Archive by category | Royal Institution

Scientists and journalists need different things from science: the follow-up

Scientists and journalists need different things from science: the follow-up

Last week’s Royal Institution debate on science reporting in the media has stirred up a whole range of discussions online, from the role of science media centres to the hottest question of the night: whether science journalists should be reading the primary literature behind their story. The discussion raged on Twitter during the debate and afterwards, with one side arguing that no journalist could ever understand all the papers they need to cover, even in a narrow field of reporting, with the other claiming that it is a basic part of the job, and to fail is, in the words of Ed Yong, malpractice.  Read more

Science Pub Quiz: Next Monday

Just a reminder that the next science-themed ‘pub’ quiz takes place at the Royal Institution next Monday. Turn up for a 7pm start (although I’d advise getting there around 6.30-6.45 to be sure of a table in the main room. As usual, I’ll be co-hosting with Martin Davies from the Royal Institution. Entry costs £2 per person and you can take part in teams of up to five. The winners get a big old pot of money. Hopefully see some of you there (and that means you, Nature staffers).  Read more

Other Universes And An Actual Royal At The Royal Institution

Other Universes And An Actual Royal At The Royal Institution

What’s the life story of our universe? Are there other universes, and what might they look like? All questions for Professor John D. Barrow, delivering last night’s packed Royal Institution lecture. Indeed, the Royal Institution came with added royals. We found ourselves in the august presence of the Duke of Kent (he’s the Queen’s cousin or, for anyone who saw the King’s Speech, the nephew of Colin Firth and Mike off of Neighbours). Prewarned about the blue-blooded audience member, I took a position at the side of the room so as to better observe the Duke’s reactions to the lecture.  Read more

Next Royal Institution Science Pub Quiz: 17 January

Time once again to flag up the Royal Institution’s science pub quiz. It takes place on 17 January in the RI’s Time and Space bar. As usual, your quizmasters are myself and the Institution’s Martin Davies. Entrance will be £2 per person, with teams of up to five people. The winning team will win a cash prize. We’re thinking of mixing up the format a little this time round, with perhaps more rounds of fewer questions. Hope to see a few of you there.  Read more

Royal Institution Christmas Lectures Start Tonight

The title almost says it all. The world’s most famous series of lectures*, now in their 185th year, are back on the BBC tonight. Materials scientist Mark Miodownik of Kings College London takes ‘size’ as the theme of his talks, which should be interesting on…ahem…a number of levels.  Read more

Next Royal Institution Science Pub Quiz

I’m afraid I’m going to be regaling you with a veritable udon soup of quizzes over the next few weeks. I seem to be writing and/or hosting three over the next six weeks. More on the other two soon, but first the key details for the regular Royal Institution pub quiz.  Read more

How To Save The Royal Institution: A Personal Perspective

How To Save The Royal Institution: A Personal Perspective

Nature News reports that the Royal Institution is facing serious cash problems. The venerable organisation has had to dip into emergency funds supposedly ringfenced for other activities, and has been badly hit by the economic downturn. Last week, the Guardian reported that the institute’s Director, Susan Greenfield, has been asked to take a substantial pay cut and reduce her role. Things don’t look so good for the organisation, which recently spent £20 million to get the place ship-shape for the 21st Century. Both the Guardian and Nature use the word ‘crisis’. I spend a lot of time at the RI,  … Read more

Science pub quiz at Royal Institution this Monday

Title says it all, really. Please do come along for 60 sci-related puzzlers. It’s like A Question of Sport, only without celebrities and no What Happened Next? round. Oh, and it’s about science not sport. Join co-hosts me and Martin from the RI for a 7pm start. Entry is £2 per person with the winning team scooping the whole pot. Hope to see some of you there. More here  … Read more