The best science events in London this week

Matt Brown

Public lectures

On 10 November, perhaps unwisely at lunch time, Nicola Davies talks about her new book on parasites, at the Natural History Museum. The Royal Institution’s historian, Prof Frank James, shares his thoughts on the fame of Michael Faraday on 13 November. The following evening, mathematicians Simon Singh and Marcus du Sautoy appear at UCL to regale the audience with numerical anecdotes.

On 14 November, Stanford’s Carl Djerassi, a pioneer of the contraceptive pill, pokes fun at scientific culture during a lecture at the Royal Society. The next day, Gresham College’s Ian Morison shows off some of the stunning imagery from the Hubble Space Telescope and other observatories. For a more philosophical probing of the cosmos, turn go instead to UCL, where Francisco Diego delivers a lunchtime lecture entitled Creation and evolution in the Universe: from the vast simplicity of pure energy to the tiny complexity of the human brain.’

Academic seminars

On 13 November, Fanis Missirlis from Queen Mary University of London talks at the NIMR about the cell biology of ferritin . Two seminars on robotics take place on 14 November. The first, at UCL, sees Kerstin Dautenhahn from the University of Hertfordshire discussing human-robot interaction. Later on, Inman Harvey from the University of Sussex speaks at Goldsmiths, University of London about the philosophy of robotics.

This week’s Mill Hill lecture, on 14 November, considers Pax genes in the formation and repair of skeletal muscle, and is delivered by Margaret Buckingham from the Institut Pasteur. The following day, Bruce Ponder looks at the genes implicated in breast cancer, at Cancer Research UK. Finally, on 15 November, V. Hugh Parry from the University of Southampton tells UCL’s Institute of Ophthalmology about the impact of systemic inflammation on the brain in health and disease.

Conferences and meetings

The Geological Society, currently celebrating its bicentenary, holds a two-day conference (12-13 November) to ponder the achievements of its members over the past two centuries. Over the same two days, the European Neuroscience and Society Network holds its inaugural conference at the Regent’s College Conference Centre. The Society aims to promote interdisciplinary discourse on neuroscience and how it will impact our society. On 16 November, the Genetics Society holds a meeting at the Royal Society devoted to the nematode worm C. elegans.

And finally…

The Wellcome collection takes visitors on a musical tour of the body on 15 November. The Clod Ensemble’s Fantastic Voyage uses music, performance and visuals to celebrate the ‘complex web of transport and communication systems operating inside our bodies’.

The best science events around town this week.

Matt Brown

Event of the week

An evening with Adam Hart-Davis, 7 November, Royal Institution

Baroness Greenfield talks to the avuncular broadcaster about his passion for science. Hart-Davis is well known in the UK for explaining the science behind everyday things, in such programmes as ‘What the Romans did for us’. The event is also notable as the first truly public talk at the Royal Institution since it closed for a major refurbishment two years ago.

Public events

Ian Gibson MP is at Birkbeck on 7 November to talk about bioethics and its influence on the political decision-making process. On the same day, Gresham College’s Robin Wilson continues his exploration of the history of numbers. The mathematical theme continues later that day when Jeremy Butterfield from the University of Cambridge talks at the Royal Society on emergent phenomena, fractals and infinity.

Artist Grace Weir, whose exhibition In My Own Time is currently on show at the Science Museum, is at the Dana Centre on 8 November to talk about her fascination with time, space and perception.

On 9 November, the Natural History Museum offers a glimpse of Arctic samples collected 200 years ago. The talk, Arctic Heroes, recounts the tales of polar explorers who carried out scientific work in extreme conditions—long before Gore-Tex was invented.

The Future of Sound, on 9 November, is described as a ‘sonic spectacular’ in the entrance hall of the British Library, featuring innovative use of surround sound and a selection of bizarre instruments.

Academic lectures

David Bishop-Bailey of the William Harvey Research Institute speaks at Imperial College on 5 November about novel nuclear receptor signalling pathways. On 6 November, Jonathan Gibbins from the University of Reading visits Imperial College to give a talk entitled New ways to turn platelets on: implications for haemostasis and thrombosis.

The Mill Hill lecture, on 7 November, sees Barry Dickson of the Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna discuss the genes and neurons that regulate Drosophila mating behaviour. On the same day, Rolf Würtz from the Institut für Neuroinformatik at Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Germany talks about organic computing for face and object recognition, at the Gatsby Unit, Queen Square.

Meetings and conferences

On 5–6 November, the Royal Society hosts a meeting addressing the health of public understanding of science research. A panel of international experts attempts to establish a global set of benchmarks and indicators for scientific literacy and culture.

A meeting at the Institution of Chemical Engineers on 6 November looks at recent progress towards a hydrogen economy. On 8–9 November, Informa Life Sciences hosts a conference at Regus Victoria to discuss regulatory affairs affecting biotechnology.

And finally…

Four commuters en route to a climate change conference find themselves at the mercy of the railway schedules. Huddled resignedly in a waiting room, they begin to talk amongst themselves…

Ever inventive, the Dana Centre has wrapped up the complex issues surrounding climate change into an evening of improvised performance. You influence the characters as they debate environmental issues from four different standpoints.

The best science events around town this week.

Matt Brown

Event of the week

Live Surgery, at the Wellcome Collection

Spurred on by a sell-out event in July, the Wellcome Collection offers the public another chance to witness open-heart surgery. Via a live video link, the audience can watch and ask questions of cardiothoracic surgeon Francis Wells at Papworth Hospital, as he reconstructs a heart valve.

Public events

On 30 October at the Croydon Clocktower, Ron Douglas from City University reveals how animals see through the inky depths of the oceans. The same evening, the Royal Society hosts a session on the importance of R&D to the UK economy, delivered by Imperial’s David Edgerton. The Dana Centre examines nightmares and sleep paralysis the following evening, as a Hallowe’en tie-in. On 1 November, UCL’s lunchtime lecture tackles the relationship between plants and global warming.

Do scientists and the media make good bedfellows? asks Imperial College on 1 November. Journalists from the Guardian, New Scientist and the BBC share a panel with Imperial academics. The session explores whether the media helps or hinders science, and forms part of Imperial’s centenary celebrations.

