What's needed to get liquid helium to climb up a beaker? Thanks

[jaketodd]

Any idea how much this would cost and how difficult? Should I forget about trying it myself and visit a university? Thanks

 

[hutchphd]

How much what would cost? You would certainly need a double Dewar flask set up with a window. If you are clever maybe $1k. Then you would need to vacuum pump it to cool it to 1.7Kelvin. You would need liquid Nitrogen and liquid Helium storage.
How about just doing youtube?

 

[Vanadium 50]

Should I forget about trying it myself and visit a university?

Universities don't exist to perform tricks for random passers-by. You may be disappointed.

hutchphd is right, though. You need a helium fridge/liquifier and the ability to deal with cryogenic liquids. This is not cheap nor is it something you just whip up.