Glasgow Science Festival announces their programme of events for 2024
Glasgow is set to transform into a celebration of the city's past, present and future on the cutting edge of science and technology as the Glasgow Science Festival returns in June.
Article Source: Glasgow Science Festival
Last Updated: 30 April 2024 11:37
The programme for this year’s festival has been officially unveiled ahead of the start of the series of events which run between 6th and 16th June.
The festival, now in its 18th year, brings together representatives from UK universities, voluntary organisations and government bodies to lead more than 150 activities, talks, workshops, and exhibitions centred around the theme of ‘Glasgow's Transforming’.
The theme will be explored during events across the city in venues including the Riverside, Kelvingrove and Hunterian Museums, the Glasgow Botanic Gardens, and the University of Glasgow’s Mazumdar-Shaw Advanced Research Centre.
Visitors will have the chance to learn more about the city’s involvement in health and wellbeing research, innovative tech breakthroughs, the intersections between art and science, the importance of nature and biodiversity and Glasgow’s rich scientific and industrial heritage.
Glasgow Science Festival is delighted to be supported and funded by the Scottish Government and the University of Glasgow.
Minister for Small Business, Innovation, Tourism and Trade Richard Lochhead said: “Glasgow is a centre of world-class science, innovation and research. The Science Festival celebrates that proud tradition and enables people to learn about and share in the city’s new achievements. I hope it also inspires the next generation of scientists, engineers, mathematicians and entrepreneurs, whose skills we will need as Scotland grows the sustainable industries of the future. That is why the Scottish Government is delighted to support this wonderful event and others like it right across the country.”
The festival’s popular Science on the Sofa programme, which began in 2020 when in-person events were cancelled due to pandemic lockdowns, returns once more, offering a diverse selection of educational online videos, events and activities.
Science on the Sofa can be accessed from the festival’s website for the entire month of June, covering topics including dealing with plastic waste, tackling the threat of viruses making the jump from animals to humans, and how women are contributing to space research.
Dr Deborah McNeill of the University of Glasgow is the Glasgow Science Festival’s director. She said: “Glasgow has been in a state of reinvention for hundreds of years, shapeshifting from a world leader in textiles, shipbuilding and engineering to the pioneering hub for a wide range of science and medical research that it is today.
This year’s festival will celebrate that spirit of invention with events for visitors of all ages. It’s particularly apt that we’ll be exploring the ways in which Glasgow’s transforming during the year which the city celebrates the 200th anniversary of the birth of Lord Kelvin, who contributed so much to the modern world, from laying to first transatlantic telegraph cable to developing the temperature scale that bears his name”.
“I’m looking forward to welcoming people from across the city, around Scotland and beyond to this year’s festival, and virtual visitors to our Science of the Sofa programme.”
Some of the highlights of this year’s festival include:
Fun and Useful Virtual/Augmented Reality for Transport Passengers: This event at the Riverside Museum between June 14th and 16th showcases research from the University of Glasgow’s School of Computing science which uses virtual and augmented reality technology to reduce motion sickness on road trips.
Exploring Kelvin's Space Problem: The University of Glasgow’s Advanced Research Centre will host multi-media artistic exploration of Lord Kelvin's solution for filling 3D space using a single shape with minimal surface area. Visitors can visualise Kelvin’s solution through a series of paintings, texts and an interactive 3D model including work from artist Dr Gregor Harvie.
CinemaARC: A series of science-related films will be shown in an outdoor cinema at St Mungo Square, including scientific shorts showcasing the work of the University of Glasgow’s Advanced Research Centre, a family screening of Disney Pixar’s Lightyear and a chance to see Alfonso Cuaron’s Gravity.
Science on the Streets: On Friday 7th June, researchers from the University of Strathclyde will lead two heritage walks through the city centre and Glasgow Cathedral and the Necropolis. Walkers will hear about how Glasgow scientists like James Watt and Joseph Lister helped shape the modern world.
Transforming Glasgow’s Health Escape Rooms: Researchers from the University of Glasgow’s School of Health & Wellbeing have designed a series of escape rooms at the Clarice Pears Building on the theme of improving the city’s health. On Saturday 8th June, visitors will learn data analysis, Braille reading and British Sign Language and use audio visual or creative thinking to solve health-related challenges.
Human and Animal Intelligence: On Wednesday 12th June, the Advanced Research Centre will host a Café Scientifique event hosted by Dr Kirsten Blakey of the University of Stirling to discuss the moral implications of recognising animal intelligence. What would giving up intensive farming mean for our diets and how might it help tackle climate change?
The festival will also continue its longstanding relationship with schools through the Creating Engineers competition, which invites pupils from P5 and P6 to tackle challenges using k:Nex kits. This year, the festival is also running a competition for children aged between 4 and 18 to develop an idea for an app which could solve real-life problems using science, technology, engineering and maths. The winning entries will be displayed at the Riverside Museum between June 6th and June 16th.
For more information on this year’s Glasgow Science Festival lineup, visit the festival website.
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Unleash your creativity and tastebuds
Dobbies Garden Centres adds dates for its Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience!
READ MORE
Summer of Swift: Top Taylor Swift Experiences
With everything from boozy brunches to silent discos, there’s a ton of fun to be had for Swifties in Scotland.
READ MORE
The Why Not Trust Shortlisted for the 2024 Scottish Charity Awards
The Why Not? Trust has been honoured with a nomination for the Scottish Charity Awards, recognising their innovative work at The Village.
READ MORE
Local sports clubs in with chance to score funding from Aldi Scotland
Aldi's Scottish Sport Fund has returned for its ninth consecutive year, giving local sports clubs in Glasgow and the West of Scotland the opportunity to receive a share of £50,000 in funding.
