One of my event highlights of last year was attending the Ig Nobel Prize roadshow. The 2009 awards were presented at Harvard back in October, but founder Marc Abrahams likes to take his creation round the world, hence the roadshow.

I can’t believe for one attosecond that anyone reading this won’t have heard of the Ig Nobels. But just in case, they’re awards for research that ‘first makes you laugh, and then makes you think’.

The roadshow gives recent winners the chance to present their hilarious findings on stage, which last year included a memorable display of sword swallowing and an account of scrotal asymmetry.

This year’s ceremony happens to fall on my wedding anniversary, so that rules out my attendance. (I can hardly persuade Mrs M@ that the roadshow would make for a romantic evening. Last year, I spent weeks recounting one winner’s tale about his observations of necrophilia in mallards. That said, this year’s show promises an ‘emergency bra’, which separates into twin face masks in the event of an emergency. Kinky.)

For those of you without prior commitments, the event takes place on March 18, from 6pm at Imperial College. Entrance is free, but you have to book in advance (events@imperial.ac.uk) – only two tickets per person allowed.

With thanks to the incomparably helpful IanVisits for the reminder.