over 200 ...

From the first electrical transformer to the tube that told us why the sky is blue, view the actual objects scientists of the Royal Institution built in some of the world's most famous experiments.

In 2025 we’re celebrating 200 years of the CHRISTMAS LECTURES and Ri Discourses – both landmark moments in the Ri’s rich history of engaging public audiences with science – as well as the discovery of ...

Help us create more opportunities for everyone to discover, discuss and critically examine science and the way it shapes our lives. The Ri has been connecting people with science for over 200 years.

An early example of a chemical battery made up of a stack of plates of two different metals on a wooden base held in place by three glass rods and sandwiched with blotting paper. To use the battery ...

The first ever prototype of Davy’s miner’s safety lamp. Created in 1815, it prevented the methane gas present in the depths of the mines from reacting with the flame and exploding. Following a number ...

Why join the Royal Institution as a member? The Ri is a charity that brings the public and scientists together to share their interest and passion for science. We empower people to explore and get ...

Dr Chris van Tulleken reveals the revolutionary science inside our bodies when we eat, in the 2024 CHRISTMAS LECTURES from the Royal Institution, supported by CGI. Practising NHS doctor and leading ...

Venue hire Make your next event one to remember at our unique central London venue, steeped in 200 years of science history. Find out more ...

Humphry Davy was a chemist and inventor who invented the Davy lamp and a very early form of arc lamp. He was director of the Ri from 1801–1825. Born in Penzance, Sir Humphry Davy attended Truro ...