About Lab in a Lorry

Lab in a Lorry is an interactive mobile science laboratory staffed by volunteer practising scientists and engineers. 

The aim of Lab in a Lorry is to give young people aged 11-14 the opportunity to do experimental science in the way it actually happens; exploratory, accidental, informed by curiosity and intuition, but also bounded and guided by the experience and insight of practicing scientists. 

The Lorry’s greatest asset is its volunteers: working scientists who are willing to share their time, enthusiasm and knowledge of science with young people.

Each Lorry is a self-contained experience – it rolls up and is ready to go. Year-round, the vehicles will tour the UK and  Ireland – visiting schools, festivals, and other venues.

Volunteers will give one or more days of their time during the week to help staff the lorry.  They will be given a full briefing on the experiments which the young people will be doing plus guidance on how to help the young people explore and learn by themselves. Our aim is to make the experience as enjoyable and inspiring for our volunteers as it undoubtedly will be for our young visitors.

It is a joint initiative between the Institute of Physics and the Schlumberger Foundation and one of several Institute of Physics outreach programmes. It aims to make physics and scientific careers more attractive to young people. Lab in a Lorry is currently operating on a regional basis determined by our funding sources. At the moment we have three lorries operational: one in Scotland, one in the East Midlands and one in the North West of England.

The Lab in a Lorry Team

View a short film of Lab in a Lorry in action