Explore drugs, the joy of play, the science of the small and everything above our heads through lively discussions, hands-on workshops and performance

Following the Lates' successful return in spring 2022, exploring the mind-bending science of the brain and the truth behind science fiction, Imperial Lates is back for another series of free after-hours events.  

As with popular museum Lates experiences, Imperial Lates offer visitors a relaxed, social environment to uncover the latest research happening across the College. Imperial Lates: Tiny Science launches the new series on 17 November with an exploration of the little discoveries changing the world.

From discussions on cleaning up microplastics or what the Large Hadron Collider could find next, to an art workshop making cosmologically-inspired ornaments, there is lots to enjoy. Visitors can even don a pair of headphones and join a dance lesson inspired by atomic spectra and the parallels between light and sound waves.

These next four evenings of discovery cover a wide range of Imperial science, and will give hundreds of Imperial academics and students an opportunity to share their research in fun, creative ways with several thousand public visitors. James Romero Public Engagement Programme Manager

The season continues with a celebration of the science above us in December, exploring clouds, drones, satellites and the moon, before resuming in the new year with a drug-themed episode, and a games evening exploring Imperial science through play at the start of March.  

James Romero, Public Engagement Programme Manager said: “After a few years away, we were really overwhelmed with the positive response and high attendances we saw when bringing the Lates back in-person in the spring. These next four evenings of discovery cover a wide range of Imperial science, and will give hundreds of Imperial academics and students an opportunity to share their research in fun, creative ways with several thousand public visitors.” 

Find out about the next Lates and register for free > 

Getting involved – share your ideas 

The Lates team are running an open call for teams to submit their ideas for Imperial Lates: Play, happening in March 2023. This free to attend event will use the theme of 'play’ to explore Imperial research through board games, video games, VR, music, arcade games, casino games and card games. Please share your ideas by 9 December through the Lates open call process. Fully formed and developed activities are great but so are earlier stage aspirations or initial ideas.  

If you are an Imperial staff member or student and want to get involved and host an activity at any of the other Imperial Lates, please contact the Lates team or sign up to the Societal Engagement newsletter to hear about the latest opportunities to engage wider audiences with Imperial’s work.