Join us for an evening celebrating science fiction and the Royal Society. Discover the remarkable scientific artefacts and stories housed in our extensive, world-class archives.
View a list of events and activities.
Science has long inspired writers to imagine what's possible and craft stories about the future, from Mary Shelley's Frankenstein to George Orwell's 1984. Explore the Royal Society's rich history, uncovering what scientists of the past thought about how we would be living now, and how accurate their predictions were.
You will also have the unique opportunity to take a look around the beautiful Carlton House Terrace in all its glory by candlelight.
Attending this event
- Over-18s only
- We are operating a Challenge 25 policy on the door and you may be required to show a valid form of ID to enter the event
- Free to attend
- No registration required
- Doors will open at 18:30 and admission will be on a first-come, first-served basis
- This event may be popular and entry cannot be guaranteed
- Travel and accessibility
Events and activities
Beyond Discworld
19:30
Terry Pratchett's Discworld series has inspired authors, screen writers, and individuals to create their own stories and their own fictional worlds. But how can a flat planet balanced on the backs of elephants, who stand on the back of a giant turtle drifting through space link to science?
Join BBC CrowdScience's Marnie Chesterton as she quizzes the man behind the Science of Discworld, mathematician and Honorary Wizard of the Unseen University, Professor Ian Stewart FRS, and hear about where he thinks science fits in with fiction.
This talk may be busy and seats will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.