Explorium Lates

It’s the Festival’s 10th anniversary, and we’re staying up late to celebrate!

For the first time ever, The Explorium is open after hours – and it’s just for the grown ups (18+)!

You’ll get the chance to play, experiment and get stuck into a variety of hands-on science activities throughout the night. Visit the Microbe Zoo in The Gallery and immerse yourself in the teeny, tiny world of microorganisms, or release your inner child in a dazzling bubble show exploring surface tension, light refraction and gas diffusion.

Don't miss this trio of fantastic talks at Lates too - included in your ticket!

7.45pm - How to Clone Your Dog

Prof Ben Garrod explores the potential realities of cloning his constant companion and perfect dog, Jack. A clone could look the same and behave in similar ways - but would it really be Jack? This fascinating talk explores whether science could really replicate the bond we share with our beloved pets.

8.20pm - AI in Pop Culture

From Terminator to Black Mirror, our ideas about artificial intelligence have been shaped as much by Hollywood and popular culture, as they have by headlines. Professor Oli Buckley unpacks the biggest AI misconceptions in pop culture – expect surprising insights, film clips and a lively discussion for movie buffs and tech-sceptics alike!

9pm - Like, Fact-Check, Share?

Join science journalist and former microbiologist Rhianna-lily Smith for a fun and engaging look at the biggest myths – and the weirdest truths – making the rounds online. Your online smarts will be put to the test in this interactive session. Can you separate fact from fiction?

So, gather your friends, grab a drink from the bar and don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore The Explorium after dark!

Your ticket includes one free drink, and access to all activities at Lates and all three talks. All attendees need a ticket.

Tickets £15, booking essential
For ages 18+ only
The Forum
what3words: labs.trip.video

Your ticket includes access to The Explorium and all its activities, the Microbe Zoo, bubble show and a selection of talks in the Auditorium.

Access Information

We offer free Essential Companion tickets for those with access requirements and need someone to accompany them to make their visit easier and more comfortable. These can be booked online at the same time as booking a ticket to this event.

For access queries, please contact the team at:

About Prof Ben Garrod

Ben is an author, award-winning broadcaster and Professor of Evolutionary Biology and Science Engagement at the University of East Anglia, here in Norwich. His lifelong curiosity about the natural world has taken him across continents – protecting chimpanzees in Africa, tracking polar bears in the Arctic and helping uncover the largest dinosaur ever found in South America. 

Ben has fronted TV and radio series including Attenborough and the Mammoth Graveyard, The Day the Dinosaurs Died and Baby Chimp Rescue, and has written over 20 books, including the beloved Jack-Jack series inspired by his real-life canine companion

About Prof Oli Buckley

Professor Oli Buckley is a cyber security and artificial intelligence expert based at Loughborough University. His work focuses on how people interact with emerging technologies, including AI, trust, privacy and digital identity. Oli regularly appears in the media, including BBC, CNN and The Conversation, to talk about the real-world impacts of AI and cyber security.

About Rhianna-lily Smith

Rhianna-lily is a science journalist with a background in microbiology. She is passionate about making science accessible and engaging, and on tackling misinformation. She regularly writes about the breaking news in science research and through her talks and other creative projects, she aims to support audiences think critically – and have fun doing it!