Tuesday
A new one to me, but has actually been going for a while: the penultimate Tuesday of the month is MathsJam, a chance for maths enthusiasts to get together in a pub and share interesting things – puzzles, games, problems, more. All welcome! You can follow them on Twitter for more info at @mathsjam.
Alternatively if evolution is more your thing, tonight sees the annual Stamford Raffles Lecture at ZSL: this year’s will be given by Professor Armand Marie Leroi on “Possible Creatures: an evolutionary vision”. Starts at 6:30pm – must book in advance.
Wednesday
One for the creative types amongst you tonight: Science London ‘does’ cuddly bacteria. In a cafe-bar called Drink, Shop & Do, right by Kings Cross, scientists will be gathering for an evening of arts and crafts, making bacteria. All welcome, no experience required, but organisers advise it gets quite busy, so get there on time (7pm) or book a table.
Thursday
The Dana Centre presents an evening on what happens to the brain when we get older (7pm, free but book) and the Royal Institution presents The origin of our species, talking about evolution, what it means to be human and how are we related to our ancient humanoid ancestors. 7pm, £10, book in advance.
Friday
Late Nights at London Zoo and the Natural History Museum tonight. The Zoo has been discussed before, but the NHM is open until 10pm the last Friday of every month during summer, with many galleries and the restaurant and bar open. Entry is free, although you have to buy tickets for the special exhibitions as normal.
Saturday/Sunday
The Wellcome Collection will entertain your children this Saturday with the community Midsummer Picnic, promising experiments, demonstrations, performances, food and fun. You can get involved in the Science Boffins’ show, meet Jones the Bones, make and launch a rocket, or just enjoy a picnic in the park. At Cumberland Market, NW1 3RH, 12 – 4pm, free, no need to book.
You can follow the Nature Network London Google calendar of events in London at https://blogs.nature.com/london/2011/05/17/scientific-events-calendar. Updated daily.