London events for people with curious minds.
Monday 15 April
PROOFS: Computational mathematics anyone? Professor Tony Mann, at a Gresham lecture at Barnard's Inn Hall, explores computer proofs versus human proofs (proof meaning in this case an easily-checked method of establishing truth), and where pure mathematics stands in the digital age. Free, just turn up, 6pm
Tuesday 16 April
MOVE: Bright Club, at new digs of the Albany, Great Portland Street, is a comedy night where university lecturers stand up and show their funnies, before the pros take over. Tonight, expect an evolutionary psychologist, a language scientist, a mechanical engineer and a scientist/editor. £5, prebook, 7.30pm
SPOKEN NERD: Geeky trio Festival of the Spoken Nerd return with a three-night show at Bloomsbury Theatre, with a stand-up and musical show devoted to technology. Whether you're a Mac, a PC, or just a human being, don't miss another sellout night of science and silliness. £14, prebook, 7.30pm
Wednesday 17 April
SOLAR CELLS: Professor Neil Greenham leads this discussion at The Royal Society on the difficulties, complexities and options around using solar cells to convert sunlight into electricity. Free, just turn up, 6.30pm
CROWD-FUNDING: This month's Future Human event looks at the rise of Kickstarter and other means of raising capital from interested members of the public. As ever, you should head downstairs at The Book Club in Shoreditch. £10, prebook, 7.30pm
Thursday 18 April
CONFLICT: Conflict seems rife all over the world and this event at Gresham College with see various speakers exploring different techniques for conflict avoidance and resolution. Free, just turn up, 2pm
FILM: Catch Travelling Salesman, an intellectual thriller about four of the world's smartest mathematicians hired by the U.S. government to solve the most elusive problem in computer science history, at a special screening at City University in Northampton Square. £4, prebook, 6pm
GEEK MUSIC: Music based on, or generated by algorithms will be showcased at the Algorave event onboard MS Stubnitz in Canary Wharf. £9, prebook, 7pm
Friday 19 April
EGYPT AND IRON: How did meteorites influence ancient Egyptian culture? Find out at this lecture led by Diane Johnson at The Royal Society. Free, just turn up, 1pm
Saturday 20 April
INSECTS: Today is the last day you can find out about the Secret Insects of Bloomsbury at Wellcome Collection. Creep and crawl around Bloomsbury with James Logan and unearth dark tales with exclusive access to specimens and curiosities. See our preview here. Free, prebook, 2.30pm
Sunday 21 April
PUBLIC STEAMING: Not nearly as rude as it sounds, today you have the chance to see the under-restoration Crossness Pumping Station in action. £5, just turn up, from 10.30am
BUS SHOW: Bus enthusiasts hold onto your knickers, as today is the 40th Spring Bus and Coach Gathering at the London Bus Museum. There will be up to 200 old and new visiting coaches and buses, a frequent service of heritage bus rides and rides on a genuine 1890s horse-bus. £10/£9, just turn up, from 10am
TEDMEDLIVE: The first ever TEDMED event to be held outside the US, this event at Imperial College London combines the nexus of health, information and technology with personal stories and glimpses into the future of medicine. £40, prebook, from 11am
Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments or tip us off about future events by emailing [email protected]
