Imperial Lates

Imperial Lates: Weird Science

Thursday 6 February, 18.00-21.00

Take in our tales of the scientifically unexpected at our next free Imperial Lates, from weird wonders to surprising studies.

Everyone loves a surprise in science, and our Imperial scientists are bringing the unbelievable and the counterintuitive to our next Lates. Experience an evening of unexpected delights, with opportunities to play quantum classic computer games, make mysterious 4D maths jewellery, or view a mushroom ballet show. Alternatively, you can design butterfly carnival costumes, and then vote on the oddest object in the universe, join an insect yoga class, or sway at a subatomic silent disco.

From Einstein’s great mistake to zombie cells, invisibility cloaks to slimy computers, and artificial skin to the weirdest future tech that science might provide, there is loads to get your head around (or not) during an evening where weird is most certainly wonderful!

Imperial Lates are intended for an 18+ audience.  

Register for this Imperial Lates to receive a preview of the full programme of live demonstrations, workshops and talks, and help us track attendance numbers. Please note that registration alone does not guarantee seats for our talks or workshops.   

Register now for Imperial Lates: Weird Science 

All of the spaces are wheelchair accessible, as are the entrance and toilets. There are lifts to any activities on other levels. If you have any specific needs, please don't hesitate to get in touch: lates@imperial.ac.uk.  

Please note that if you want to visit the Imperial Lates at a quieter time of the event, the event is least busy from 18.00-19.00 and 20.30-21.00.

Please be aware that there will be filming and photography happening at this event. We use professional photography to communicate about and promote our work on our website and social media, as well as other platforms. Use of and access to your photo will be in accordance with the university’s retention policy, but you can contact photography@imperial.ac.uk at any time to have your image erased. If you wish to opt out entirely, please pick up a red sticker from our info desk on your arrival or speak to the photographer.

Imperial Lates: Future Cities

Imperial Lates: Future Cities has now been postponed to March 2025 because of the tube strikes planned for Thursday 7 November. We apologise for any inconvenience or disappointment and welcome you to celebrate city science with us in March.

Step into a future London at this Imperial Lates exploring city science and the future of our urban environments.

Chat to city scientists and urban experts while getting hands-on with the new research and tech that will reshape London. Learn about the capital’s first beavers in 400 years from the Ealing Beaver project, make your own mushroom growing starter kit with urban agriculture experts, and then join Roma the Engineer to get into the nuts and bolts of tomorrow’s high-rise buildings and build an earthquake-proof spaghetti skyscraper.

About Imperial Lates

Imperial Lates are fun and social post-work events where visitors can interact with the latest scientific developments at Imperial College London, centred around a new theme for each evening.

The 2024/25 season will begin in December and run until March, exploring the following themes:

• Senses: 5 December 2024
• "Weird" Science: 6 February 2025
• Future Cities: 11 March 2025

Learn more about the upcoming season and what scientific topics theses themes will explore by reading our season launch news story. 

To find out when registration opens, and to hear about other public events at Imperial, please sign up to receive our event update emails, or follow us on @ImperialSpark.

What to expect?

Check out some photos from our past evenings of discovery! 

Want to get involved?

Imperial researchers are invited to submit ideas for taking part in the Lates via an Open Call (please note there are different deadlines to submit ideas for each Lates, which are outlined within the Open Call).

You can submit fully developed activities or initial ideas. The Imperial Lates programming team can help you develop an idea further, discuss opportunities to host a talk or take part in a panel discussion, or connect you with a creative practitioner to explore your research through an artistic workshop. 

If you are an artist or facilitator interested in working with the Imperial Lates team,  please get in touch via email (lates@imperial.ac.uk)

If you are an Imperial staff member or student interested in volunteering at Imperial Lates, you can sign up to the volunteer portal to be the first notified when shifts open. Learn more about volunteering with the public engagement team.