Academic seminars

On 31 October, Slawek Nasuto from the University of Reading talks at Goldsmiths, University of London about computing with neurons. The Mill Hill Lecture, on the same day, explores diabetes from molecule to malady. The seminar, at the National Institute for Medical Research, is given by Frances Ashcroft from the University of Oxford. On 1 November, Polly Matzinger from the US National Institutes of Health delivers the enigmatically titled Is Cancer Dangerous? at Cancer Research UK.

Meetings

The London Structural Biology Club gets together on 30 October at Birkbeck College. Speakers include Anne Dell from Imperial College and Jon Wilson from the Institute of Cancer Research. On 1–2 November, the Zoological Society of London holds a meeting on the trade-offs in conservation. With limited resources and so many endangered species, how do we decide what to save?

And finally…

Don’t forget Nature Network London’s monthly drinks evening on 31 October. Join our discussion forum to ask questions and continue conversations.

The best science events around town this week.

Matt Brown

Event of the week

We are living in a time of loss, claims Canadian journalist Terry Glavin. A ‘sixth great extinction’ is upon us, during which one animal species perishes every 10 minutes. Languages and traditions are also disappearing fast. Glavin discusses this bleak picture at Millers Academy of Arts and Science on 22 October. The talk is not without optimism, however, as Glavin ‘uncovers the hidden story of a long human struggle to conserve the living things in the world, and finds hope in unexpected places’.

Public lectures

Spare parts – one day you might need them forewarns the Dana Centre on 23 October. Experts on tissue banking discuss the legislation and ethics of transplants and tissue donation.

On 24 October, the British Interplanetary Society presents three speakers with rival plans for getting humans to Mars. Hear about the engineering challenges and possible solutions. One of this week’s Gresham lectures also looks to the heavens. On 26 October, Professor Ian Morison describes the tools and techniques that furnish us with a ‘surprisingly accurate idea’ of the size, age and makeup of the Universe.

The Royal Society hosts a talk by Ottoline Leyser from the University of York on 24 October. She discusses how plants — in the absence of a brain or nervous system — react to stimuli.

The following day, the Wellcome Collection presents three lectures on auditory hallucinations. Ten percent of people ‘hear voices’ at some point in their life. The talks will address why this happens, how it can be treated and whether it should be treated at all.

On 26 October, Simon Chaplin from the Hunterian Museum at the Royal College of Surgeons talks at the Royal Society about the private trade in corpses for dissection

during the 18th century.

Academic lectures

On 22 October, Colin Crump from the University of Cambridge visits Imperial to discuss cytoplasmic assembly of HSV-1. The same day, Patrick Cavanagh from Harvard University is at the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience to talk about the coordinates of attention. On 23 October, Imperial’s Sebastian Barg looks at insulin secretion on the scale of individual granules and single molecules.

Weekly round-up of the best science events in London.

Matt Brown

Events of the week

To mark today’s Nobel Peace Prize for Al Gore and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, this week’s featured events all have an environmental flavour. The Science Museum launches a new exhibition on 18 October called Can Algae Save The World?, which looks at biofuels. In the Museum’s words, ’The exhibition aims to empower visitors to cut through the media hype and make their own decisions about new technologies.’

On 15 October, the Royal Society of Medicine kicks off a series of events on climate change and health. The next day, Umut Cetin from the London School of Economics discusses the carbon emission markets, at King’s College Strand campus. Then on 17 October, the British Library presents Bob Spicer and Nigel Clark from the Open University, who will talk about the everyday disasters we can expect from global warming, such as changes to migration patterns and amphibian mutation.

Public talks

James Watson, co-discoverer of the DNA double-helix, rolls into town on 19 October. The often outspoken septuagenarian delivers a talk at the Dana Centre to promote his new book Avoid Boring People. You can expect controversy.

Gresham College looks into London’s past on 15 October. Peter Barker, Head of Map Collections at The British Library, talks about the city’s cartography from 1250 to 1900. On the same day, the Royal Society holds an evening exploring the nature and causes of criminality. Novelists Fay Weldon and John Banville are joined by James Blair from the US National Institute of Mental Health and Terrie Moffitt, Professor of Social Behaviour and Development at the Institute of Psychiatry in London.

On 16 October, Sheffield University’s Tony Ryan delivers the Ellison Cliffe Lecture on Nanotechnology and the quest for motility at the Royal Society of Medicine. The following day, the Geological Society of London explores volcanoes, courtesy of the appropriately named Steve Sparks from the University of Bristol.

The Campaign for Science and Engineering holds its annual lecture at the Wellcome Collection on 17 October. David Willetts, MP, the Shadow Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, talks about science and education. Return to the Wellcome Collection the following evening for a panel discussion about anorexia.

Academic seminars

On 15 October at the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, one of the world’s foremost experts on autism, Simon Baron-Cohen from the University of Cambridge, talks about the possible connection between autism and scientific talent. The next day, UCL’s Stephen Nurrish tackles post-developmental roles for Rho GTPase at the National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill. Finally, on 18 October, Jens Bo Nielsen discusses sensory feedback, movement perception and motor control at the Institute of Neurology.

Meetings and conferences

Biopark Hertfordshire is the venue for the Rational Vaccines Against Cancer meeting on 16 October. Persistent violent behaviour comes under the microscope on 16–17 October at the Royal Society, during a conference on the neurobiology of disorder. Finally, UCL Advances hosts its First Technology Innovation Forum on 16 October. The afternoon meeting is themed around imaging technology, and brings together decision-makers from industry with academic researchers.

Courses and workshops

A two-day workshop (16–17 October) at the National Heart and Lung Institute, St Mary’s Medical School, looks at practical applications of flow cytometry. Day 1 covers the basics via lectures, and Day 2 provides practical experience. On 19 October, Sense About Science holds a media workshop for physical sciences and engineering researchers. Broadcasters and journalists reveal tips of the trade and offer practical advice.

And finally…

In a running theme this week, the Dana Centre casts a cautious eye at criminality—specifically, yob Culture, the supposedly British malaise of behooded and thuggish youths intimidating the general public. What are the psychological causes of this phenomenon, and what can we do about it? An expert panel debates.

