The Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition returns for 2026, from 30 June to 5 July, with everything you need for a sensational summer in the heart of central London.
From formulating the perfect ice cream to the surprising physics of sand grains; a trip to the (microbe) zoo, and shocking weather courtesy of Europe’s only lighting lab, this free week-long festival of cutting-edge science has something for everyone.
The Summer Science Exhibition is a unique chance to meet the scientists and engineers behind some of the UK’s most exciting research, ask your questions and discover the ideas shaping the future. There are 13 interactive exhibits to explore, plus a daily-changing programme of inspiring talks, demos and activities throughout the week.
Feel the electricity as Cardiff University researchers showcase how making lightning in the lab helps keep planes safe and to understand our changing climate.
Try your hand at controlling Frank the Robot and learn about the challenges that remain for artificial intelligence to operate in the physical world with the team from the Oxford Robotics Institute.
Take a trip through soil, rivers and the human gut with Centre for Microbial Interactions’ Microbe Zoo and learn how microbial life plays a vital part in keeping us and the planet healthy.
Discover the science of healthy ageing and try out the University of Sussex’s Successful Ageing Tool to see how small life changes can help us stay well for longer.
Join a special celebration for one of the Society’s most beloved Fellows, Sir David Attenborough, with a weekend of nature-focused talks and activities to mark his 100th birthday.
The week of Summer Science will kick off with an exclusive schools-only day on Tuesday 30 June, before the public are invited in at 6pm for a late-night opening for adults only. Public entry for all ages is from 10am Wednesday 1 July.
On Friday 3 July – the eve of the Pride in London Parade 2026 – the Summer Science Exhibition will host its first ever Pride-themed evening, featuring a variety show inspired by the scientific themes of this year’s flagship exhibits, and talks on a range of subjects from the science of drag to the tech behind dating apps.
Dr Sandra Knapp, Royal Society Fellow and Chair of the Society’s Public Engagement Committee, said:
“Science tells the untold stories of our universe and the forces that shape our lives, from the formation of distant solar systems to the microscopic worlds inside us all.
“For more than 30 years the Royal Society’s Summer Science Exhibition has showcased exciting research from across the UK and offered visitors a chance to engage with the people behind those stories and hear first-hand about the excitement of being a scientist.
“From mysteries of the universe to a quest for safer cancer treatments, the treasures of natural history collections around the world, and a chance to celebrate the finest storyteller of them all, Sir David Attenborough, this year’s exhibition will have something new for every visitor to discover.”
Discover the 13 flagship exhibitors at Summer Science 2026
Microbe Zoo – Centre for Microbial Interactions, Norwich Research Park
Complex communities of tiny microbes live all around us and even in our bodies. The Microbe Zoo is a chance to meet microbiologists working at Norwich Research Park and shrink down to microscopic scale, travelling through the soil, the human gut and rivers. Learn how microbes help keep us and the environment healthy, and what can happen when these communities get out of balance.
Hands-On, Hands-Off and Hand-in-Hand: The Future of Robotic Assembly – Oxford Robotics Institute, University of Oxford
Robots will transform the way we build, recycle and manufacture in future. But even tasks that seem simple for humans require the ability to sense, plan and perform actions in the physical world that are among the major challenges for today’s AI and robotics. Meet the leading researchers at the Oxford Robotics Institute, test your building skills as Frank the Robot, and explore ways of making more human-like robot problem solvers.
Supercomputing: The Good, the Bad and the Beautiful – EPCC, University of Edinburgh
Supercomputers play a vital role in tackling major global challenges, including cutting carbon emissions and advancing climate research. But operating these powerful machines comes with its own environmental cost, including high demands for energy, cooling, and water. At EPCC, home of the UK’s national supercomputer, researchers are working to change that. Discover how they’re designing more sustainable systems by reducing water use, improving energy efficiency, and capturing excess heat for reuse, helping ensure that the benefits of supercomputing outweigh its environmental impact.
Euclid, The Dark Universe Detective – University of Edinburgh, The University of Sussex and The Open University
The ordinary matter we see—stars, galaxies, planets, and even ourselves—makes up only 5% of the Universe. The rest is mysterious dark matter and dark energy, invisible and largely unexplained by current physics. Join the team on an ambitious mission to map one third of the sky in unprecedented detail with the Euclid space telescope. Acting as cosmic detectives, they are searching for clues to unravel the secrets of our “dark Universe.” Step into their quest and help hunt for the hidden matter that shapes our cosmos.
