British Science Festival

Bristish Science Festival logoThe British Science Festival is returning to Newcastle for the seventh time in September 2013. It is organised annually by the British Science Association in partnership with a different host city.

Europe's largest science event

The British Science Festival 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 presentation 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 live music, comedy, theatre and exhibitions - the Festival has something for everyone.

Speaking at the announcement of Newcastle as the 2013 host for the British Science Festival, Professor Ella Ritchie, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Newcastle University said:

"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."

  • Europe's largest, longest-established and most media-worthy science event
  • Around 100,000 attendances each year
  • Audiences of all ages; caters for all levels from professional scientists to families on a day out
  • Huge international media coverage – 100 leading scientists from across UK attend

Ideas take flight

In the lead up to the Festival, Newcastle University has launched a regional campaign: Ideas Take Flight, to gather ideas, thoughts and questions from the public to help shape the Festival. University staff have been helping to answer questions sent in. It is hoped that some of these might even help inspire an event, talk or activity at the festival!  A selection of these can be seen at www.ideastakeflight.org

Ignite Small Grants Scheme

To help get ideas for projects off the ground, Newcastle University has also launched the Ignite Small Grants Scheme, which aims to help staff and students develop activities that showcase their expertise and enthusiasm for science.

Engagement and outreach training programme

For those looking to find out more generally about different ways to communicate their work, an engagement and outreach training programme is being launched for the new academic year. Activities offered in the science communication strand of the programme will range from speaking to the media, to developing activities for different audiences, to science busking!

Other projects include:

  • a series of school packs that will be developed to send out to local schools over the next academic year
  • a student-led Science Magazine which will be launched in Autumn 2012
  • a 'street-science' team of volunteer student science buskers, who will help build enthusiasm and showcase the arrival of the festival regionally

Call for proposals

The call for proposals to be part of the Festival programme has now opened - find out how to propose an event.

Further information

Ideas Take Flight