Browse the 100 scientific events happening over the next week listed in our Events Calendar.

Weekly roundup of the best science events in London.

Matt Brown

Event of the week

London’s Tube network is a complicated beast, whose safe operation is crucial for London’s economic success. On 10 October, David Waboso, Director of Engineering for London Underground Ltd describes the engineering challenges in running such a system – from cooling the Tube to maximising the efficiency of control systems to get the most out of Victorian infrastructure. The event takes place at the Royal Academy of Engineering and is followed by an optional dinner.

Public talks

Moth enthusiasts should flock to the Natural History Museum on 6 October. Hear how an NHM scientist took to the rainforest canopy of Madagascar in a giant balloon, to study exotic moth species. Give your brain a work out on 8 October, as Octavius Black’s Mind Gym comes to Millers Academy of Arts and Science in W2.

On 10 October, the Dana Centre invites climate-change sceptics to a discussion with with plant, animal and weather experts. The following day at the Wellcome Collection, a GP and brain consultant describe efforts to humanise the healthcare system by encouraging doctors to listen more to their patients’ stories and even write about their encounters.

Finally, on 12 October, the Royal Society celebrates its longstanding relationship with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Most of Kew’s Directors have been Fellows of the RS and the two bodies have often supported one another. Professor Simon Owens, Head of Strategic Projects at the Gardens, talks about ongoing collaborations.

Academic lectures

On 8 October, Gaia Scerif of the University of Oxford talks at the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience on developmental disorders and what they reveal about the neuroscience of attention and control. On the same day, Alexandre Akoulitchev, also from Oxford, visits Imperial College to discuss the regulation of transcription by non-coding RNA.

Michael Dustin from the Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine (New York) is in town on 10 October to deliver a Mill Hill lecture. His talk at the National Institute for Medical Research presents a dynamic view of the immunological synapse. On 12 October, UCL hosts National Institutes of Health researcher Jeff Diamond, who reveals how neuronal transporters limit synaptic activation of NMDA receptors in the hippocampus.

Meetings/conferences

The 15th Anniversary Biopartnering Europe event takes place on 7–9 October at the QEII Conference Centre. The event brings closer ties between biotech companies using an innovative ‘open house format’. A related event, the Biotechnology Business Exchange, takes place on 10 October around the corner at the DBERR Conference Centre. Sticking with the theme, the Fourth Annual Asia Pacific BioScience Forum takes place on 10–11 October at 30 Finsbury Square.

On 12 October, the Royal Astronomical Society hosts two parallel meetings, in opposite wings of Burlington House. Specialist discussions take place at the Society of Antiquaries of London, followed by an Ordinary Meeting across the courtyard at the Geological Society.

Workshops

The Wellcome Trust has organised a public engagement workshop for scientists, taking place on 7 October at their its Gibbs Building headquarters. Two days later, the Science Media Centre offers advice for scientists about working with TV series and documentary makers. On 11 October, a workshop at the British Library addresses the needs of “part-time research students”.

And finally…

UCL’s Grant Museum brings a rediscovered classic of film back to life on 11 October. The Lost World (1925) is a black and white dino-fest based on a story by Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle. UCL’s Historian of Science Joe Cain introduces the film and brings us back to civilisation afterwards with a free glass of wine.

Weekly roundup of the best science events in London.

Matt Brown

Event of the week

Bjorn Lomborg, the ‘sceptical environmentalist’ from Copenhagen Business School, advocates long-term solutions to climate change, rather than expensive near-term CO2 cuts. He discusses this controversial standpoint on 2 October at the London School of Economics, to coincide with the release of his new book ‘Cool It’. Lomborg can also be heard in the ‘Podium’ section of next week’s Nature podcast.

Public talks

Professor Lord Robert Winston delivers Imperial’s Faculty of Medicine Prestigious Lecture on 2 October. The prolific broadcaster, author, and fertility specialist titles his speech ‘Manipulating the Human’.

On 3 October, Gresham College sums up 4,000 years of mathematics. Professor Robin Wilson gives the first lecture, on the history of geometry.

October 4 marks fifty years since the opening of the space age, with the launch of Sputnik 1. To mark the occasion, the Dana Centre examines the future of space exploration. Spacebots vs. spacemen asks whether we should colonise the planets or send only probes. Another spacey event on 5 October sees the Croydon Astronomical Society’s Paul Harper probing the early Soviet space programme.

Academic seminars

On 1 October, Iain Mcinnes from the University of Glasgow discusses the modification of cytokines in inflammatory arthritis, at Imperial’s Du Cane Road venue. David Price, from the University of Edinburgh, is at UCL on 4 October to give a talk about “axon navigation at the optic chiasm”.

Meetings and conferences

A two-day symposium on stem cell repair and regeneration begins on October 1 at the Hammersmith Conference Centre. On October 4, the Fourth Annual Science and Innovation Conference takes place at the QEII Conference Centre. Speakers include Phil Willis MP and Professor Sir Keith O’Nions from the Department of Trade and Industry.

BBSRC grant holders and students can attend a course on 2 October giving an introduction to the media. The course is at the Medical Research Council and ‘uses experienced practising radio and print journalists to introduce scientists to the workings of the media and to give them the confidence to deal with the media in the future’.

And finally…

Nature Network London has teamed up with the Royal Institution to present Searching for science at the Apple Store on 4 October. The evening examines how computer search methods are helping make sense of scientific data, and ways to search images based on their content. Speakers include Ewan Birney from EMBL, Jonathan Hare from the University of Southampton, and Nature’s Timo Hannay. The chair is technology pundit Bill Thompson, a regular guest on shows such as the BBC’s Digital Planet.

Weekly roundup of the best science events in London.

Matt Brown

Event of the week

Two Nobel laureates (David Baltimore and Harold Varmus) and Robert Gallo, the co-discoverer of the link between HIV and AIDS, are among the speakers at a two-day symposium next week at the Royal College of Physicians. Adventures in Virology and Cancer is held in honour of UCL’s Professor Robin Weiss, a pioneer of virology and HIV research.

Meetings and conferences

On 17 September, Stem Cell Summit Europe takes place at Gibson Hall in the City. The event is aimed at stem cell company executives, scientists and investors.

