2026 Humphry Davy Lecture - “Discoveries at the icy moons of Jupiter and Saturn”

Join us for this year’s Humphry Davy Lecture to learn about whether life could evolve or survive on the moons of Jupiter and Saturn.

We are pleased to invite members and their guests to Burlington House on Thursday 22 October at 18:00 for 18:30, for a lecture on the search for potential habitability in the far reaches of our solar system, on the moons of Jupiter and Saturn.  The lecture will be followed by a hot buffet dinner.

Our speaker, Professor Michele Dougherty CBE FRS FRAS is the Astronomer Royal and professor of space physics at Imperial College. She is the first female Astronomer Royal in its 350-year history and leads the Cassini-Huygens mission to Saturn and its moons.  Prof Dougherty is also the Executive Chair of the Science and Technology Facilities Council.

Based on observations from instruments on spacecraft at Jupiter and Saturn, there are many potential places in our solar system where liquid water oceans may exist below the surface.  On Earth, life thrives in the deepest, darkest parts of our oceans near hydrothermal vents. Could life similarly evolve or survive in the ocean floors of the moons of Jupiter and Saturn?

Register by 15 October by e-mailing [email protected]

To enjoy the talk and the elegant surroundings of Burlington House, please RSVP by emailing [email protected], including any guests you wish to join you by Thursday 15 October. Please also let us know the details of any dietary requirements if necessary.

Note: A £5.00 registration fee applies for this event.

The RSC and it premises is an inclusive place; we welcome attendance of those with disabilities - just let us know of any specific needs when registering and we can make appropriate arrangements.