London has so much to offer for everyone, but we wanted to put together some ideas on how you can explore London as a Life Sciences student. We’ve included things to see and do where you can explore your passions, spark a new interest, expand your knowledge or meet like-minded people. We couldn’t cover everything in one post, so this article focuses on the exciting science events happening throughout London. From seminars to annual exhibitions and festivals, comedy nights or late nights at museums- there’s a lot to explore.

The information contained in this post represents the views and opinions of the authors and does not necessarily represent the views or the opinions of UCL.

Click on the links below for information on upcoming events and the latest COVID information.

1. Francis Crick Public Events

The Francis Crick Institute is a biomedical research institute working with organisations to discover knowledge covering academia, medicine and industry. By visiting the Crick’s website, you can discover the latest publications; particularly relevant are papers covering studies on the coronavirus. The Crick Institute offers seminars, lectures and symposiums, free or for a fee, covering a diverse range of topics including immune-oncology, biological tissue x-Ray tissue and flow cytometry training. Keep checking the website for more information on upcoming events.

2. Gresham College

Gresham College has been providing free lectures within the City of London for almost 400 years. Their (currently) online lectures cover a broad range of subjects, from business to music to politics, as well as medical and general sciences. Speakers also combine subjects, creating unique and engaging lectures relevant to many aspects of our lives. Some past examples (which you can also watch) include Darwin’s legacy, the impact of the finance world on nature, obesity and what surgeons can learn from polar explorers. Check out thee college’s website for more information on upcoming events.

3. The Royal Society Summer Science

Though usually the annual Summer Science Exhibition is in-person, this year the event is not failing to impress whilst being online. This event brings together scientists from around the UK, performing cutting edge research, to share their knowledge and engage with each other and the public. Through talks, activities and interactive content, you can discover new and exciting research covering a broad range of topics including bodily research, nature, galaxies and microbes. Furthermore, there is a host of public events and scientific meetings which you can explore. Discover more about exhibition and upcoming events on the Royal Society’s website.

4. Science Museum and Natural History Museum Lates

This is a unique chance to explore the museums as you have never done so before. The ‘Lates’ are a once-a-month event for adults, with different themes each time, allowing you to grab a drink, explore the museum and take part in the event and its activities. Fancy a silent disco? Work with curators? Print some posters? Talks on waste, sex or childhood? There is always something exciting to explore and this really is an amazing event for anyone that shouldn’t be missed! Though currently online at the moment, keep an eye on the Science Museum and Natural History Museum websites for updates so you won’t miss the reopening events! (Take a look at the V&A website as well for information on their ‘Lates’- rave in the main hall anyone?)

5. Science Showoff

If you want something a little different, take a look at Science Showoff- they call themselves the most ridiculous science comedy night. Both chaotic and clever, this show is full of silliness, facts and ‘extreme learning’…basically it’s a whole lot of fun as you learn. Topics cover medicine and biology, although there also do comedy nights covering all things history. If that wasn’t enough, they also have a science comedy show streaming weekly on YouTube, called ‘Never Explain’. Take a look at the show’s website to find out more about upcoming events.

6. Pint of Science Festival

Pint of Science is an annual global science festival, bringing researches to your local spaces, such as pubs and cafés, to discuss and learn about their discoveries. Their talks cover a vast range of topics, including astronomy, neuroscience, human biology, geosciences, biotechnology and zoology. The events occur across numerous cities in the UK (including London), with the festival streaming online during the pandemic. Take a look at the website for more information on the history of the organisation and to look for upcoming events. For an idea about what’s involved, take a look at the 2021 programme.