The Institute of Child Health hosts the 44th Inner Ear Biology Workshop on 16–19 September. The focus is on emerging ideas in sensory-neural hearing impairment.

The BMJ offers a master class for GPs on 17–18 September. The two-day event updates doctors about recent developments and regulations.

Finally, a careers fair for scientists, hosted by Naturejobs, takes place on 21 September. The Source Event brings together more than 600 researchers with scientific employers and offers a full programme of talks with career advice. If you’re interested in attending, check out our discussion forum.

Seminars

Danica Cvejanovic from the University of Western Australia speaks at UCL on 17 September about the probing of electron correlations and angular momentum effects by electron scattering from zinc atoms. On the same day, Akira Kikuchi from Hiroshima University describes the cellular functions regulated by Wnt signalling, at the NIMR in Mill Hill. Then, on 21 September, UCL gives the stage to Thomas W White from the State University of New York, Stony Brook, for a talk on connexin specialisation in lens growth and differentiation.

Public talks

The UK Stem Cell Bank in Potters Bar hosts an evening of public debate about the hope and hype of regenerative medicine. Speakers include Glyn Stacey (head of the Bank), Stephen Minger (a leading stem cell biologist from King’s College London), and Sarah Franklin (a social scientist from London School of Economics).

Gresham College marks the centenary of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene on 17 September with a lecture from the RSTMH’s Francis Cox on how infectious diseases spread through conquest and war.

The following day, the Natural History Museum relives the 1872 HMS Challenger expedition, which documented more than 4,000 new animal species during its 70,000-mile voyage, and later gave its name to the ill-fated US space shuttle.

Finally, on 20 September, the Linnean Society presents Mike Bruford, from Cardiff University, who speaks about the uses of molecular genetics to manage endangered species.

Weekly roundup of the best science events in London.

Matt Brown

Our events calendar lists 74 scientific events over the next week. Here are a selection of highlights.

Events of the week

Note the plural, for two of London’s learned societies celebrate important anniversaries next week. The Geographical Society of London marks its bicentenary with a conference (10–12 September). Half as old at a sprightly 100 years, the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene holds a three-day meeting on 13–15 September.

Conferences

The Advances in Virology conference, hosted by the Association of Applied Biologists, takes place at the University of Greenwich on 11–12 September, and focuses on plant virology.

UK GRAD holds its annual conference on 12 September. The meeting at Euston Novotel examines how the UK economy can benefit from the skills of postgraduates. The following day, UK Higher Education Researcher Development (UKHERD ) has its own annual conference at the same venue. Here, the focus is on growth and support of the UK researcher workforce.

Seminars

University seminar programmes are now in full swing once again. Highlights over the next week include neuroimaging (Charan Ranganath from University of California, Davis), bioelectric signals in embryonic development (Michael Levin from Harvard School of Dental Medicine), glial function in the nervous system (Ulrike Gaul from Rockefeller University), and chronic pain (Nick Rawlins from University of Oxford).

Public events

On 12 September, Gresham College dissects the Victorian reaction to a stellar explosion witnessed in 1859. The following day, the Hampstead Scientific Society provides a primer on adult stem cells.

The Zoological Society of London presents an evening dedicated to tiger conservation on 14 September. Other global issues are discussed in a series of events called ‘Saving Paradise’ over the weekend. Highlights include an all-night gamelan orchestra, and the launch of the ship Cape Farewell as it heads to the Arctic with a crew of climate ambassadors.

And Finally

An early pioneer of science documentaries is celebrated at the South Bank Centre on 9 September. Jean Painleve created more than 200 science and nature films from the 1920s to the 1960s. A screening of his best work gets a live musical accompaniment by ‘US artrockers’ Yo La Tengo.

Weekly roundup of the best science events in London.

Matt Brown

As we move into September, our London events calendar is beginning to swell out once again. Here are selected highlights from more than 40 scientific events over the next seven days.

Event of the week

One year ago, Anousheh Ansari became the first female space tourist. During her ten-day mission to the International Space Station, she also became the first astronaut of Iranian origin, the first female Muslim in space and the first offworlder to keep a blog. This remarkable woman, who put her name and money to the Ansari X-Prize, gives a short talk at Imperial College on 7 September, in conjunction with the British Interplanetary Society.

Conferences and meetings

The Lancet is embarking on a major series of articles examining mental health issues around the world. A one-day event on 3 September ushers in the Series on Global Mental Health with a distinguished line-up of speakers at the King’s College Franklin Wilkins Building.

Electrochem 07 takes place at Imperial College on 3–4 Sept. Confirmed speakers include Prof Richard Compton (Oxford), Prof R Mark Wightman (UNC) and Prof Yuri Korchev (Imperial).

On 4–8 September, the British Neuroscience Association hosts the 2007 European Glial Cell Meeting. The conference, at Imperial College, offers ‘nine plenary lectures, up to twenty-one symposia and extensive poster sessions’.

This week’s coolest conference takes place at the London College of Fashion on 5–7 September. The UK Polymer Showcase looks at the interface between science and fashion design, with sessions on polymer biomaterials, composite materials and much else.

Public talks

On 3 September, broadcaster Jonathan Miller courts controversy at the British Library with the provocatively titled Should science make religion defunct?. Another occasion to ponder the wider meaning of it all takes place on 7 September, when the Corydon Astronomical Society takes us on a 3-D tour of the Universe. Return almost, but not quite, back down to Earth on 6 September for a look at Europe’s weather satellites, courtesy of the Royal Aeronautical Society.

And finally…

On 5 September, the Barbican Centre begins a series of performances about one of the world’s greatest mathematical prodigies. A disappearing number is ‘a story about connections between ideas, cultures and times. In London a man attempts to unravel the secrets of his lover. In Bangalore a woman collapses on a train. In Cambridge in 1914 Englishman GH Hardy seeks to comprehend the ideas of the Indian prodigy Srinivasa Ramanujan.’ The play runs until 6 October.

Weekly roundup of the best science events in London.

