Series of lectures on a single topic, presenting scientific subjects to a general audience in an informative and entertaining manner

Series of lectures on a single topic, presenting scientific subjects to a general audience in an informative and entertaining manner

The medieval alchemists made elements react to create magnificent shows, enthralling kings and commoners alike, but their secrets were never revealed until now.

In the second of this year's Christmas Lectures, Dr Peter Wothers drinks from the fountain and finds out whether the elements lurking in the water can restore his youth. Along the way he discovers how exploding balloons could solve the energy crisis, how water contains the remains of the most violent reactions on Earth and that the real secret to eternal youth might be drinking no water at all.

In the final Christmas Lecture, Dr Peter Wothers explores the elements within the earth and discovers just how difficult it is for chemists to extract the planet's greatest treasures. He discovers how our knowledge of the elements can allow us to levitate, turn carbon dioxide into diamonds and maybe turn lead into gold.

Great scientists, even greater questions. Mind-expanding talks and hands-on science, inspiring children and adults alike since 1825. In the 2022 Christmas Lectures, Professor Dame Sue Black will share secrets of the scientific detective process.

Professor Sue Black is joined by Emilia Fox and forensic scientists to unlock the mysterious death of a skeleton. With insights from investigations into serious crimes and war zones.

Professor Sue Black investigates a Christmas murder mystery with leading police experts, forensic scientists and an award-winning dog. Including insights into real serious crime investigations.

A 'heist' has been staged in the Royal Institution. Can forensic evidence identify and convict the individual responsible? Includes insights from real criminal investigations.

Dr Chris van Tulleken explores the incredible science of food - from its journey through our bodies, to how it gives us energy, to ultra-processed food

Dr Chris van Tulleken is joined by leading experts, including his twin brother Xand, to explore the incredible journey food takes through our bodies.

Using some explosive experiments, Dr Chris van Tulleken reveals how our food not only provides us with energy, but also the construction we need to constantly rebuild our bodies.

Dr Chris van Tulleken investigates how we have hacked our food system to create an amazing array of things to eat, but also some serious problems to solve.

Great scientists, even greater questions. Mind-expanding talks and hands-on science, inspiring children and adults alike since 1825.

Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock begins her search for extraterrestrial life with an exploration of our nearest neighbour, and her favourite space rock, the moon.

Space scientist Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock continues her search for alien life with a grand tour of our solar system. Could any other planets or moons out there be habitable?

Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, with the help of the world’s most powerful telescope, ventures through the Milky Way and into the universe beyond, on the hunt for alien worlds.