On behalf of the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory:
We are really looking forward to our upcoming talks, and hope you’ll be able to join us! We’ll be looking at the fascinating Vera C Rubin Observatory, having a family-focused talk and activities with our friends at the Rosalind Franklin Institute and taking a look at dandelions and their unexpected connection to batteries!
- Talking Science: The Vera C. Rubin Observatory – Friday 17 April 19:15-20:15 (at the lab and online)
- To reserve tickets, please visit: https://Vera-Rubin.eventbrite.co.uk. Please do note the slightly later start-time of this event!
- The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is about to change how we see the Universe. Over the next decade, it will take regular wide-angle images of the night sky, creating a 10-year movie of cosmic activity, helping scientists learn more about dark matter, galaxy formation, our Solar System, and the history of the Milky Way. Dr Aprajita Verma (University of Oxford) will introduce the observatory and share the exciting discoveries we can expect from this groundbreaking project.
- The talk is recommended for ages 12+
- Family Talking Science: Fifi and Friends, Big Science in a Small World – Friday 29 May 13:30-16:00
- We often see images of tiny things like viruses in the news, but how do we know what they look like, and why is that important? Join Dr Mark Basham (Rosalind Franklin Institute), as we explore the world of the small, and why we need such big instruments to look at them. We will also look at the amazing Fifi (the llama), and the work she does to help understand, and even treat, new viruses.
- This in-person event will start with a short talk in our lecture theatre (which will be streamed online) followed by exciting, hands-on activities relating to the topic in our visitor centre. This in-person event will start promptly at 13:30 and will finish at 16:00. It is suitable for ages 7 and up, although this is just a guideline.
- To reserve tickets to join this event (the talk and the hands-on activities) in person, please visit: https://Fifi-and-friends.eventbrite.co.uk
- To join the talk online, please visit: https://online-FifiAndFriends.eventbrite.co.uk
- Talking Science: Under Pressure, the Secret Science of Super Strong Plants – Friday 5 June 19:00-20:00 (at the lab and online)
- To reserve tickets, please visit: https://Under-Pressure-Plants.eventbrite.co.uk
- Ever wondered how a dandelion pushes through solid pavement? Join Dr James Le Houx as he explores this everyday mystery using Diamond Light Source - a giant microscope the size of a stadium. In this talk, you’ll gain a new appreciation for the humble dandelion and see how surprising connections in science can lead to big breakthroughs: this fascinating research also connects to cutting-edge work on building better, more sustainable batteries for phones, cars, and a greener future.
- This talk is recommended for ages 12+
We’re also looking forward to the next Inside Diamond day, on Saturday 30 May – the application ballot is now open (closing Sunday 3 May). This is a fantastic chance to see inside the particle accelerator and experimental laboratories and meet the team who work here. A typical visit lasts approximately 2.5 hours and includes an introductory talk, a guided tour and an opportunity to engage with demonstrations and activities run by Diamond staff, users and partners. You can enter the ballot here: https://www.diamond.ac.uk/Public/Public/Inside-Diamond-Public-Open-Days.html
Finally, a couple of dates for your diary! On Tuesday 4 August we’re going to be at the Vale & Downland Museum in Wantage, with hands-on family activities. We’re also going to be celebrating the near-total solar eclipse, on Wednesday 12 August, with a special summer event at the lab – do keep an eye out for more updates on our website: https://www.public-engagement.stfc.ac.uk/