Matt Brown

Now we’re at the height of summer, many venues have reduced events schedules, and we list just one seminar this week. Dr Yitzhak Pilpel of Israel’s Weizmann Institute delivers a talk on 21 August at UCL entitled ‘Coping with genetic and non-genetic perturbations’.

At the cultural end of the spectrum, several events take place around town over the next few days.

The Natural History Museum have an ongoing series of events they call ‘Nature Live’. Paleontologist Joe Botting splits open Welsh rocks in search of fossils on 18 August. Expect to see remnants of animals that populated the volcanic landscape of Wales 450 million years ago. On 20 August, a hands-on session linked to the Systema Metropolis exhibition teaches visitors about environmental sample collection. The next day, a Slavery and People event looks at the natural history records relating to the transatlantic slave trade.

The Science Museum rows out a temporary exhibit on 21 August. Pop along to the three-day attraction to play with the latest technology helping the Great Britain Rowing Team improve their oarsmanship.

Finally, on 22 August, a breakfast session at New London Architecture explores the use of digital techniques to create architectural facades.

Highlights of this week’s science events in London.

Matt Brown

Conferences and meetings

The International Conference on Optical, Optoelectronic and Photonic Materials and Applications (ICOOPMA 2007) takes place at Queen Mary University of London from 29 July to 3 August.

Sticking with optics, the Loughton Astronomical Society have an evening meeting on 2 August where astronomers can learn how to build an observatory for under £300.

Seminars

David Lyons from Stanford School of Medicine is at UCL on 1 August to talk about genetic analysis of myelinated axon development in zebrafish. On the same day, a PhD lecture from Boonserm Kaewkamnerdpong explores modelling nano-robot control using swarm intelligence.

Exhibitions and tours

Until December, the Hunterian Museum in Lincoln’s Inn Fields have a new exhibition about skin pigmentation and self image. A Visible Difference

coincides with the Bicentenary of the Parliamentary Abolition of the Slave Trade and runs until December.

Learn more about Sir Henry Wellcome on 2 August via a tour of the newly reopened Wellcome Library.

Finally, the Science Museum offers the chance to examine the UK’s first deep-sea robotic submarine. The ISIS sub is on show at the Antenna Gallery from 31 July to 2 August.

Public talks

The Croydon Café Scientifique on 31 July looks at the relative merits of moderate and vigorous exercise. Gary O’Donovan, a Research Fellow in exercise physiology at Brunel University discusses the effect of exercise intensity on aerobic fitness and other heart disease risk factors.

On 1 August, the British Library presents an evening examining the use of medicine and faith for healing. Michael King from UCL and writer Zia Sardar look at how the two seemingly opposed approaches might work together.

And finally…

Kew Bridge Steam Museum’s 90-inch Boulton & Watt and Maudslay beam engines are at full steam on 28 and 29 July. Learn about the working life of the Victorian pumping station.

Highlights of this week’s science events in London.

Matt Brown

Seminars

On 24 July, Imperial’s Nagy Habib discusses clinically applicable hydrodynamic gene delivery to the liver. The talk, part of a joint seminar series in cell biology and nanoscience, takes place in the Sir Alexander Fleming Building.

Mark Blows from the University of Queensland is at UCL on 26 July to talk about the genetic limits to evolutionary change. The following day, Nathalie Franc from the MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology is also at UCL to discuss the phagocytosis of apoptotic cells by Drosophila macrophages.

Public talks

The Wellcome Collection brings together a surgeon, a psychologist and an organ transplant recipient on 26 July. Areas of discussion include ways to increase the number of organ donors and what it is like to receive someone else’s heart.

On 23 July, the Natural History Museum looks at the threat to penguins from climate change. Last week, new evidence was published showing that penguin diet has changed markedly in recent centuries because of human activity. NHM scientist Mike Dunn reveals the past, present and future of the flightless birds.

The Dana Centre holds two notable evening events next week. On 24 July, learn what it takes to become an astronaut with a series of psychological and physical challenges. On 26 July, Richard Wiseman from the University of Hertfordshire reveals the chemical secrets of the chili pepper. Tasting opportunities are available for those with iron tongues.

And finally…

Don’t forget the Nature Network London drinks on Wednesday, now in its fifth installment.

Highlights of this week’s science events in London.

Matt Brown

Conferences

The Sixth European Biophysics Congress is at Imperial College 14–19 July. A satellite meeting on computational biophysics takes place on 19 July, also at Imperial. Meanwhile, the British Library hosts the International Crime Science Conference on 16–17 July.

Public talks

The British Library, in association with the Wellcome Collection, explores Islam and medicine on 19 July. Physicians from Western and Islamic traditions discuss their respective systems. A provocative debate on 16 July asks Parents or Parliament: embryo testing, who decides?. Three panellists from UCL, the British Pregnancy Advisory Service and Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals discuss where responsibility lies for the genetic screening of embryos.

Academic seminars

Steven Schofield, of the University of Newcastle, Australia describes a path to atomic-scale devices at UCL on 16 July. The following day, Le Trinh from Caltech’s Beckman Institute is at the NIMR to deliver a seminar entitled ‘Dissecting development through a protein trap approach in zebrafish’. On 18 July, Arul Lakshminarayan from Dresden University discusses spins and quantum information at UCL.

Courses

The University of Westminster School of Biosciences is holding a week-long course (18–22 July) to cover the essential processes in the production of monoclonal antibodies by phage display. Meanwhile, Informa Life Sciences hosts a two-day introduction (17–18 July) to toxicology for the non-specialist, at Portland House, Stag Place.

And finally…

A trumpet recital, on the face of it, is not the most scientific of events. However, this one features Nature’s former Physical Sciences Editor, Laura Garwin. Pieces by Schubert and modern musicians can be heard at Lincoln’s Inn Chapel on 17 July.

Highlights of this week’s science events in London.

Matt Brown

Event of the week

How the media promotes the public misunderstanding of science, with media critic Ben Goldacre, 26 June, Friend’s Meeting House

Ben Goldacre has made a name for himself as a science journalism watchdog, highlighting egregious reporting and conflicts of interest. Hear some of his best tales on Tuesday at this event from the Royal Institution.

Workshops and conferences

The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene is running a course on 27 June for postgraduate researchers interested in working in this field. The workshop is at the Royal Geographical Society.

