Free ways to access science at the Ri

Science is for everyone. Here are several opportunities for you to explore inspiring and exciting science with the Ri, at no cost.

A demonstration with lots of smoke. Behind it, a woman stands with her arms open, smiling.

YouTube videos

Boasting over 1.3M subscribers, we're proud to have one of the most successful science-themed YouTube channels out there.

Every week, we upload new videos, whether they're lectures filmed in our historic theatre, or demonstrations produced here at the Ri.

You can search through thousands of videos on physics, chemistry, mathematics, neuroscience and much more! 

We also have a selection of ad-free videos for children and teens. Start 'em young, right?

A person filming a talk in the Ri Theatre

The CHRISTMAS LECTURES

Since 1825 when Michael Faraday started this tradition (bar a short pause during WWII), we've been honoured to present the CHRISTMAS LECTURES to the public every year: a series of science talks now aimed at teens, but always beloved and enjoyed by adults, packed with spectacular demonstrations.

And since 1966, these lectures have inspired people all around the world through their television sets. You can now explore our archive online, featuring hundreds of hours of CHRISTMAS LECTURES from the 1960s all the way to present day, featuring spectacular lecturers like David Attenborough, Carl Sagan and Hannah Fry.

Hannah Fry wearing a blue suit, sitting among the magenta seats in the Ri Theatre

Podcast

The Ri Podcast combines our most popular talks (adapted for an audio-only experience) and exclusive conversations with leading researchers and science communicators.

Find us on Spotify, or listen from your favourite browser.

A person wearing headphones, using audio editing software

Blog

We share medium-form articles (around 4-5 minute reads) covering fascinating science topics, insights into our rich heritage in the history of science, and more.

A man looking excited watching a demo with lots of smoke

Follow us on social media

Every day there's something new to learn! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok for bite-size science (and the best nerdy bants on the Internet).

A woman showing a demo with lots of sparks

Our public talks

Since we opened our doors in 1799, we have been running a programme of inspiring science talks, welcoming people of all ages and backgrounds.

As an independent charity, income from the tickets for these talks is a vital fundraising source that keeps us going. We work hard to keep our ticket prices as low as possible, but we understand the cost is not accessible for everybody. 

Here are some ways you can access free/discounted tickets for Ri talks:

  • NHS staff get free tickets through our partners Tickets For Good
  • Half-price concession tickets are available to those aged 66+, 16 and under, full-time students, and anyone who is unwaged in receipt of Universal Credit, or registered disabled. You can find concession tickets as an option on all event pages
  • Our livestreams tickets start with a £5 minimum donation to cover the running costs. If you could use the support and need a free livestream ticket, simply email us at events@ri.ac.uk and we'll be happy to help.
Suzie Sheehy lecturing in the Ri theatre, standing behind a desk packed with demonstrations

Resources for teachers

We appreciate the crucial work educators do to inspire the scientific minds of tomorrow. Here are some opportunities and resources for science teachers:

Children raising their hands to participate in a demo during a school visit