Light Project
Stargazing 2026 at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory
23rd Jan
17:15 – 20:45 | STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Campus, OX11 0QX
Join us for 2026 Stargazing at RAL where we’ll have plenty of activities…
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.
This January, Harwell Campus reaches a remarkable milestone – 80 years of being a campus dedicated to science and innovation.
To celebrate, we’re launching The Light Project.
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. You can read more about our history here.
Events
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.
Browse the event listings below to find out more and book your place. We’ll be adding new events and updating regularly – sign up for the Harwellian newsletter to stay up to date.
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Light ProjectStep inside the human BODY – an immersive light and science experience
23rd Jan
17:00 – 21:00 | The Quad, outside Lightbox
Get ready for an evening of mind-blowing science, exploring the human BODY like…
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Light ProjectEarth Photo: An Exhibition Under the Sky
1st Oct
9:00 | The Quad, outside Lightbox
Discover award-winning photography in Harwell’s open-air exhibition…
Previous Events
Take a look at our previous Light Project events, from Museum of the Moon, to welcoming Brian Cox and Tim Peake back on campus to film the Infinite Monkey Cage podcast. The Light Project has been a huge success so far, and we’re so excited for you to join us for our future events above.
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Past Light Project EventPhotography Workshops for Young People
19th Oct
10:30 – 16:00 | Quad Two, Rutherford Avenue, OX11 0DF
As part of the Light Project and the RSG Earth Photography Exhibition at…
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Past Light Project EventPrivate Viewing: Royal Geographic Earth Photography Exhibition
11th Sep
17:30 – 18:30 | Quad Two, Rutherford Avenue, OX11 0DF
Join us for an exclusive private viewing of the Royal Geographic Earth…
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Past Light Project EventThis could be your team on a Harwell Blue Plaque
17th Jul
We’ve extended the deadline by one week until 5th September to…
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Past Light Project EventRutherford Appleton Laboratory: Public Access Day
1st Aug
9:00 – 16:30 | TBC
This summer, we are delighted to be able to run an access day at the laboratory…
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Past Light Project EventMuseum of the Moon – Campus Member Day
21st May
12:00 – 14:00 | Zeta, Thomson Avenue, Harwell Campus, OX11 0GD
We’re thrilled to welcome Luke Jerram‘s Museum of the Moon to campus…
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Past Light Project EventEvening Yoga and Moon Meditation
21st May
18:00 – 19:15 | Zeta, Thomson Avenue, Harwell Campus, OX11 0GD
Step into stillness beneath the awe-inspiring Museum of the Moon – Luke…
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Past Light Project EventMuseum of the Moon – Public Open Days
22nd May
17:00 – 19:00 | Zeta, Thomson Avenue, Harwell Campus, OX11 0GD
We’re thrilled to welcome Luke Jerram‘s Museum of the Moon to campus…
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Past Light Project EventMuseum of the Moon – Family Activity Week
28th May
11:00 – 15:00 | Zeta, Thomson Avenue, Harwell Campus, OX11 0GD
We’re thrilled to welcome Luke Jerram‘s Museum of the Moon to campus…
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Past Light Project Event
Morning Yoga Under the Moon
3rd Jun
8:00 – 9:00 | Zeta, Thomson Avenue, Harwell Campus, OX11 0GD
Step into stillness beneath the awe-inspiring Museum of the Moon – Luke…
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Past Light Project Event
Evening Yoga and Moon Meditation
2nd Jun
18:00 – 19:15 | Zeta, Thomson Avenue, Harwell Campus, OX11 0GD
Step into stillness beneath the awe-inspiring Museum of the Moon – Luke…
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Past Light Project Event
Rise and Shine: Morning Yoga
3rd Jun
8:00 – 9:00 | Zeta, Thomson Avenue, Harwell Campus, OX11 0GD
Start your day with calm, clarity, and connection beneath the…
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Past Light Project EventIn her own words, Astronaut in Training, Dr Meganne Christian
3rd Jun
18:00 – 19:00 | Zeta, Thomson Avenue, Harwell Campus, OX11 0GD
From Antarctica to Space – Dr Meganne Christian Dr Meganne Christian will…
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Past Light Project EventThe Infinite Monkey Cage – Podcast Recording
5th Jun
19:00 – 20:15 | Zeta, Thomson Avenue, Harwell Campus, OX11 0GD
The Infinite Monkey Cage, BBC Radio 4’s highly popular and entertaining…
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Past Light Project EventSilent Disco Under The Moon
6th Jun
19:00 – 21:00 | Zeta, Thomson Avenue, Harwell Campus, OX11 0GD
Slip on your headphones, choose your vibe, and lose yourself in the music as our…
Standing on the shoulders of science
Harwell has always blown the world of science wide open. For over three quarters of a century we’ve advanced human understanding of the forces that govern our universe. It’s a proud tradition of innovation and leadership born from the tenacious pursuit of knowledge.
In Partnership with
Latest Harwell news
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A sky full of science: Harwell to light up Oxfordshire sky as it celebrates its 80th birthday on New Year’s Day
On New Year’s Day 2026, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus will celebrate its 80th birthday, marking eight decades of world-leading science and innovation with a dazzling spectacle visible across Oxfordshire. From 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, the UK’s most powerful display laser will shine from the centre of the iconic Diamond Light Source, creating ‘The…
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UK science facility commences construction of one of the most powerful lasers in the world
Construction has now begun of the Vulcan 20-20 laser at Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, which when complete will be one of the most powerful lasers in the world when operational in a few years time. The Central Laser Facility (CLF) was awarded £85 million by UK Research and Innovation for this major upgrade programme.…
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Harwell organisations secure share of £17 million to drive next wave of Space innovation
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