As September grows closer, we’re here to help get those itineraries sorted! Plus, we’ve got a sprinkling of new line-up additions thrown in for good measure…
The British Science Festival 2022, in partnership with De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) will be taking over the city of Leicester in just one month (13-17 September)! We’ve put together a must-see list of talks, experiences, and activities for each day – all of which are completely free to attend.
Before we get stuck in, make sure to check out our ‘Plan your visit’ webpage for everything you’ll need to know – from getting around the city, to where to get the best grub. Don't forget to download your full British Science Festival event guide ahead of the big week too (preview below).
BRITISH SCIENCE FESTIVAL EVENT GUIDE
Tuesday 13 September highlights…
Check out the full line-up of Tuesday’s events here.
Talk: The politician’s child
- Time: 13:00 – 14:00
- Location: Queen's Building, Lecture Theatre 1.10, De Montfort University
Paparazzi, scandal, and living in the public eye. As a politician, it’s all just part of the job. But what impact might this have on their children?
Through her research, Elizabeth Hurren from the University of Leicester will be exploring the effects on the mental wellbeing of children thrust into the public eye because of their high-profile parents.
Experience: PLEA2
- Time: 10:00 – 17:00, Tuesday 13 – Saturday 17 September (drop-in)
- Location: Beta X Leicester, 72 Church Gate, Leicester LE1 3AN
Meet PLEA2, an interactive biomimicking robot head. PLEA2 samples its environment and responds to the emotions on your face to determine how you are feeling. Be prepared – it will then show its affection for you!
This proof-of-concept robot has been developed by Tomislav Stipancic at the University of Zagreb, demonstrating the latest developments in robots that are capable of interacting with humans in, for example, care settings.
This is a drop-in event, no booking is required.
Wednesday 14 September highlights…
Browse the full line-up of Wednesday’s events here.
Talk: 10 top tips for staying alive
- Time: 15:00-16:00
- Location: Queen's Building, Lecture Theatre 1.10, De Montfort University
Why do we die? How can we live healthier and longer? Prepare for a journey through the history of life and death, interviews with scientists and ageing experts and a look ahead to the future of humanity.
Drawing on the latest research and advances in medicine, cybernetics and artificial intelligence, philosophy and sci-fi, Patrick Wilson from the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) will share his practical guide for humans hoping to survive the 21st century.
Activity: Tulsi, or not Tulsi?
- Time: 30-minute slots between 11:30 - 14:00
- Location: Trinity House, De Montfort University
Come and explore the British Science Festival’s very own herbal garden!
Here, you’ll discover how ancient plants were used as medicines and put your identification skills to the test using the latest genetic techniques. Researchers from De Montfort University will be on hand to help you plant your own Tulsi specimen to take home too.
Thursday 15 September highlights…
Have a look at the full line-up of events taking place on the Thursday here.
Talk: Diabetes, the silent pandemic
- Time: 15:00 – 16:00
- Location: Vijay Patel Building, Lecture Theatre 4.05, De Montfort University
By 2030, over 417 million people will be affected by diabetes worldwide. A large part of the growing issue is a lack of awareness about what causes it, how to manage it, and what support is out there to help.
Randolph Arroo and Ketan Ruparelia from De Montfort University will bring together a panel of experts and people with lived experience of diabetes to discuss how they’re managing the condition and the new research that is tackling this silent pandemic.
Takeover: Leicester Museum and Art Gallery
- Time: 18:00-22:00
- Location: Leicester Museum and Art Gallery, 53 New Walk, Leicester LE1 7EA
Join us as we take over Leicester Museum and Art Gallery after closing time for an unforgettable evening. Step inside the world of illusions, discover the impact food and music have on your mood, and explore space in virtual reality as you make your way through the museum.
Whether you’re interested in the origins of extinction or societal views on sex, prepare to immerse yourself in all things art, history and science…
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Friday 16 September highlights…
For the full line-up of Friday’s events, click here.
Talk: Presidential Address: Anne-Marie Imafidon
- Time: 15:00 – 16:00
- Location: The Venue@DMU, De Montfort University
Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE has been at the forefront of advocating for more girls and non-binary young people to participate in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) for almost a decade, since co-founding social enterprise, Stemettes, in 2013.
In this fireside chat, the incoming President of the British Science Association will reflect on issues of equity in STEM; looking back at her own journey, and at the barriers that still remain for young people from underrepresented backgrounds today.
Takeover: LCB Depot
- Time: 18:00-23:00
- Location: 31 Rutland St, Leicester LE1 1RE
Start your weekend right by joining us as we take over LCB Depot to showcase where science and creativity come together. Expect a fun-filled evening of music, comedy, gaming, upcycling and even an escape room experience!
Invite all your friends and come on down to explore all the events, installations and workshops on offer.
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Saturday 17 September highlights…
Check out the full line-up of events taking place on the Saturday here.
Takeover: Leicester city centre
- Time: 11:00-16:30
- Location: The Clock Tower & Humberstone Gate, Leicester
Watch Leicester city centre come alive with science!
Take a break from your shopping to enjoy a virtual reality tour of the lungs, paint with metal salts, see the technology used to explore Mars, and much, much more. With a huge range of informative talks and interactive activities, there’s something for everyone.
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All week - The Compass
- Time: Tuesday 13 September 11:00 – 18:00. Wednesday 14 September – Saturday 17 September, 11:00-21:45 (drop-in).
- Location: Jubilee Square, Leicester LE1 4LD (outdoors).
The British Science Festival invites you to take a journey of exploration at The Compass: a unique spectacle of story, sound and light.
By day, you’ll be able to venture inside The Compass to interact with the animated stories from across British research. And by night, marvel at the spectacular projection experience. Get ready to see Leicester’s Jubilee square in a whole new light.
The full British Science Festival 2022 programme line-up be found at: https://britishsciencefestival.org/
Follow the British Science Festival on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for all the latest on #BSF22!