Entertainment

Discover a world of ideas as NI Science Festival launch biggest ever programme of events

A decade of the NI Science Festival

Graeme Wilkinson, Director of Skills at the Department for the Economy, Sarah Jones, NI Science Festival Director and Cailín Lynn, Programming Development Manager at National Museums NI launch the 2024 NI Science Festival (DARREN KIDD)
By Jenny Lee

Celebrations are full STEAM ahead as the NI Science Festival marks a decade of exploration and discovery with its largest ever festival this February.

From astronomy to autopsy, biology to beer brewing and Teeny Tiny Creatures to Tetris, the annual festival of all things science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM), will return for a jam-packed 11 days from February 15 to 25.

Firmly established as one of the largest science events in Europe, highlights of the tenth NI Science Festival include broadcaster Professor Alice Roberts, aerospace engineer-turned-baker Andrew Smyth, wildlife filmmaker and presenter Gordon Buchanan and Limerick’s own ‘cultural phenomenon’ Blindboy.

Aerospace engineer and Great British Bake Off finalist Andrew Smyth returns to the NI Science Festival

Over 300 events are planned across Northern Ireland covering everything from the natural world, our planet, and the vast expanse of space to technology, engineering, the mind and body, food and much more.

Commenting on the launch of this year’s festival, its director, Sarah Jones, said: “For ten years we have spread the joy of science, sparked fascination with technology, engineering and maths and facilitated thought-provoking discussions regarding the arts – we look forward to building upon this not only this year but for many more to come.”

The festival celebrate its tenth birthday on Saturday February 17, with a takeover of the awe-inspiring surrounds of the Ulster Transport Museum, including Scientific Sue, Strong Women in Science and many more in a packed day of interactive activities, workshops, immersive experiences for the whole family.

Super Science Sunday returns to Belfast’s Whitla Hall across the two festival weekends. On Sunday February 18, asaward-winning forensic chemist Niamh Nic Daeid explores how the leading-edge technology of today like virtual reality is being used to investigate crime scenes and the breakthroughs of the future that could crack previously unsolvable cases.

Alice Roberts will talk about her new book, Crypt: Life, Death and Disease in the Middle Ages and Beyond, looking at how ancient bones hold the key to understanding the impact of violence and disease in mediaeval society.

Alice Roberts - English evolutionary biologist, biological anthropologist, television presenter and author. (Stuart Mcclymont)

The following weekend, Gordon Buchanan, one of the most prominent wildlife presenters and filmmakers working today, takes to the stage to share his incredible passion for the animal kingdom and the unique ability he has for presenting such hidden animal worlds.

The festival will also take to the road with its Regional Roadshows. Join CBeebies’ Teeny Tiny Creatures animal experts Chantelle and Rory as they shed a light on the vital planet-saving role that our tiniest animals play in the wonderful web and science communicator Jon Chase who will explore the science behind the movie franchise that helped change the way we see dinosaurs.

Join Jules Howard, author of Wonderdog, in celebrating of the role that dogs are playing in the science of animal minds.

Other highlights include opportunities to have a go at blacksmiting, discovering the art and science behind the quintessential classic cocktail, zoologist and broadcaster Jules Howard’s will be discovering what dogs really think of humans and CBeebies star Grace Webb returns with Grace’s Green Gadgets: Race Edition.

For full information about events and bookings, visit nisciencefestival.com.