Programme goes live for British Science Festival at Swansea University

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The full programme for this year's British Science Festival hosted by Swansea University has gone live, revealing that topics as diverse as Touching the Future, The Secret Life of Animals and Ancient Egyptian Demons are amongst the highlights in store for event audiences.

The Festival from Tuesday 6 to Friday 9 September will be followed by a Family Weekend on 10 – 11 September.

The event is expected to attract thousands of visitors who will experience an exciting range of talks, debates, performances, tours and workshops on campus and across the city from morning into the night. Hundreds of leading scientists from all around the world will come together to showcase the latest in science and technology in free, public events which are open to everyone.

Professor Hilary Lappin-Scott of 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 .”

Other Swansea University highlights include:

  • The Large Hadron Collider

How to build the world’s most complex experiment with Lyn Evans, Sue Nelson and Chris Allton.

  • Medical Maggots

Yamni Nigam reveals the mysteries of the medicinal maggot.

  • Pardon my French

Can swearing  be cathartic? This discussion finds out more!

  • In your dreams

Mark Blagrove uncovers the relationship between sleep, dreaming and memory.

•           9/11: 15 years on

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

Other programme highlights include:

•           The fight for the beautiful game  

Alan Lewis from the Swansea City Supporters’ Trust and Mark Doidge discuss how has football developed into a corporate business and what role do fans play in challenging it?

•           The 1848 Swansea British Science Festival

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

•           Sonic Kayaking in Swansea Bay

Attendees will get to play with a unique underwater instrument: the Sonic Kayak.

•           The Story Collider

At this evening event, audiences can 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: "We’re particularly looking forward to the activities at the Family Weekend which will include astronaut training, kitchen chemistry, windmachine selfies, sealife safaris and junk modelling while shows, workshops and performances range from Dr Emily’s Weird and Wonderful Facts, the Angry Gull, and a spaceshow in a campervan! We hope that family and friends, young and old will come along to what is set to be a great weekend in Swansea.”

While tickets are free, space for some events is limited, so organisers recommend early booking.

 

The full programme for the British Science Festival is at: www.britishsciencefestival.org