Posted on News, Projects & Campaigns

More Heirlooms and traditions saved…..

There is a recuring theme whereby your RCS Association saves heirlooms and traditions that relate to the Royal College of Science. A little lower down this page, we’ve put together a rather impressive list. And the list isn’t even exhaustive!

Today, we announce the addition of three new items to this list – the reinstatement of three Union-Bar-centric heirlooms:

Brass coat hooks

The brass coat hooks by the side door of the bar were removed in 1989 in a misguided attempt to install a gambling machine in that space. Widespread opprobrium meant the machine was soon removed, but the hooks were never replaced and have been sorely missed ever since. Well….. being forced to dump your coats on the floor of the bar is a thing of the past. We have reinstated the coat hooks to bring back a little of pre-1990’s luxury. (But remember, there were thieves about in the 80s and there are still thieves today, so take care with any valuables).… Read more...

Posted on Annual Dinner, News, Projects & Campaigns

A Newish Tradition – The H.G. Wells Cup

Eighty years ago, on 13th August 1946, our founder and first president, Herbert George Wells, died peacefully at his home overlooking Regents Park. So today would seem an appropriate point to remind ourselves about the RCSA’s H.G. Wells Cup…..

Distinctive in appearance and designed to resemble an hourglass, the H.G. Wells Cup was commissioned by then president Rob Park, to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the Royal College of Science Association. Unveiled at the ‘Eleventieth’ Annual Dinner at the House of Lords in 2018, and inaugurated with the after-dinner port, it bears the name of Herbert George Wells, famous alumnus of the RCS and founder and first president of the RCS Association.

The form of an egg-timer is well chosen. The hourglass shape has been imbued with mystical meaning since the time of the alchemists with the upper bulb representing the heavens or the future, and the lower bulb the Earth or the past.… Read more...

Posted on Events, Jezebel, News, Sport

Sparkes Cup 2026 and Semmence Cup 2026: results

The day saw round robin fixtures between the RCS, C&G & RSM, alternating between rugby & netball matches, with some of the rugby lads exchanging the egg-shaped ball for the round one and trying their hand at Netball. Ultimately the victories went to the Royal College of Science for both rugby and netball. With the Sparkes Cup and the Semmence Cup both coming home to the RCS.

We would wish to thank student Louis Beucher for his organisational input and to our captains, Sami Brown (rugby) & Charlotte Hawley (netball) for helping organise the event and ensuring a strong showing from the teams. Our very own Stephen Davies deserves our thanks for organising everything on behalf of the Associations who funded the event. And, of course, so do our match officials Olly Tatlow, who brilliantly refereed the rugby matches, and Julia Mark and Lisa Huse who similarly umpired the netball matches.… Read more...

Posted on Around Campus, Events, News, Outreach

Science Challenge Awards 2026

On Saturday, 20th June, the RCSU held the Awards Ceremony for its annual Science Challenge. The RCSA was there to support.

The RCSU Science Challenge is an annual competition, designed to give young scientists the opportunity to develop the skills to talk about science in a way that is engaging and fun to people who don’t necessarily have a science background.

Originally founded and funded by the RCSA, the Science Challenge asks entrants to produce a short piece of science communication in answer to a question set by one of the four guest judges, and serves as a cornerstone of outreach and engagement with both current and prospective students of Imperial College.

This year’s theme was The Butterfly Effect – Exploring how small changes can lead to big impacts in science
and society.

Our very own Jenni Munroe, lept at the chance to represent the RCSA as our judge for this year’s competition.… Read more...

Posted on News, Projects & Campaigns

Two helpful actions

Two Easy-Peasy ways to be really helpful and become an Alumnus Hero….

1. For all of us – any type of Imperial alumnus.

Whether you graduated recently or have been an alumnus for a long time, the College wants to hear from you through their survey. Your feedback will inform the alumni experience for you and future generations. Complete the College’s survey here….. by Friday 26th June.

2. Just for physicists – alumni AND students.

Might you have suitable photographs? We have a request from the Physics dept: Might you have images of yourselves in the Physics department, working in labs or socialising in the department?

The department is gathering historical pictures of the inside of the building, lab work and its past members.

Please address any questions or any photographs to Anne Barrett, College Archivist, in the first instance and she will pass them on.

(If you approve of the support we offer to our students and to the traditions of Imperial College, why not help us do more?… Read more...

Posted on Around Campus, Events, Sport

Transport: Sparkes & Semmence Cups 2026

Sparkes and Semmence Cups will be contested this coming weekend, on Sunday June 14th, from 14:00 at Harlington (Sipson Lane, Harlington, Hayes UB3 5EH).

Most of you will make your own way there, but there are other options.

