Birmingham experts reveal secrets of science at Royal Society

University of Birmingham scientists are showcasing research expertise at two flagship exhibits at this year’s prestigious Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition.

Taking place at the Royal Society’s headquarters in Central London from 30 June to 5 July, the free annual event gives visitors the chance to meet world-leading researchers from universities and science institutions across the UK.

A celebration of cutting-edge science, the exhibition will see world-class scientists share the latest advances in science through hands-on activities, talks and interactive exhibits.

From formulating the perfect ice cream to the surprising physics of sand grains, a trip to a microbe zoo, and shocking weather courtesy of Europe’s only lightning lab; the free week-long festival of science has something for everyone.

How does a bath bomb fizz?

‘From our Lab to your House: 25 Years of Formulation Engineering’ will see University of Birmingham researchers share the way that everyday products are formulated and shapes how they look, feel and behave.

A team from the University’s Centre for Doctoral Training in Formulation Engineering will take visitors through 25 years of innovative work - revealing how the products people use every day get from the lab to their home.

Dr Estefania Lopez-Quiroga, Associate Professor in the School of Chemical Engineering, said: “At the Centre for Formulation Engineering, we’re developing solutions to problems facing industries in the pharmaceutical, biotechnological, food, fast moving consumer goods and speciality products sectors.

“From the smooth melt of ice cream in your mouth to the fizz of a bath bomb, Formulation Engineering shapes how products look, feel and behave. It helps to develop better production processes to reduce environmental burden, as well as finding the right combination of chemistry, ingredients and processes to create longer lasting food.”

How can lasers help treat cancer?

‘Laser-focused on Science for Radiotherapy’ sees Birmingham scientists join their counterparts from universities across the UK and beyond to demonstrate the potential of laser-driven radiotherapy.

Professor Jason Parsons, Chair of Radiobiology, said: “Cancer is the most common cause of death in the UK and its incidence is increasing. Radiotherapy is used in half of cases and instrumental in 40% of cures.

“University of Birmingham researchers working on this technology have contributed to a fascinating exhibit that shows how laser beams can advance science and change the lives of cancer patients.”

Birmingham researchers created the exhibit with fellow scientists from several other universities including Imperial College London, University College London, University of Santiago di Compostela, and University of Paris-Saclay.

This year’s Exhibition features 13 flagship exhibits allowing visitors to explore microbes shaping health and environments, robots learning human-like problem solving, and supercomputing’s benefits and sustainability challenges.

Visitors can also discover dark matter, cosmic radiation, and universe simulations, as well as experiencing advances in radiotherapy, nanomedicine, and 3D imaging. They can see how lifestyle, creativity, and connection support healthy ageing.

Free tickets are available to book from the Royal Society.