Science and chemistry in TV shows and movies: real science or pure fiction?
This event will take place in October 16, 2026 at 'Casa des Merveilles' theater in Grand Fougeray (Brittany)
Vendredi 16 octobre, 20h00
This conference is organized by the 'Scientific dissemination' working group of the Rennes Institute of Chemical Sciences (ISCR).
Spectacular explosions, instant freezing, improbable experiments—science and chemistry are everywhere in movies and TV shows! But what’s really behind these sometimes mesmerizing scenes? Can we actually create or replicate what we see on screen? And do scientists in fiction actually work the way they’re portrayed?
In this interactive conference led by two chemists from the Institute of Chemical Sciences of Rennes, we’ll investigate the truth (or lack thereof) behind scenes from TV and film. Come explore the fascinating structure of matter, the science behind fireworks, the truth about liquid nitrogen, and how a single strand of hair can reveal the captain’s age and his schedule over three days.
Between scientific truths, dramatic shortcuts, and outright improbable inventions, this is your chance to separate fact from fiction—with experiments, discussions, and a dash of humor.
Additional Information
This science-show conference takes place at Casa des Merveilles, a small, intimate theater with limited seating, located in the countryside near Grand Fougeray (Brittany, France). The venue usually hosts professional performances, but this time, it’s welcoming two chemists from the ISCR for a fun and interactive talk.
* Reservations are required due to limited seating: www.spectaculum.fr/reservations
* Admission requires an annual association membership fee of €5 per person.
Contacts
Antoine Vacher, antoine.vacher@univ-rennes.fr
Loïc Robert, loic.robert@univ-rennes.fr