There is the Sparks & Semmence ONE WAY Coach Ticket from Prince Consort Road departing at 13:00

Here is the link to book coach tickets (at £3, which us the lowest amount the booking system would allow) should anyone want them:
https://www-s.imperialcollegeunion.org/shop/product/1497-/
Additionally, Jez and Clem are making the trip from campus to Harlington. It’s a slower gentler journey and plenty of spaces are available. Check availability with with Jack Swires, the RSM Motor Club Captain, and book your place with him. Departure is 11:00 from the Motor Club garages.

To quickly recap the event: The RCS, C&G and RSM rugby teams will go head-to-head in the Sparkes Cup’s 2026 match!

Interleaved between those matches, the RCS, C&G and RSM netball teams will also compete head-to-head (for only the third time) for the recently founded Semmence Cup.… Read more...

Posted on Annual Dinner, Careers, Events, News, RCSA Trust

RCSA double up with two sparkling alumni events on the same day!

The recent Great Exhibition Road Festival (GERF) weekend (June 5-7) saw a busy and enjoyable London visit for many RCS alumni! The highlight was the RCSU/RCSA joint Summer Dinner at the London Postal Museum. 130 RCS students and alumni got into their best outfits and gathered at the underground WC1 location of the London Postal Museum’s Mail Rail venue. This outstanding and atmospheric space had dining tables in amongst the museum exhibits and right next to the driverless, narrow gauge underground Mail Rail, The diners enjoyed a superb three-course meal and wine, followed by speeches and an award ceremony. The excellent key note speech was by RCS alumnus Jamie Alldridge who spoke passionately about his time at Imperial and offered insights and advice for current student wanting to make the most of their time at college and to be successful in their chosen careers. RCSU president Jack Swires then presented 12 students and alumni (pictured above) with various RCS colours awards.… Read more...

Posted on Annual Dinner, Around Campus, Events, Member Benefits, News, Outreach

Summer Dinner 6th June – Tickets Released

Sales of tickets for the dinner have got off to a strong and enthusiastic start with a third of the available tickets sold in the first few hours. So don’t delay, purchase your tickets promptly by clicking on this link……

When ordering, bypass a shortcoming of Imperial Union’s new on-line shop by following this top tip: When placing your order, pop your first name AND your email address into the ‘First name’ field. (And yes, go on to repeat your email address in the ‘Email’ field.) Honestly! It’s not a wind-up…. it really does help!

As our President, Mike Munroe, explained: We have secured an amazing venue for the RCSU/ RCSA Summer Dinner this year and our plan is to hold it at the London Postal Museum WC1. This iconic and award winning independent museum tells the 500 year story of British postal communications with interesting exhibits and displays. Our sumptuous dinner will be located in the atmospheric museum with access to the exhibits and displays.… Read more...

Posted on Around Campus, Events, Jezebel, News, Sport

Sparkes & Semmence Cups 2026

On Sunday June 14th Imperial’s inter-college rugby competition continues. Once again the RCS, C&G and RSM rugby teams are preparing to go head-to-head in the Sparkes Cup’s 2026 match!

Interleaved between those matches, the RCS, C&G and RSM netball teams will also compete head-to-head (for only the third time) for the recently founded Semmence Cup.

And our Netball team will be playing, for the first time in their new kit, as provided by your RCSA.

The location is once more our traditional sporting home of Harlington (Sipson Lane, Harlington, Hayes UB3 5EH).

As in previous years, the RCSA, the CGCA and the RSMA are sponsoring this events making food and drink available……..all free of charge.

And Jezebel and the RCS Motor Club will be there too, supporting our teams and offering another point of interest for RCSA members.

The date of 14th June 2026 is getting closer, so pop it in your diary with kick-off at 14:00.… Read more...

Posted on Annual Dinner, Around Campus, Events, Member Benefits, News

Summer Dinner: A Letter from our President

The RCS Summer Dinner, Great Exhibition Road Festival & RCSA Magazine

Dear RCS Students, Staff and Alumni,

First of all Happy Easter and hope you and your families have a great Easter break.

I am happy to share some exciting news about upcoming RCSA events so please get your diaries and calendars at the ready!

Stop Press!! We have just secured an amazing venue for the RCSU/ RCSA Summer Dinner this year and our plan is to hold it at the London Postal Museum WC1. This iconic and award winning independent museum tells the 500 year story of British postal communications with interesting exhibits and displays. Our sumptuous dinner will be located in the atmospheric museum with access to the exhibits and displays. It should be a really unique and enjoyable experience. The dinner will be held on the evening of Saturday 6th June which is during the Great Exhibition Road Festival (GERF) weekend making this a great weekend for alumni to spend in London!… Read more...