READ MORE
New Play about masculinity, mental health and Mens Sheds announced
New play 'Men Don’t Talk' by Clare Prenton explores masculinity, mental health and Men’s Sheds, as part of Scottish tour this Autumn.
READ MORE
New Glasgow tour receives a sunny welcome
A hop-on-hop-off tour covering the east and south of the city has arrived in time for summer!
READ MORE
Comedian Al Murray brings his latest show to Glasgow
Hot on the heels of a sell-out UK tour and a show at the Royal Albert Hall, Al Murray, The Pub Landlord brings his latest show, Guv Island to The King's Theatre for one night only!
READ MORE
Tickets are on sale now for the largest wedding showcase in Scotland
The Scottish Wedding Show returns to SEC, Glasgow this October.
READ MORE
Score your own Innis & Gunn bar for the Euros 2024
Innis & Gunn are hitting the streets of Edinburgh and Glasgow with a pop-up bar where you can pour your own pints!
READ MORE
Flight Club Glasgow launches stunning new limited edition Summer cocktail menu
Summer officially kicks off on 24th May as Flight Club Glasgow launches Flight Club in Bloom, a limited-edition summer cocktail menu, in partnership with Casamigos!
READ MORE
Roadshow comes to Glasgow to find those unaware they have liver damage
Members of the public in Glasgow are being encouraged to get their liver checked for free on Argyle Street on Wednesday 22nd May - with the arrival of a mobile liver screening roadshow.
READ MORE
Wonder Fools are delighted to announce their brand new season of ambitious socially engaged theatre
This season is their biggest and most ambitious to date and includes an incredible mix of productions in venues across Scotland.
READ MORE
The 75th Ideal Home Show Scotland returns with celebs, home inspo and more
The UK's biggest and oldest home and garden exhibition is back in Scotland for the 75th time and we're delighted to offer free tickets to our followers!
READ MORE
Further star casting announced as Dr Ranj Singh joins the cast of & Juliet
The producers of the global sensation & JULIET are delighted to announce that Dr Ranj Singh will make his musical theatre debut playing the role of Lance in the upcoming UK and Ireland tour!
READ MORE
The Quay reach finals of two National awards in the same week
Glasgow's leading entertainment destination, The Quay at Springfield Quay has reached the shortlist of finalists for two National awards!
READ MORE
Household Cavalry Portraits Gifted to King Charles III During His Coronation Open Floors Castle Season of Events
Floors Castle is hosting a special exhibition by British photographic artist Ripley, including twelve large-scale portraits of a truly British institution, the Household Cavalry.
READ MORE
Piping Live! festival and the World Pipe Band Championships get set for summer of sound
Glasgow is set to host Scotland's biggest week of bagpipes this summer, with the return of Piping Live! between 10th and 18th August, and The World Pipe Band Championships on 16th and 17th August.
READ MORE
Competitive socialising pioneers, Topgolf, launch new Summer of Play at Topgolf Glasgow in celebration of 100th venue opening
Topgolf Glasgow has announced a new 'Topgolf Summer of Play' to celebrate the opening of its 100th venue worldwide!
READ MORE
Postponed Springfest is back on 18th and 19th May
Having been postponed in April due to high winds, Loch Lomond Shores are delighted to welcome the delayed festival back on the 18th and 19th May!
READ MORE
Dobbies announces community winners for national campaign
Dobbies has revealed the community and charity groups across the UK that will receive support to help transform, restore or start their indoor or outdoor green spaces this year.
READ MORE
Acclaimed West End production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe comes to Glasgow
The celebrated production of C.S. Lewis' The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe will embark on a major new tour of the UK & Ireland, arriving at The King's Theatre, Glasgow in June 2025!
READ MORE
Taylor Swift themed brunch comes to Scotland
Get ready to shake it off and dive into an unforgettable brunch experience at Gaucho!
READ MORE
Optimistic Scotland fans become the heroes of new campaign from IRN BRU
IRN-BRU is helping to build hype for the national side ahead of the Euros by turning some of Scotland's most hopeful fans into stars.
READ MORE
Cycling groups herald launch of Ford RideGlasgow FreeCycle as celebration of the cycling community in Glasgow
Community cycling clubs from across Glasgow came together ahead of Ford RideGlasgow FreeCycle to celebrate a new community celebration of cycling in the city!
READ MORE
Broadway star joins the cast of Burlesque The Musical at the Theatre Royal Glasgow
Broadway star Jackie Burns will play Tess, the role of the club owner made famous by Cher in the film.
READ MORE
NQ64 Glasgow levels up with new summer drinks menu
Retro arcade game & classic console venue NQ64, is levelling up this summer with a brand new cocktail menu that will have you pressing "start" round after round.
READ MORE
Meet the Glasgow crafters being showcased at the Ideal Home Show Scotland Small Biz Village
Six crafters from in and around Glasgow are gearing up for a busy bank holiday weekend as they showcase their products at the Ideal Home Show Scotland's first ever Small Biz Village!
READ MORE
The Health Lottery launches the Paying It Forward Podcast
The Health Lottery is excited to announce the launch of its newest venture, the 'Paying it Forward' podcast, hosted by renowned radio and TV presenter, Danni Menzies.
READ MORE
The Prancing Stag celebrates Spring with its first seasonal tasting menu
On Wednesday the 15th of May, The Prancing Stag, kicks off its series of seasonal tasting menus with a Spring inspired menu in partnership with Wine Importers Scotland.
READ MORE
Vote for your hospitality heroes in Glasgow
Do you know the Best Cocktail Bar in town or perhaps a Dog Friendly Pub that treats your pooch like a princess? If so, why not get voting for them in this year's Scottish Bar and Pub Awards?
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Go Radio | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West - Listen on DAB, Online or on your Smart Speaker, just say "Launch Go Radio"
