Fireflies and glow-worms do it … and also some algae. Laundry detergents, sugar – even envelopes and sellotape – can glow too.

How does this come about? And how can we see it in action? Johnathan Doran and Dr Paul Beaumont from SSERC turn down the lights for a family show packed with live demonstrations designed to spark curiosity about how, and why, so many unexpected things glow in the dark. Ages ?? upwards.

Johnathan Doran is the Head of Biology at the Scottish Schools Education Research Centre (SSERC), and Dr Paul Beaumont, whose background is in biochemistry, is a former Director of Professional Learning there.