News article
British Science Festival programme announced
Brighton Pier takeover a highlight of fascinating and unique events for 2017
Brighton Pier will be transformed into a spectacular science showcase during this year’s British Science Festival, organisers have announced.
The full programme for this year's British Science Festival was made public yesterday evening (Tuesday 27 June).
Top scientists, performers and artists from across the country will amaze thrill-seekers at the iconic seaside attraction as part of the annual Festival, which returns to Brighton for the first time in 34 years.
The Festival, co-hosted by the University of Brighton and the University of Sussex, will take place from Tuesday 5 to Saturday 9 September.
In venues across the city and at the two universities, thousands of visitors will see hundreds of leading scientists come together to showcase the latest scientific advancements from around the world.
Festival-goers will discover the latest in the race to build a super-fast quantum computer, what the future holds for Artificial Intelligence and why one man decided to be the first person to donate his entire genome to the public.
With other events as diverse as an In Conversation discussing the clean eating revolution with Horizon Editor, Steve Crabtree, and TV presenter Dr Giles Yeo, to a film screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, there is something for everyone.
The varied programme of free talks, debates and performances will allow guests to immerse themselves in accessible, cutting-edge and impactful research.
The diversity of the programme reveals that science is not restricted to lab coats; anybody can be a part of it.
University of Sussex experts will play a leading role in the Festival - you can discover our event highlights online.
Other Festival highlights include:
Can you feel the music?
Enter unique listening environments with Joanne Armitage as she demonstrates her compositions through vibrating installations and bone-conducting headphones.
Clean eating: the new diet revolution?
Geneticist and TV presenter Dr Giles Yeo and BBC Horizon Editor Steve Crabtree will be in conversation about diet fads over the ages.
Cassini: 20 years to Saturn
Join Michele Dougherty, responsible for one of the key instruments on the Cassini spacecraft, as she details the most exciting discoveries of the mission.
Psycho: shaping mental health narratives?
A special screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s film Psycho and panel discussion with neuroscientist Uta Frith, media historian Tim Snelson, and broadcaster Adam Rutherford
Why did I donate my genome to the public?
Colin Smith, the first person to donate his entire genome, discusses the reasons for his decision.
Making storytime memorable
Lively event packed with interactive demonstrations and practical tips for telling stories.
Brighton Pier takeover
Experience science on the boardwalk as researchers, artists and entertainers amaze thrill-seekers at the iconic seaside attraction.
Adam Tickell, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Sussex, said: “We have really enjoyed developing this magnificent programme with the British Science Association and the University of Brighton.
"From quantum computing, to consciousness science, the reintroduction of species into the wild and the latest wearable technologies, University of Sussex academics are making huge leaps in scientific research and discovery around the world.
"We can’t wait to share our latest findings and carry out some experiments with festival visitors. There’s a good mix of the fun and the more serious but everything will be thought-provoking.
“I know the whole city is invested in making this a fantastic event.”
Ivvet Modinou, British Science Festival Director at the British Science Association, said: “We are thrilled to bring the British Science Festival to the city of Brighton this September. It’s an especially exciting year as the Festival will be co-hosted for the first time by the Universities of Brighton and Sussex. The academics and staff at the Universities have been fantastic to work with, and have helped us to develop the diverse and cutting-edge programme for visitors.”
Debra Humphris, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Brighton, said: “This year’s British Science Festival will be taking place in a dynamic, creative and diverse city that has the capacity to surprise, delight and challenge in equal measure. Much like the programme for what I am sure is going to be a fantastic festival. This coming September marks the 25th anniversary of the University of Brighton and I can think of no better way to kick off our celebrations than by co-hosting this wonderful event.”
The Festival will take place from 5-9 September in Brighton, and provides an opportunity to meet researchers face-to-face and discuss the latest science, technology and engineering.
Space for some events is limited, so book now to reserve your place at www.britishsciencefestival.org