Newcastle University

The British Science Festival is returning to Newcastle for the seventh time, in September 2013, writes Rose Wu.

Organised by the British Science Association in partnership with a different host city each year, Europe’s largest science event brings together over 350 of the UK’s top scientists, engineers and commentators to discuss the latest developments in science and technology with the public.

From presentations of cutting-edge research to thought-provoking discussions and debate, a schools’ programme for 8–19 year olds, hands-on activity for families, and a city-wide programme of comedy, drama and exhibitions – the Festival will have something for everyone.

Professor Ella Ritchie, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Newcastle University, says: ‘It is a real coup for Newcastle to have been chosen by the British Science Association to host such a prestigious science festival. The opportunity for Newcastle to showcase some of the latest advances in science, technology and engineering will enhance further our reputation as a city of science and attract hundreds of businesses and visitors to the area throughout the six-day event.’

A regional launch of the Festival will take place in July when the British Science Association opens its call for activity proposals to go in the Festival programme. And with the British Science Association planning to return to Newcastle every four years, Newcastle University is working with regional partners and communities to think creatively, not only about the Festival, but also its build up and legacy.

To help staff and students get their ideas for projects off the ground, the University will be launching the Ignite Small Grants Scheme, supporting activities across the University that showcase expertise and enthusiasm for science.

An engagement and outreach training programme is also being developed for staff and students looking for different ways to communicate their work. Activities will range from speaking to the media and learning how to develop activities for different audiences, to science busking.

Other projects being developed include a series of themed school packs to send out to local schools over the next academic year; a student-led science magazine which will launch in autumn 2012; and a ‘street-science’ team of volunteer student science buskers, who will help build enthusiasm and showcase the arrival of the Festival across the region.

Dr Bryn Jones, Dean of Postgraduate Studies for the University’s Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering, who was at the 1995 festival says: ‘It’s great to see the Science Festival returning to Newcastle again and fun to think that the children who came to the events that we organised in 1995 are among today’s undergraduate and postgraduate students!’ With all the exciting research taking place in Newcastle and the region today, we’re sure the return of the Festival in 2013 will be bigger and better than ever.

If you would like to get involved, find out more about any of the above projects, or involvement opportunities for companies, or if you have any ideas you’d like to discuss, please contact Rose Wu, Science Festival and Engagement Coordinator, at rose.wu@ncl.ac.uk

If you have any photos or stories from the last two times the British Science Festivals came to Newcastle in 1995 and 1949, we’d love to hear from you.

You can read more about the 2013 British Science Festival on the Ideas Take Flight website.