Rutherford Appleton Laboratory: Public Access Day

This summer, we are delighted to be able to run an access day at the laboratory - giving people and families the chance to see and experience science up close, from the smallest building blocks of our universe, right up to the vast scales of space.

There will be a morning (09:30-12:00) and an afternoon session (14:00-16:30), with interactive workshops and hands-on activities for those with younger children, and tours and talks for older groups. All sessions will start with a short introduction to the lab. Please only book on the morning or afternoon session.

After selecting your tickets, you'll be able to choose which tour, or interactive workshop, you'd like to attend - although please do note that as a working lab we do occasionally have to change our schedules at the last minute. You can find details of the options below.

We're really looking forward to welcoming you to the lab! If you can't make it in person, please do join us online, where we'll be streaming our talks (and live links to CERN, home to the largest experiment in the world!) live. You can register for these online talks here: https://RAL-OnlineTalks2025.eventbrite.co.uk.

Tickets will be released at 12:00 on Friday 18 July.

Interactive workshops and hands-on activities

For groups with younger members (11 years and under), we recommend joining an interactive workshop and taking part in hands-on activities linked to our amazing science and technology - as well as the science being done by our partners at Diamond Light Source. Our interactive workshops are taking place across site, and as part of them you'll have a chance to see some of our fantastic facilities. You can select which workshop you'd prefer on the order form.

• How do machines make decisions? with the Rosalind Franklin Institute: Have you ever wondered how AI (Artificial Intelligence) actually works? Do you like playing games? If so then join us to become part of an AI system, and see if you can successfully defeat Steve! (Recommended for ages 9+)
• Space in a box: During this activity, you’ll learn about lasers, watch a video showing what happens when we hit “fire” on our most powerful laser, Vulcan, and hear about lasers that are even more powerful! You’ll get to make your own “space in a box” using stickers, pom-poms, drawings and more. Our team of real scientists and artists will be there to help you create your mini space scene!
• Machine learning and wearable tech: Step into the exciting world of wearable tech and machine learning in this hands-on workshop. You'll train a Micro:bit smart watch to recognise your own dance moves! (Recommended for ages 9+)
• Space testing!: Make and test your own spacecraft! To make sure spacecraft survive the journey to space, RAL Space simulates rocket launches with vibration testing. Use our mini shaker table to do your own vibration test and see if your design survives.

Tours of our facilities

For groups with older members (12 years and above), we recommend joining one of the tours of our incredible facilities. You'll get to join a fascinating tour and learn more about the work we do and the people who work here.

• ISIS Neutron and Muon Source: The ISIS Neutron and Muon Source will be opening their doors for tours for visitors aged 11 years old and above. There will be the opportunity to visit one of our experimental halls, explore our cutting-edge science and technology up close, and meet the people who make it happen. From airplane wings and ancient swords, to solar cells and superconductors, discover how ISIS uses tiny particles to investigate the world around us.
• Particle Physics and Dark Matter: This is your chance to visit Migdal, a desk top experiment helping with the search for dark matter - the missing mass of the Universe. You'll also be ableto visit the Particle Physics exhibition area where you can see some of the history of particle physics, its applications to everyday life, as well as components from modern detectors such as those developed for the Large Hadron Collider at CERN in Geneva.

• Scientific Computing: Imagine a room the size of a house, full of racks of computers and magnetic data tape robots, powered through four dedicated electrical transformers, all backed up by an uninterruptable power supply. This our data centre, which supports a wide range of science: from astronomy to climate modelling. Our guides will explain the powerful computing capabilities of the data centre and allow you to peer into the inner workings of computing today. Please note that this is only suitable for ages 11 and above.
• Mechanical workshop: Our amazing engineers, scientists and technicians work hard to design and build the state-of-the-art technology that makes the experiments on site and around the world possible. This is your chance to meet our fantastic people and visit our manufacturing workshop.
• National Satellite Test Facility: A rare chance to go inside the new National Satellite Test Facility. RAL Space makes sure that satellites can survive rocket launches and their lifetime in the harsh conditions of space, so we test them inside clean rooms, a dynamics suite and a giant vacuum chamber. Participants will need to get dressed in clean room protection: a lab coat, overshoes, hair nets. People will need to wear closed-toed, flat shoes (no sandals or high heels) and people will need to have their legs covered (no shorts, skirts or dresses).

We're really excited that this event is part of The Light Project. This coming January, Harwell Campus reaches a remarkable milestone – 80 years of being a campus dedicated to science and innovation.

To celebrate, the campus launched The Light Project. A year-long series of imaginative public events that shine a light on the ground breaking discoveries made at Harwell and the bright future ahead. From clean energy and space exploration to life-changing health technologies, Harwell has played a crucial and often unsung part in bringing brilliant ideas into our everyday lives.

The Light Project, is bringing Harwell to life with a vibrant calendar of events designed to spark curiosity and wonder for all ages. From awe-inspiring art installations such as the Museum of the Moon by Luke Jerram, to film festivals, hands-on science activities, talks, and tours, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re planning a family day out or want to dive deeper into the science shaping our world, we’ll have something for everyone.

You can find out about upcoming events online: https://www.harwellcampus.com/light-project/