Delve deeper into the latest science around food, space, reproduction and AI through evenings of inspirational talks and hands-on workshops.

Imperial’s popular after-hours Lates events are back this autumn, with a new season of free post-work events for adults, where visitors can get stuck into fascinating research on a range of topics happening across Imperial College London.

Much like Lates events at Museums, Imperial Lates are a relaxed, social way to engage with science through quizzes, live experiments, artistic workshops and talks – with a bar selling alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and a DJ playing music. 

Sound fun? Members of the Imperial community keen on connecting their work with the public are invited to submit ideas through an open call (see below for further information).

The new season begins on Thursday 9 November with an event sure to tantalise anyone’s tastebuds, as we explore the science of – as well as exploring science through – food.

“We’re really excited about the themes encompassed in our upcoming season, through which a wide range of Imperial academics and students will be able to share their research in unexpected and creative ways." James Romero Public Engagement Programme Manager

This will be followed by an expedition into the great expanse, as the mysteries of space are uncovered on 7 December. In the new year, Lates will begin by tackling some of life’s big questions, as Sex, Mating & Reproductive Health are explored in the 8 February edition, before the season closes with an in-depth look at the role Artificial Intelligence plays in our lives on 14 March.

James Romero, Public Engagement Programme Manager said: “We’re really excited about the themes encompassed in our upcoming Imperial Lates season, through which a wide range of Imperial academics and students will be able to share their research in unexpected and creative ways."

"Feedback from visitors tell us how much the public value getting to engage with work happening across the College, and we can’t wait to provide four more exciting, jam-packed events for them to enjoy.”

Taking part: explore your research with the public

Do you have ideas on how your research might be explored through one of the themes described above? Imperial Lates offer researchers the chance to share their work with hundreds of visitors through live experiments, hands on demos, talks and workshops.

Imperial teams are encouraged to submit ideas for the upcoming Imperial Lates season via an open call. Although fully formed and developed activities are great, the Public Engagement team are equally keen to hear from researchers with initial ideas and can offer support on how to bring these to life.

The Open Call will remain open until December, with the following deadlines:

• 21 September – Imperial Lates: Food (taking place on 6 November 2023)
• 12 October – Imperial Lates: Space (on 7 December 2023)
• 12 November – Imperial Lates: Sex, Mating & Reproductive Health (on 8 February 2024)
• 7 December – Imperial Lates: Artificial Intelligence (on 14 March 2024)

Submit your ideas via the Imperial Lates Open Call >

If you are an Imperial staff member or student interested in signing up to volunteer at Imperial Lates, register your interest via this form to receive more information.

If you have any questions about getting involved – whether as a participant or volunteer – you can contact the Lates team directly. To hear about other opportunities to engage wider audiences with Imperial’s work, sign up to the Societal Engagement newsletter.

To stay up to date on when registration for attendance opens, as well as to receive information on other exciting public activities at Imperial, please sign up to our events newsletter or follow @ImperialSpark on X, formerly known as Twitter.