The Cosmic Reach of the Simons Observatory – University of Cambridge; University of Oxford; Imperial College London; University of Manchester; University of Sussex; Cardiff University
The telescopes at the Simons Observatory in Chile are seeking answers to our biggest cosmic questions, from how the universe was formed to what its constituents are today. Cosmic microwave background is radiation produced during the Universe’s infancy 13.8 billion years ago and is one of the brightest signals in the sky, but it is invisible to our eyes. Come along and see how the Simons Observatory is using this ancient radiation to unveil the secrets of the universe today.
Universe Makers – Durham University
Cosmologists are using some of the largest supercomputer simulations ever created to recreate how galaxies form and to deepen our understanding of how the universe began. At the Universe Makers exhibit, visitors can take an interactive look at how scientists model our universe on this extraordinary scale. Explore a live, real-time simulation of the cosmos, flying past stars, galaxies and black holes, and then rewind the cosmic clock to see how these structures first emerged.
Laser-focused on Science for Radiotherapy – Imperial College London; Strathclyde University; Royal Holloway University of London; Queen Mary University of London; Leo Cancer Care; University College London; Swansea University; University of Birmingham; Queens University Belfast; Institute of Cancer Research; University of Santiago di Compostela; Institute Curie, University of Paris-Saclay
Laser-driven radiotherapy has the potential to make cancer treatment more efficient, accessible and reduce complications. Cancer is the most common cause of death in the UK; and its incidence is increasing. Today, radiotherapy is used in 50% of cases and is instrumental in 40% of cures. Meet the researchers working on this new technology and learn about how laser beams can advance science and change the lives of cancer patients.
From our Lab to your House: 25 Years of Formulation Engineering – University of Birmingham
From the smooth melt of ice cream in your mouth to the fizz of a bath bomb, the way everyday products are formulated shapes how they look, feel and behave. Discover the science behind these familiar sensations with researchers from the Centre for Doctoral Training in Formulation Engineering. Journey through 25 years of innovative work revealing how the products you use day-to-day get from the lab to your home. Learn how the microstructure of instant coffee affects how it dissolves, and explore how your sense of sight, sound and touch all contribute to interpreting how ‘clean’ something is.
Shifting Sands: When Solids Flow and Liquids Jam – Newcastle University; University of Manchester; Edinburgh Napier University; University of Strathclyde; Mercury Lab
Granular science shapes our world. From skyscraper construction and natural landslides to precise medical doses, and even soup croutons, granular materials are everywhere. Yet, they remain tricky to understand, shifting unpredictably between solid and liquid states. Join the Shifting Sands Summer Science Spectacular to explore how mastering the physics of grains makes transport safer, manufacturing more efficient, industrial processes more sustainable, and natural disasters easier to predict.
Nanomaterials: A Giant Leap for Healthcare – University College London
Nanoparticles may be invisible to the naked eye, but they’re revolutionising healthcare. Discover how these tiny materials are becoming powerful tools in diagnosis, imaging and treatment with scientists from UCL. Explore how nanoparticles generate the characteristic coloured lines seen in diagnostic tools such as the lateral flow tests used for Covid, operate a portable flow reactor, and view cancer fighting nanoparticles through an infrared camera to reveal how their research is helping address real-world healthcare challenges.
Immortalising Natural History in 3D – University of Southampton
Natural history museums around the world hold millions of specimens essential for understanding the history and diversity of life on Earth. Yet physical specimens are fragile, and over time, can degrade and eventually be lost. Meet the scientists immortalising museum collections using 3D imaging technology, digitally unlocking hidden science and addressing biological questions previously thought impossible to answer. From reconstructing extinct organisms, to running virtual experiments, discover how these new tools will allow researchers and the public unprecedented access to specimens normally behind glass.
Thunderbolts and Lightning – Cardiff University
Lightning is one of nature’s most destructive and unpredictable forces, with over 3 million lightning strikes hitting the Earth every day. But do we know if lightning occurs on other planets? What happens when an aeroplane gets struck by lightning? What percentage of wildfires are caused by lightning? How is the UK’s electrical grid protected from lightning strikes? Join scientists from the Lightning Laboratory at Cardiff University to explore these questions and watch sparks fly as they demonstrate how lightning behaves.
The Art of Resilience for Successful Ageing – The University of Sussex
Social connection, creativity, and optimism could be key to maintaining good brain health, wellbeing, and independence as we age. Meet the team using science to create practical, personalised guidance to help people mitigate risks relating to aging such as dementia, depression, and loss of independence, and use their Successful Ageing Tool to explore how small life changes could directly impact how you age.