/ Events

Panel: Why science needs storytellers

02 July 2026 14:00 - 14:50 The Royal Society Free
Book tickets
A an speaking to an audience from behind a podium

Also in “ Summer Science”

Panel: Trust in science - can we keep the faith?
Talk: Our brains, our selves
Panel: Sir David Attenborough – a lifetime of wildlife
Panel: Is the future nuclear?
In conversation: Anatomy - old science meets new tech

This event is part of the Royal Society's Summer Science Exhibition 2026.

From addressing climate change to developing new vaccines, the importance of science to our everyday lives has never been clearer and one of the most powerful tools we have to ensure that science continues to feel relevant and inspiring is the ability to tell a good story. In this discussion, an expert panel will explore the importance of storytelling in science communication, how it’s often the power of the narrative that trumps mere facts, and why this matters in a world where truth is under attack.

Speakers include:

  • Dr Anjana Ahuja – Science columnist at the Financial Times and co-author of Spike, shortlisted for the 2022 Royal Society Science Book Prize
  • Eileen Inkson – Executive Producer in the BBC Studios Science Unit – on series including The Sky at Night and The Secret Genius of Modern Life, and with two decades in factual TV production
  • Dr Roger Highfield OBE – Science Director of the Science Museum Group, contributing editor at Wired, formerly Editor of New Scientist and Science Editor of the Daily Telegraph and the recipient of the 2025 Royal Society David Attenborough Award for public engagement
  • Kimberley Freeman (Chair) – Head of Public Engagement at the Royal Society

Further speakers to be announced.

Attending the event

This event will be held in Theatre 2 at the Royal Society on Thursday 2 July 2026, 2pm – 2.50pm.

  • 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.