The 2024 Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition will run from July 2-7 in London, featuring 14 interactive exhibits, including contributions from the University of Oxford on topics like dark matter and neutrinos. It aims to attract over 10,000 visitors to experience cutting-edge research and engage with scientists. This year’s event emphasizes public engagement and the relevance of science in everyday life.
The annual Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition, a prestigious event showcasing innovative research, returns in 2024 on July 2-7 in central London. More than 10,000 attendees are expected to explore cutting-edge science through 14 interactive exhibits, including three notable contributions from the University of Oxford. This competitive exhibition is a celebration of discovery and public engagement, encouraging visitors to delve into scientific exploration.
Researchers at the University of Oxford, in collaboration with Lancaster University and Royal Holloway, will discuss dark matter—an elusive substance constituting 85% of the universe. They will demonstrate groundbreaking techniques using ultra-cold temperatures to detect dark matter, allowing us to “see the unseeable” in laboratory settings. Professor Jocelyn Monroe highlights the significance of this research in comprehending some of nature’s greatest mysteries.
Another exhibit focuses on neutrinos, ethereal particles crucial to understanding the universe’s origins. University of Oxford scientists, alongside the DUNE UK Partnership, invite guests to experience counting neutrinos passing through their hands. Professor Morgan Wascko emphasizes the worldwide collaborative effort required for this research, which showcases unique equipment used in neutrino physics.
Additionally, Dr. Georgina Donati’s exhibit examines our evolutionary journey from great apes to humans, featuring interactive activities like “The Great Ape Challenge”. Visitors can engage in problem-solving games that compare their skills with our primate relatives and learn how infant movements help us navigate life. This fascinating perspective highlights the interplay of evolution and human development.
Carlos Frenk, a Fellow of the Royal Society, encourages attendance, stating the exhibition showcases astounding scientific work relevant to everyday life, especially against the backdrop of recent global challenges. This event promises to inspire and educate, demonstrating how science benefits everyone. Visitors will be captivated by the innovative research presented by UK scientists at the exhibition.
The Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition is a significant annual event that celebrates advancements in scientific research and discoveries. It provides a platform for researchers to engage with the public and share their work, creating an interactive environment where science comes to life. This year’s exhibition includes diverse topics, ranging from cosmic mysteries like dark matter and neutrinos to evolutionary studies about human development, illustrating the broad scope of contemporary scientific inquiry. With a history spanning over 200 years, the event aims to attract a wide audience and make complex scientific ideas accessible and engaging.
The 2024 Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition promises to be an enlightening experience, bringing together remarkable research from the University of Oxford and beyond. With interactive exhibits on dark matter detection, neutrino physics, and human evolution, attendees will gain insights into fundamental scientific questions. The event highlights the importance of public engagement in science and showcases the innovative work being done by researchers to benefit society as a whole.
Original Source: www.ox.ac.uk
