This summer, look beyond the sandcastle.
We all know sand is perfect for days at the beach, but did you know it is also one of the most mysterious materials in the universe? It flows like water, stands firm like rock, and can even act like a gas—all depending on how you handle it.
Come and witness the chaos! Join us for a spectacular showcase of the science beneath our feet. We are on a mission to find the "master equation" for granular materials, and we need your help.
At our exhibit, you will:
Watch solid ground turn into liquid mud in our earthquake simulator.
Trigger your own miniature avalanches.
Discover how physics saves your summer travels (and winter commutes) by solving the "leaves on the line" crisis.
Play our interactive simulator—can you beat the physics engine?
It’s complex. It’s everywhere. And it’s ready to be explored.
The Chameleon Effect: First, discover why granular materials are the shapeshifters of the physical world. Sand isn't just a solid; it transitions instantly between solid, liquid, and gas—breaking the rules we learned in school.
The Hidden Giant: Next, realise that these materials are everywhere. From the food we eat to the concrete we walk on, we highlight the invisible connection between industrial processes, dangerous natural disasters, and the bowl of cereal on your breakfast table.
The Unsolved Puzzle: Finally, explore why the material we use the most is the one we understand the least. We convey the massive scale of the modelling challenge: How do you write and solve equations for a billion unique grains of sand interacting all at once?
We’re proud to be a featured showcase at this year’s Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition!
Between 30 June and 5 July, London becomes the heart of UK discovery. As one of the flagship exhibits, we’re bringing our latest research out of the lab and into your hands with interactive demos and live experiments.
Admission: Completely Free
Audience: Open to everyone (from budding scientists to experts!)
What to expect: Hands-on activities, groundbreaking tech, and the chance to talk to the scientists behind the breakthroughs.
Will we see you there? 🔬✨
Whether you have a burning scientific question, need resources for your classroom, or want to discuss the technical side of our research—we’d love to hear from you!