Royal Institution Christmas Lecture 2 Livestream

What is time? Could we travel to the future or back to the past? How do humans, animals and plants perceive time? Join us at the Sainsbury Laboratory at the University of Cambridge for a special livestream of Lecture 2 of the Royal Institution's 2026 CHRISTMAS LECTURES® with physicist Professor Jim Al-Khalili! Thursday 10 December | 5–8.30pm Sainsbury Laboratory, 47 Bateman Street, Cambridge CB2 1LR Did you know that plants helped scientists discover the mysteries of biological time? In 1729, French astronomer Jean-Jacques d'Ortous de Mairan observed that a mimosa plant continued to fold and unfold its leaves even in a dark room. By the 1930s, scientists had established that plants have their own internal clocks, which can be reset by environmental cues. Come and explore more plant science with us before settling in to discover the wider mysteries of time! From 5pm: Hands-on plant science activities led by our researchers. 6–8.30pm: Livestream of Lecture 2 of the CHRISTMAS LECTURES®. Drinks and snacks available Free tickets – booking essential! Each booking can include up to five people and must include at least one adult. Bring your family, bring your friends, bring your curiosity and join us for an evening of science and discovery! More info: slcu.cam.ac.uk/events/royal-institution… (opens in a new tab) Book tickets: cognitoforms.com/SainsburyLaboratory/RI… (opens in a new tab) Where to watch the Royal Institution's other 2026 CHRISTMAS LECTURES® in Cambridge The Cavendish Laboratory - Department of Physics at the University of Cambridge will livestream Lecture 1 on Tuesday 8 December 2026 The Cambridge Museum of Technology will livestream Lectures 2 and 3 on Thursday 10 December and Saturday 12 December 2026.