Panel: From grains to goo - how materials flow, stick and spread
This event is part of the Royal Society's Summer Science Exhibition 2026.
In our everyday lives we encounter many materials, both natural and human-made, that behave in ways that can be intriguing and sometimes unexpected.
From the smooth melt of ice cream in your mouth to the fizz of a bath bomb, all manner of everyday products are carefully engineered to produce distinct sensations. Similarly, granular science is an area that physicists and engineers strive to master - from skyscraper construction to natural landslides, granular materials are everywhere. Yet, they remain tricky to understand, shifting between solid and liquid states.
In this discussion you’ll hear from researchers whose work is advancing our understanding of the materials that surround us.
Speakers include:
- Professor Anthony Thornton of the University of Manchester and Dr Sadegh Nadimi of Newcastle University, whose research of the physics of granular materials is showcased in the exhibit Shifting sands: when solids flow and liquids jam
- Professor Peter Fryer and Dr Estefania Lopez-Quiroga of the School of Chemical Engineering at the University of Birmingham, whose research into formulation engineering features in the exhibit From our lab to your home: 25 years of formulation engineering
- Professor Mark Miodownik (Chair) – Materials scientist engineer, broadcaster award-winning author and Royal Society Professor of Public Engagement
This talk is part of the Royal Society’s See Stuff Differently programme.
Attending the event
This event will be held in Theatre 1 at the Royal Society on Sunday 5 July 2026, 1.10pm – 1.50pm.
- Free to attend as part of Summer Science Exhibition on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to seat availability. We recommend that visitors arrive 10-15 minutes before the session
- Eventbrite tickets for Summer Science Exhibition are recommended, with only a limited number of walk-up tickets released on the day
- Suitable for students aged 14+
- This talk will take place in person
- A recording of this talk will be available later on the Royal Society YouTube channel
- Live subtitles will be available
- Travel and accessibility information and details on planning your visit - contact us directly to arrange any specific accessibility requirements
- Food and drink will be available for purchase at our onsite café
For all enquiries, please email us.
