CPLAS researchers Dr Simon Freakley and Dr Sasha Rakovich were featured in The Times in the lead-up to CPLAS participating in the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition, talking about Faraday’s colloids.
The colloids were first prepared in 1856 and are rarely moved due to their age and significance. Their appearance at the exhibition marked the first time they had been relocated in over a century, aside from being moved for safekeeping during the Second World War.
The presence of the colloids alongside the NanoGlow stand came about in a surprising way.
During early conversations with the Royal Society about the exhibition, Simon discussed historical examples connected to the science behind the stand. In that context, he jokingly suggested including Faraday’s original colloids.
What began as an offhand remark led to further discussion and eventually to the colloids being displayed next to the exhibit. Seeing Faraday’s original samples next to current work made that connection more tangible, showing how similar questions about light and materials continue to be explored today.