Materials of Invention (25 June, The Building Centre) and Advances in the Chemistry and Physics of Complex Materials (25–27 June, UCL) will appeal to material scientists. The latter conference celebrates the 60th birthday of UCL’s Professor Richard Catlow.

On 25 June, the Royal Society of Chemistry holds a meeting for those interested in ‘developing alternatives to animal testing and raising awareness of the emerging technologies and innovations in this field’.

Public talks

The Natural History Museum hosts another Nature Live event (nothing to do with us) on 26 June. ‘Under the Antarctic Ice’ explores the diversity of this extreme polar environment. Continuing the watery theme, AbuBakr Bahaj from the University of Southampton presents ways to harness marine energy. He speaks at the RSA, also on 26 June. HRH The Duke of Edinburgh chairs the talk.

Fans of the television program, CSI might like to attend Croydon’s Café Scientifique on 26 June. Stephen Hempling talks us through forensic medicine at the Clocktower. If you’re still stuck for something to do that day, the Dana Centre debates the green credentials of the Beijing and London Olympics.

Tech-heads can get their fix on 28 June with a session on silicon animals at the Institution of Engineering and Technology. David Harel from the Weizmann Institute and Stephen Muggleton from Imperial provide an update on the use of computers to model animal behaviour.

And finally…

Don’t forget the Nature Network London drinks on Wednesday. Same time, same place.

Browse a further 80 scientific events over the next week in our events calendar

Highlights of this week’s science events in London

Matt Brown

Conferences and symposiums

The Guardian Climate Change Summit, at Victoria Park Plaza on 11 June, explores ways for businesses to prepare for and combat climate change. High profile speakers include Ken Livingstone, Sir David King, Ian Pearson MP, Chris Huhne MP and Jonathon Porritt.

The Zoological Society of London hosts a scientific meeting on global amphibian decline on 12 June.

On 14 June, the Royal Academy of Engineering examines the hot issue of biofuels, in an academy briefing.

Academic lectures

On 12 June, Daniel Davis from Imperial’s Department of Biological Sciences discusses the cell biology of lymphocyte activation. On the same day, Henry Hamilton Roehl from the University of Sheffield tackles genetic analysis of zebrafish musculoskeletal development, at NIMR. Sticking with genetics, Allan Bradley from the Sanger Institute talks about tumour suppressor mouse knockouts at Imperial’s Hammersmith campus.

On 13 June, catch one of the lead authors of the recent IPCC report on climate change. Jonathan Gregory, from the University of Reading, explains the key findings and recommendations at the Institute of Physics.

Other highlights include space-based radar, small RNAs in C. elegans development, and cell based assays for high content screening.

Public events

The Natural History Museum opens a temporary exhibition on June 15 looking at the biodiversity of London. Systema Metropolis is an artist’s view of London’s biodiversity. Alternatively, you could try one of the NHM’s lunchtime talks. On 9 June, they present some of the more obscure specimens from their 70-million-strong collection.

And finally…

Prof Carl Djerassi was one of the key players in the development of the oral contraceptive pill. He’s also a novelist and playwright. A reading from his play Pornography in the age of technical reproduction can be enjoyed at the Freud Museum on 14 June.

Highlights of this week’s science events in London

Matt Brown

Event of the week

In Linnaeus’ Wake – 300 years of marine discovery

1 June

This conference at Burlington House will focus on marine taxonomy over the past 300 years. As the Linnean Society points out, ‘in the age of DNA sequencing and deep-sea robotic submarines, much of marine science is still in the ‘discovery phase’, just as it was in Linnaeus’ day’. Afterwards, delegates with sea-legs can attend an evening reception aboard the classic Swedish ship Götheborg, currently berthed at West India Docks.

Conferences and meetings

It’s all about sustainability this week. A major policy meeting to discuss the UK’s energy strategy will be held at 1 Whitehall Place on 31 May. A half-day workshop at the Institution of Chemical Engineers will ‘introduce delegates to the principles of industrial sustainability.’ The corporate response to climate change will be discussed at the CBI Conference Centre 29-31 May. Meanwhile, the Royal Institute of British Architects will host a one-day event on sustainable architecture on 30 May.

For those interested in alternative scientific careers, a London Biotechnology Network meeting on 29 May (DTI Conference Centre) is highly recommended. Delegates will hear about careers in science policy, technology transfer, business development, investment and law.

Academic seminars

The Natural History Museum, in association with Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, will host an evening devoted to infectious diseases and vector control on 30 May. An international line-up will present on trypanosomiasis vector control in Africa and Latin America, and the scaling-up of malaria prevention in Africa.

On the same day, Julian Downward of Cancer Research UK will be at Imperial’s Hammersmith campus to talk about his investigation of Ras oncogene signaling networks using functional genomics.

Public events

Former Famelab finalist Davina Bristow will fill the Croydon Café Scientifique with good vibes on 29 May. She will provide a neuroscientific look at what attracts people to one another. On the same evening, the Dana Centre will also look to the brain, as a source for artistic inspiration. If you like your science with a touch of humour, return to the Dana Centre the following night to see the Punk Science comedians. Finally, from 26 May, the Science Museum’s Imax screen will show a new movie about dinosaurs.

And finally…

Don’t forget, Nature Network London also hosts events. On 30 May, and on the last Wednesday of every month, we will welcome a diverse cross-section of London’s science sector to informal drinks at the Lamb, on Lamb’s Conduit Street. All welcome.

Highlights of this week’s science events in London

Matt Brown

Event of the week

Café Scientifique. Is Homo Sapiens Just Another Animal?

BelowZero, 31–33 Heddon Street, 24 May

UCL’s Steve Jones is the familiar face headlining this month’s Café Scientifique. The geneticist, broadcaster and prize-winning author will be joined by Klas Kullander from Uppsala University for this provocatively titled debate. Join in the informal discussion at the swanky BelowZero, which contains a bar made entirely from blocks of Swedish ice. Sure beats the lecture theatre.

Conferences and meetings

While many researchers seek ways to degrade plastics, an unusual conference at the V&A (23–25 May) brings together scientists, artists and designers to discuss the conservation of plastic objects. It’s the first conference of its kind in the UK, and you could say they broke the mold when they put this one together. The meeting coincides with a major new plastics exhibition at the Science Museum.

