Missing the British Science Festival? We are too.
But before we look towards next year, and release the details of British Science Festival 2023 #BSF23, let’s take a moment to rewind the clock.
Check out some of our highlights at this year’s Festival - celebrating the people, stories and ideas at the heart of science, held in Leicester between 13-17 September 2022…
Immersive experiences
The Compass
One of the standout experiences of the British Science Festival 2022 was the world premiere of The Compass.
The fully immersive experience showcased spellbinding projections, and brought to life how we navigate knowledge, epic stories of British researchers, and the science that shapes the world around us.
By day, festivalgoers were able to venture inside the installation and interact with the animated stories from across British research. By night, they marvelled at the spectacular projections on the Compass’ exterior. Leicester’s Jubilee square was seen in a whole new light (mind the pun).
Tulsi, or not Tulsi?
Sun's out, science is about. The first day of the British Science Festival was a scorcher and what better way to spend it than exploring our very own herbal garden.
Together, we discovered how ancient plants were used as medicines, and put our identification skills to the test using the latest genetic techniques. Researchers from De Montfort University were on hand to help participants plant their own Tulsi specimens to take home too!
Paddleboard yoga
Where better to achieve inner peace than floating gently down a canal perfecting your downward dog? We wanted festivalgoers to let off some steam – and forget about more traditional ways of doing this.
We learnt about the importance of spending time in nature, all whilst strengthening our posture and core. This event was all about finding balance…but nobody said we had to make it easy.
Takeovers…
Leicester Museum and Art Gallery takeover
What’s on everyone’s inner-child bucket list? Exploring a museum after dark? Say no more.
Our Thursday night takeover saw a creative kaleidoscope of events in the wonderful setting of Leicester Museum and Art Gallery. From getting hands-on with 600-million-year-old fossils, stepping inside the world of illusions, to learning about how music affects your appetite – we were immersed in all things history, art and science. Big Night at the Museum vibes right here.
LCB Depot takeover
We kicked off the weekend the right way with a takeover at the LCB Depot, showcasing how science and creativity can come together for a truly unforgettable night.
This fun-filled Friday evening was brimming with installations, pop-up stalls, talks and workshops. We had music (a live-coded rave), comedy (improv meets cutting edge research) and even an escape room experience (lab-inspired).
Leicester city centre takeover
The British Science Festival was out in full force on the Saturday with dozens of performances, talks and experiences peppered around the city’s shopping district.
With researchers explaining how to find black holes, and the secrets hidden in your bones – we promised something for everyone, and delivered.
To say the city came alive with science that day is no exaggeration.
Star speakers
We were very excited to welcome some of the some of the most prominent scientific minds, academics, and authors to this year’s British Science Festival line-up. Their captivating talks and discussions were nothing short of spectacular…
Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon
At the British Science Festival, we love our traditions. Every year (for the past 190-something), we welcome the incoming President of the British Science Association to take the stage and give their Presidential Address.
This year’s President, Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon has been at the forefront of advocating for more girls and non-binary young people to participate in STEM for almost a decade, since co-founding social enterprise, Stemettes, in 2013.
In her 60-minute interview with Nitya Rajan, Anne-Marie explored how individuals can push for positive change in the tech world. Rather than feeling powerless, it’s time to get in the room where decisions are made. Or better yet, create our own.
Find here a full write-up of Dr Anne Marie Imafidon’s Presidential Address:
The Sky at Night: Question Time
For a spot of stargazing and a glimpse into the world of space and astronomy, British Science Festival attendees transformed into a live studio audience at a recording of the BBC’s The Sky at Night.
Astronomer Nial Tanvir and planetary scientist Suzie Imber were joined alongside Chris Lintott, Maggie Aderin-Pocock, Pete Lawrence and Dallas Campbell to answer our questions on all things astronomical. The panel covered everything from space junk to supernovae and will be available to watch on BBC4 this Autumn!
Partners
And that’s a wrap. We’d like to say a big thank you to our supporters who made British Science Festival 2021 possible. We couldn’t have done it without you:
Host
Principal Partner
Major Partners
Festival Partners
Headline Installation Partners
Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy
Venue Partners
Leicester Museum and Art Gallery
Finally, THANK YOU to all of those who attended. Whether this was your first BSF, or you’ve been around for longer, it’s you who keep us going each year.
Before you go, don’t forget to check out our in-depth and thought-provoking British Science Festival content being uploaded regularly on our blog.
Did you attend this year’s Festival? Let us know what you thought on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #BSF22.
Stay tuned to find out details for next year’s British Science Festival…#BSF23