Imperial Lates returns with three exciting new themes

The popular and sociable post-work events are back to brighten up your autumn and winter evenings for the 2026 into 2027 season - and best of all, Imperial Lates are completely free.

No two Imperial Lates evenings are ever the same, but all three adults-only events will be inspired by cutting-edge Imperial research. 

On 29 October 2026, the theme of the night will be Robots. Visitors can get hands-on with all things tech, automation and AI happening in the Imperial labs. Watch machines play football, make your own squishy robot to take home, and ponder what 'intelligence' actually means in today's world.

December's Lates will be all about African Science, and the research that's happening across borders. Come along to find out all about the international research collaborations taking place between Imperial College London and partners from across the African continent, and hear from the people driving these innovative partnerships, creating real impact on the ground.  

Visitors can then bring in the new year with a focus on Connection in January. Come prepared to learn about a wide range of connective science, from telecommunications to physical attraction, and social media to social isolation.  Valentines Day will be on the horizon by then, so bring a date (or a mate!) and learn how to strengthen your connection scientifically.

You can explore all these varying examples of Imperial research through dance, craft workshops, quizzes and more. Lates also features plenty of pop-up stands where visitors can talk to researchers and watch as science experiments unfold before their eyes, as well as sit in on a fascinating talk series delivered by leading experts. Throw in a fully-stocked bar, delicious food and a DJ, and you've got a perfect evening of fun and free science.

We're so excited to bring back Imperial Lates for another season of fun and free after-hours events. It's always wonderful to see everyone getting stuck-in with the range of ways we show off Imperial research. Even those who come in firmly believing that science 'isn't for them' go home having learned something new, and having had a great time while doing it." - Mimmi Mårtensson, Public Engagement Programmes Coordinator & Adult Programming Lead

Lates are completely free to attend, but pre-registration is recommended. Bookings will open soon on Eventbrite, so sign up to the Events newsletter to find out when they go live.

Get involved

In addition to being a fun night out, Imperial Lates are a fantastic opportunity for Imperial staff and students to get experience in public engagement in a laid-back setting. Whether you’re a seasoned public engagement expert or have never taken your work outside the lab, the Lates team wants to hear from you! Fully developed activities or initial ideas are equally welcome, and the team can help you develop your idea into a talk, exhibit or workshop. 

Please complete the open call Qualtrics form to register your interest, and if you have any queries about the ideas submission process, please get in touch via email (lates@imperial.ac.uk) 

If you are an Imperial staff member or student interested in volunteering at Imperial Lates, you can sign up to the volunteer portal to be notified when shifts open.  

For further public engagement opportunities, you can sign up to the Societal Engagement monthly newsletter.