British Science Festival Programme Announced

30/06/2016

british science festival

The full programme for this year’s British Science Festival has been made public. With events as diverse as Sonic Kayaking in Swansea Bay to the critically acclaimed Science(ish) Live podcast with Channel 4’s Rick Edwards – there is something for everyone.

rick edwards

The Festival, hosted by Swansea University, will take place from Tuesday 6 to Friday 9 September, followed by a Family Weekend on 10 – 11 September.

Tens of thousands of visitors will see hundreds of leading scientists come together to showcase the latest scientific advancements from around the world. The varied programme of free talks, debates and performances will allow guests to immerse themselves in accessible, cutting-edge and impactful research.

The diversity of the programme reveals that science is not restricted to lab coats; anybody can be a part of it.

Highlights include:

  • The 1848 Swansea British Science Festival

Swansea first hosted the Festival all the way back in 1848. Learn what science and the city were like 168 years ago

  • Beach Party

Join us on Friday evening to close the Festival with a celebratory beach party. Expect fireworks and live performers!

  • Pardon my French!

Can swearing be cathartic? This discussion will find out

  • 9/11: 15 years on

Honour the anniversary and discover how the world has changed since 9/11

  • The fight for the beautiful game (with Mark Doidge and Alan Lewis from the Swansea City Supporters’ Trust)

How has football developed into a corporate business and what role do fans play in challenging it?

  • The Story Collider: an evening of personal stories with a science twist

Hear five story tellers share their exciting tales of how science has touched their lives

Ivvet Modinou, Head of Engagement at the British Science Association, said: “We are incredibly excited to be bringing the British Science Festival to Swansea this year. The response from all of the academics and staff at the University has been fantastic, and we would not have been able to produce such a diverse and cutting-edge programme without them.”

Immediately following the Festival there will be a Family Weekend at Swansea’s Waterfront Museum. This will take place on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September, featuring an array of activities, workshops and hands-on family fun.

Hilary Lappin-Scott, Pro-Vice Chancellor at Swansea University, said: “This festival will put the spotlight on Swansea University – and we will not only be showcasing exciting news on cutting edge research but we will be warmly welcoming everyone to be part of it. We will celebrate science on the campuses, in the city and on the beach – and we want everyone to come along and show that science is not just for academics but is for all.

“As one small taster of the exciting events throughout the festival week, visitors can follow a real time building construction to completion. This evolving and interactive exhibit made by the SPECIFIC project will represent a new concept for buildings of the future.  Known as “Buildings as Power Stations” they can deliver a transformation in the world of energy in the built environment  – buildings that generate, store and release their own energy; buildings that are affordable without compromising quality;  building that are engineered to deliver low carbon at low cost.”

The full programme can be seen here: www.britishsciencefestival.org

The Festival will take place from 6-9 September in Swansea, and provides an opportunity to meet researchers face-to-face and discuss the latest science, technology and engineering.

Space for some events is limited, so book now to reserve your place at www.britishsciencefestival.org