King's College London

Physicists from King’s will join the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition in London from 1-6 July 2025 presenting NanoGlow, an interactive exhibit that demonstrates how light can be used to build a more sustainable world.

This year’s Summer Science Exhibition brings together 13 exhibits from universities and science institutions across the UK to showcase their latest research with hands-on activities, talks and interactive exhibits. The event sees children and adults alike get to meet world-leading scientists and experience how science is helping us tackle global challenges.

The team, which includes researcher from the University of Bath, are drawn from the UKRI-funded CPLAS Programme Grant. Led by Professor Anatoly Zayats at King’s, it brings together physicists, chemists, engineers, and materials scientists from across the UK to pioneer sustainable technologies using light. The approach involves plasmonic catalysis, which uses light to drive chemical reactions that are more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

Visitors to the NanoGlow stand are invited to embark on an exhilarating journey into the nanoscale world, as they are 'shrunk' to the nanoscale, where materials and light interact in extraordinary ways. The exhibit will showcase to visitors how light can tackle some of today’s most pressing global challenges, from removing air pollution to converting sunlight into clean chemical fuels.

There will also be demos including 'Spectral Ninja' - a fast-paced computer game where visitors compete with one another to become the most energetic photon.

CPLAS Research Project Manager Megan Grace-Hughes is co-leading the exhibit alongside Dr Simon Freakley from the University of Bath.

Megan said, "The exhibition is a fantastic opportunity to show how fundamental research can lead to real-world impact, from clean energy to environmental remediation. We’re excited to share our vision with the public and inspire the next generation of scientists.

Professor Anatoly Zayats, CPLAS Principal Investigator, said "The CPLAS programme is a unique collaboration that brings together world-class expertise to address sustainability challenges through photonics.

"NanoGlow is a window into how light-driven science can revolutionise the way we think about energy, materials, and the environment. We’re proud to be part of this national platform to engage the public with the science shaping our future."