From Sand to Science: ON-DEM Wins a Spot at the Royal Society Exhibition 2026

Recently, Dr Sadegh Nadimi led a UK-based ON-DEM team in submitting a proposal for the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition 2026, entitled “Grains in Motion: When Solids Flow and Liquids Jam”. The concept was developed collectively, with many of the core ideas first discussed at the joint WG5/WG6 meeting in Bilbao.

I am delighted to announce that the application has been successful.

The exhibit will highlight the remarkable duality of granular materials—everyday grains that can flow like liquids yet suddenly jam or support loads like solids. Through a series of hands-on demonstrations, visitors will explore why sand pours smoothly while rice may block a funnel, how shaking can liquefy soil during earthquakes, what controls avalanches and dune formation, and why modern trains still rely on sand for traction and braking on slippery rails. Microscopy stations and live magnification will reveal how small differences in grain size, shape, and texture give rise to large-scale effects in nature and industry.

The exhibit will emphasise that “simple materials can behave in surprisingly complex ways”, linking fundamental physics to real-world applications in geotechnics, transport safety, natural hazards, and manufacturing. It will be an excellent opportunity to showcase ON-DEM’s breadth—from experiments and simulations to engineering practice—and to engage the public with the science underpinning granular materials.

We will soon be looking for UK-based colleagues to help develop and staff the exhibition, and any support in spreading the word would be greatly appreciated. And of course, if you are attending the Exhibition in 2026, please do come by the stand and say hello.