World renowned physicist Jim Gates describes his efforts to follow such a path and create a clearer understanding to a theory ...

From the first electrical transformer to the tube that told us why the sky is blue, view the actual objects scientists of the Royal Institution built in some of the world's most famous experiments.

The Royal Institution was founded to 'introduce new technologies and teach science to the general public through lectures and demonstrations'. We've been connecting people to science for over 200 ...

These liquids are some of the first examples of metallic gold colloids, made by Michael Faraday over 150 years ago. These liquids are the first examples of metallic gold colloids. They were made, ...

Why join the Royal Institution as a member? The Ri is a charity that brings the public and scientists together to share their interest and passion for science. We empower people to explore and get ...

Faraday created the first transformer in August 1831. A few months later he designed and made this simple piece of apparatus based on his ring, developing the first-ever electric generator. This is ...

The first surviving Faraday apparatus, dating from 1822, demonstrates his work in magnetic rotation. Faraday used this mercury bath to transform electrical energy into mechanical energy, creating the ...

The first ever prototype of Davy’s miner’s safety lamp. Created in 1815, it prevented the methane gas present in the depths of the mines from reacting with the flame and exploding. Following a number ...

Other Professorships Emeritus Professor of Science, Culture and Society 2015– Gail Cardew Professor of History of Science 2004–2019 Frank AJL James Professors of Mathematics 1983–1995 Erik Christopher ...

Professor of Chemistry, 1963-1966 Fullerian Professor of Chemistry, 1966-1988 Director, 1966-1986 Director of the DFRL, 1966-1986 Emeritus Professor, 1988-2002 Born in Stainforth, Yorkshire, he ...

Dr Chris van Tulleken reveals the revolutionary science inside our bodies when we eat, in the 2024 CHRISTMAS LECTURES from the Royal Institution, supported by CGI. Practising NHS doctor and leading ...

Humphry Davy was a chemist and inventor who invented the Davy lamp and a very early form of arc lamp. He was director of the Ri from 1801–1825. Born in Penzance, Sir Humphry Davy attended Truro ...