On 19 May, early-career science communicators from across the UK will get together at Imperial College to discuss their field. In their own words, “Plans for this conference grew out of a sense that we, as researchers studying the interactions between science and publics [sic], knew that there was a lot of exciting work going on in this field but that we never met the other people doing it!”. Abstracts are available .

The Royal Society of Chemistry will hold an evening meeting on 23 May to examine advances in solar technology. Talks include The Future of Photochemistry, Plastic Electronics, Dye Sensitised Solar Cells for the 21st Century and Bisolar Energy.

Seminars

A trio of seminars next week will address neurodegeneration. On 21 May, Dr Alan Dangour of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine will discuss whether nutrition holds any clues to successful cognitive ageing. Then, Dr Richard Wade-Martins of the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics will address molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration at Imperial on 22 May. On the same day, Dr Jason Warren from UCL’s Department of Neurology will present the intriguingly titled ‘From molecules to music: what can dementia tell us about the brain?’.

Public lectures

Fans of the natural world will get a double treat this week. On 22 May, at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Dr Nicholas Harberd will describe his painstaking studies of a single Thale-cress plant (Arabidopsis) growing on a Victorian tombstone in Norwich. This unlikely subject led to a book, Seed to Seed, which is described as ‘a dazzling evocation of the beauty of the natural world’. On 23rd May, head over to Ham House to hear Jenny Uglow talk about Thomas Bewick, the artist ‘whose wildlife illustrations shaped Britain’s love affair with nature at the end of the 18th century and beyond’.

Finally, enjoy a bit of a maths puzzle at Gresham College on 22 May when Prof. Timothy Gowers of Cambridge University will ask ‘Multiplying and dividing whole numbers: why it is more difficult than you might think?’.

See our full listings for all 60 scientific events taking place in London over the next week.

Highlights of this week’s science events in London

Matt Brown

Event of the week

A Celebration of the tercentenary of the birth of Carl Linnaeus

ZSL London Zoo, 8 May, 6pm

Pioneering taxonomist Carl Linnaeus was born 300 years ago this year. The Linnean Society of London is marking the anniversary with a year-long programme of events, including this quartet of lectures in collaboration with the Zoological Society of London.

The evening begins with a précis of Linnaeus and his legacy. Other talks will discuss ZooBank (an electronic index of taxonomic names and nomenclature), the impact of molecular techniques on species classification, and taxonomy and the web. A three-course dinner follows the talks for which booking is essential.

Seminars and workshops

On 8 May, Professor Jean-Laurant Casanova from the University of Paris will speak at Imperial College on the human genetics of infectious diseases. On the same day, Steven Minger will deliver the annual Edmond J Safra Memorial Lecture at King’s College, on advances in Parkinson’s disease research. Queen Mary University’s Pankaj Vadgama will give a talk on 10 May about designer interfaces for biosensors and biomaterials. That one will be at the Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining, 1 Carlton House Terrace.

An all-day workshop on 11 May will be of interest to supervisors of PhD students. UK GRAD hosts a Good Practice Workshop focusing on how to guide students through their transition from the middle to the end stages of PhD work. The course will be held at the School of Oriental and African Studies.

And finally…

For something a little lighter, take a tour of eighteenth century Holborn on 11 May. The route will take in the Hunterian Museum of surgical history, as well as the Sir John Soane’s Museum and Samuel Johnson’s House.

Highlights of this week’s science events in London

Matt Brown

Event of the week

So you want to be a brain surgeon?

Dana Centre, 2 May, 7pm

The Dana Centre has a reputation for holding science evenings that do away with the traditional lecture format. An event on 2 May will continue that tradition. It will include a series of talks on the past, present and future of neurosurgery followed by a somewhat bizarre bit of practical work. According to the programme notes, ‘Some of the latest surgical technology and instruments will be demonstrated. Then it is your turn. And this is where the jelly and eggs come in.’ Participants can attempt ‘mock procedures’ on this very low-tech model of the brain, while professional neurosurgeons look on.

Meetings and conferences

The monthly meeting of the London Regenerative Medicine Network will take place on 30 April. Distinguished speakers include the President and CEO of Geron Corporation, Tom Okarma.

To mark ME Awareness Month, healthcare professionals and researchers will attend the ME/CFS Conference (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome) on 1–2 May. Dr Ian Gibson MP will deliver the keynote speech, in his capacity as chair of the Parliamentary Inquiry into ME.

Seminars

Professor Edward Marcotte of the University of Texas at Austin will lecture on systems biology analysis of protein interaction networks at King’s College (Guy’s Campus) on 3 May.

On 30 April, Dr Bruno Averbeck will give a talk at the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience entitled ‘Representation of communication stimuli in the prefrontal cortex’.

Evening events

On 2 May, Steve Austin of EADS Astrium will describe the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) satellite system. Data from GMES will support ‘the understanding of climate change and the impact of adaptation strategies as well as assisting disaster response and long-term development planning’. The UK Government is deciding whether to become a major funding partner. Hear the arguments at the British Interplanetary Society.

Johnny Ball must have been responsible for inspiring more than a few scientific careers. The energetic communicator has been enthusing young minds for decades through his broadcasts and lectures. Catch him at the Royal Society on 1 May.

Highlights of this week’s science events in London

Matt Brown

Event of the Week

Environmental Genomics: Genes in the Environment

Church House Conference Centre, Westminster

April 16, 2007 10am-4pm

What can genetics tell us about environmental issues? The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) has invested £16.5 million to explore this question. Genes in the Environment concludes a five-year research programme that has examined the roles genes play in adaptation, environmental health, pollution, disease and ecosystems. A summary of the programme’s findings and achievements will be provided at this meeting, which is aimed at a general audience including government members, policy makers, regulators, industry, conservation bodies and the wider public.

Science business

A trio of industry gatherings loom. Life Science Alliances World 2007 (April 16–18) is a partnering event with an impressive list of speakers. The 3rd London Biotech Investment Forum (April 20, London Stock Exchange) is a networking opportunity for small companies to hook up with investors. Meanwhile, CEOs might consider attending the 2007 Bioleadership Summit, organised by the BioIndustry Association (April 19-20, contact the BIA for venue details).

