The Royal Institution

The Royal Institution is an independent charity that has helped the public and scientists explore science together for around 200 years. It is the home of the famous Christmas Lectures.

Its channel mixes full-length talks by leading scientists and writers with demonstrations and short films. Topics span physics, astronomy, biology, chemistry, mathematics and the history of science. Talks are usually around an hour, and many are followed by questions from the audience. Speakers include leading researchers, often from UK universities, and the Astronomer Royal has appeared. Recent topics include artificial intelligence in mathematics, how astronomers study the universe without light, and whether living things are machines. Members of the public can ask questions, which keeps talks grounded.

Some highlights include:

A demonstration-packed talk on mercury, alchemy and Michael Faraday’s first electric motor.

Physicist Kirsty Duffy explains neutrinos and why these elusive particles may explain why matter exists.

A recreation of a famous 1892 demonstration by Nikola Tesla.

The channel has over 1.7 million subscribers.

The Royal Institution brings students close to working scientists and to the history of discovery that engineering grew from. The Faraday and Tesla videos link directly to electrical engineering. It suits older students who enjoy long-form talks and want to stretch beyond the syllabus. The Christmas Lectures, aimed at young people, are a particularly good starting point.