Talks and shows

The lost scientists of WWII

Former FCO chief scientific advisor Sir David Clary FRS tells the stories of scientists from Germany and other European countries who vanished during World War II.

Event image by Eugenia Ai on Unsplash

In this talk, former FCO chief scientific advisor Sir David Clary tells the stories of scientists from Germany and other European countries who vanished during World War II. These erudite scholars contributed to diverse scientific fields and were associated with some of the world's leading universities and research institutions. Despite their proficiency, they all sought help from agencies to relocate to the UK in the 1930s, but were unable to secure the necessary assistance. The talk will explore the fascinating narratives of these scientific refugees, delving into the reasons behind the unavailability of aid and presenting fresh insights into the tragic fates and astounding survival experiences of these individuals.

Copies of Sir David's latest book 'Lost Scientists of World War II' will be available to purchase after the talk.

 

Event type

This is a theatre and livestream event for an adult audience, where the speakers and audience in our Theatre are joined by our audience online. 

By booking to attend events at the Royal Institution, you confirm that you have read and accept the Ri's event terms and conditions. You also agree to abide by our code of conduct, and help to create a great experience for yourself and your fellow participants. Please note that Eventbrite adds a small booking fee to the amount paid for each ticket option.

For any queries regarding this event please get in touch by phone 020 7409 2992 or email events@ri.ac.uk.

About Sir David Clary FRS

Image of Sir David Clary
Sir David Clary

Sir David Clary FRS is a British theoretical chemist. He was president of Magdalen College, Oxford, from 2005 to 2020. He was the first chief scientific adviser to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office from 2009 to 2013. He is a Emeritus Professor of Chemistry at the University of Oxford. He has won many prizes for his research including the Royal Society of Chemistry Meldola and the medal of the International Academy of Quantum Molecular Science. His book Schrödinger in Oxford was published by World Scientific in 2022. He was knighted in the 2016 Queen’s birthday honours for services to international science.

Timing

Doors to the theatre will open at 6.45pm and the talk will begin at 7.00pm.

Timing for the livestream

The livestream will go live at 6.55pm and the introduction will begin at 7.00pm. If you register but miss the livestream, the video will be available to you via the same link for two weeks after the event date.

Accessibility

The event will take place on the first floor and there is step-free access from the street via lift.

The closest underground station is Green Park, which is step-free.

There is space at floor level in the theatre for wheelchair users.

Seating is usually unreserved for our events. If you and your group require seating reservations, please do let us know by emailing us at events@ri.ac.uk, and we’ll be more than happy to help.

Carers can receive a free ticket to an event by emailing events@ri.ac.uk.

Our theatre is equipped with an Audio Induction Loop. 

Covid guidelines

Face masks are no longer mandatory and wearing one in our Theatre and at other Ri events is at your discretion, however please do not attend the Ri if you are displaying Covid symptoms or, if you have tested, the result remains positive. Thank you for respecting other people and their choices, and for helping us keep all of our visitors and staff safe and well.

Event terms and conditions