Seminars

University College London have arranged a double seminar on cancer research for April 19. Kevin Harrington of the Institute of Cancer Research will discuss ‘physical and biological targeted therapy for head and neck cancer’, and the Sanger Institute’s Stephan Beck will describe reverse phenotyping.

Up in Mill Hill, the National Institute for Medical Research host a talk by Venki Ramakrishnan from the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge. He will discuss the use of crystallography to probe ribosomal structure and functional states.

Evening events

The Royal Institution’s series on polymathy continues on Wednesday, when John Whitfield talks about ’science’s most successful failure’ D’Arcy Wentworth Thompson.

Finally, relax in the Dana Centre’s d.cafe on 18 April, where actors will imagine the world in 2025. A debate on future global issues such as ‘carbon credits, expensive fuel and global health inequality’ will follow.

Highlights of this week’s science events in London

Matt Brown

Event of the week

Monitoring the Earth", Burlington House, 11 April, 5.30pm

The Geological Society of London presents the fourth in their bicentennial lecture series on Wednesday. Tim Wright from Oxford University will discuss the use of satellite data for monitoring the planet. According to Wright: “Although we may never be able to predict precisely when earthquakes or eruptions will occur, in the future we will be able to identify areas most at risk, and provide medium-term hazard forecasts”.

Other events

A couple of lunchtime seminars catch the eye. On 11 April, Frank Edenhofer from the University of Bonn will talk about the engineering of stem cells at the MRC Clinical Sciences Centre. The following day, Cancer Research UK host Stephen Cohen of EMBL for a lecture on microRNA functions.

If you want to try something more unusual over the long weekend, The Kew Bridge Steam Museum has the answer. Their ‘90-inch Boulton & Watt and Maudslay beam engines’ will be in full steam Saturday through Monday – a rare chance to see Victorian engineering in operation. Behind the scenes tours are also available.

From 10 April, the Old Operating Theatre becomes a performing theatre. Two corpse-laden plays with medical themes – ‘The Bodysnatcher’ and ‘The Gift’ – can be seen every night until the 28th April.

Finally, a quirky Easter event. On 9 April, The Natural History Museum will put on an informal talk about the egg. ‘Exquisitely adapted for their function, eggs [are] masterpieces of beauty, utility and strength. Explore their nature, form and diversity, from the minute egg of the humming bird to the grand architecture of the ostrich egg’.

Highlights of this week’s science events in London

Matt Brown

Event of the Week

Ri and U3A out and about

Friend’s Meeting House, Euston Road, 3 April, 2–5 pm

Three renowned speakers are lined up for this annual collaboration between the Royal Institution and the University of the Third Age.

Bill McGuire, Director of the Benfield Hazard Research Centre at UCL, talks about supervolcanoes, asteroid impacts and other global threats. He describes ideas to combat such perils – from well-considered strategies to far-out speculation.

Salvador Moncada is Director of UCL’s Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research. His talk focuses on reactive oxygen species, and the mechanisms by which they can trigger cardiovascular disease.

Writer and broadcaster Vivienne Parry concludes with an overview of hormones. According to the RI, she will ‘explain the myriad ways these powerful and mysterious slaves of the body’s communication system affect us, and the controversy and outrage that so often accompany them’.

Other events

The Society of Chemical Industry hosts a meeting on Tuesday to discuss advances in polymer science and supramolecular chemistry. Two of the seven speakers will receive awards from the Macro Group for service to the development of polymer science – Sébastien Perrier (University of Leeds) and Dave Haddleton (University of Warwick).

With the onset of spring, the lecture hall might seem unappealing. Take science into the garden, as two venues reopen their gates on April 1st.

Chelsea Physic Garden was founded in 1673 to train apothecaries, and this medical connection persists. The Pharmaceutical Garden contains plants of therapeutic value, while the Garden of World Medicine harbours species used in traditional remedies from around the globe.

The Wildlife Garden at the Natural History Museum bills itself as ‘the only living exhibition at the Museum’. The garden is a haven for British wildlife in the inner city.

The more technically minded can cool off over a beer on Tuesday. The Flag and Bell Tech Pub Crawl is ‘a free, networking event for anyone interested in search engines, web technology and the Internet’. The evening begins at 6pm in Smiths of Smithfield.

Highlights of this week’s science events in London

Matt Brown

Event of the week

Outstanding questions for the standard cosmological model

Imperial College, March 26-29

Leading cosmologists come together for four days this week at Imperial College to examine shortcomings in the standard cosmological model. Lawrence Krauss (author of Quintessence and The Physics of Star Trek) and Roger Blandford of Stanford University will be among speakers at ‘Outstanding questions for the standard cosmological model’.Carlo Contaldi of Imperial’s Theoretical Physics Group will open the meeting. “We’re really trying to question the paradigm here,” he explains. “Some of the topics might be described as a little on the controversial side.”

Other events

Imperial also welcomes the Second UK Stem Cell meeting , on 27 March. Stem cell development is controlled by chemical tags on cells’ DNA called epigenetic marks. The meeting focuses on ways of manipulating this mechanism for medical use. Scientists interested in business opportunities in this arena could look in on the London Technology Network’s regenerative medicine networking event the following day.

For World TB Day on 24 March, attention will turn to infectious diseases. Perhaps inspiration can be gained from the eradication of smallpox in the 1970s. Larry Brilliant, now at Google.org, played a leading role in that program, and shares his experiences on 28 March. Gordon Conway, President of the Royal Geographical Society, will describe another pressing issue for the developing world on 26 March – chronic hunger. Nearly a billion people worldwide are malnourished. Does science hold solutions, and will climate change threaten efforts? Images purporting to show the effects of global warming on the UK can be viewed at the same venue, followed by a debate on Wednesday. Both preempt the National Trust’s Exposed! exhibition.

Meanwhile, the ever inventive Dana Centre has found a scientific way to mark 200 years since the abolition of slavery. On 29 March, a group of geneticists and historians will demonstrate ways to trace ancestry through DNA.