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This event is part of the Royal Society's Summer Science Exhibition 2026.

Have you ever wondered how a diva did a death-defying drop? How they got their eyeliner so sharp or why you felt so moved watching a lip sync live? This panels brings together researchers from across fields to explore the science behind drag performance.

From inclusive cosmetics to both the neurocognition and physiology of dance, our panellists take you behind the scenes on all things drag.

Speakers include:

• – Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience and Movement & Performance Group Leader at University College London working to understand what makes live experiences special
• – Director of the Science Programmes at the University of the Arts London researching the experiences and needs of underrepresented users of cosmetics
• – Professor in Exercise Physiology at the University of Wolverhampton and the Chair of the Sport & Physical Activity Research Centre researching the health and wellbeing of elite performers
• – A queer astrophysicist, science journalist, and founder of , a charity dedicated to supporting and showcasing LGBTQIA+ scientists

Attending the event

This event will be held in Theatre 1 at the Royal Society on Friday 3 July 2026, 7.25pm – 7.55pm.

• Free to attend as part of Summer Science Exhibition on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to seat availability. We recommend that visitors arrive 10-15 minutes before the session
• Eventbrite tickets for Summer Science Exhibition are recommended, with only a limited number of walk-up tickets released on the day
• This event is part of our adults-only (18+) Taking Pride in Science evening
• This talk will take place in person
• A recording of this talk will be available later on the
• Live subtitles will be available
• Travel and accessibility information and details on planning your visit - contact us directly to arrange any specific accessibility requirements
• Food and drink will be available for purchase at our onsite café

For all enquiries, please email us.