TechFest 2018 gets underway on Saturday, September 8 as professional naturalist and TV presenter Nick Baker shares his lifelong love of science and nature and describes how we can truly connect with the natural world around us.
Return to Nature with Nick Baker, which takes place at the University of Aberdeen, promises an unforgettable evening for people of all ages who are interested in finding out more about the great outdoors.
Nick, who has travelled the world in search of some bizarre and incredible creatures, has worked on TV programmes including ‘The Really Wild Show’, ‘Killer Shark Live’ and ‘Big Week at the Zoo’.
He has also published nine books about his lifetime of experience in science and nature. His latest publication, ReWild – The Art of Returning to Nature, introduces ‘rewilding’ as a concept that needs to be established at a personal level, something he’s keen to talk about at TechFest 2018.
Nick said: “In a world where everyone is living incredibly busy and hectic lives, it’s so important that we reconnect with the natural world around us and discover the great outdoors and all it beholds.
“I’ve been lucky to have the opportunity to travel to every corner of globe to follow my passion for science and nature and I’m really looking forward to sharing my experiences and discussing how we can reconnect with the wildness that lives within us all at TechFest 2018.”
TechFest 2018, the North-east’s annual festival of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), will run until September 22.
One of the aims of TechFest 2018, which is supported by joint principal funders Shell and BP, is to engage young people in the four main STEM subjects and encourage them to go on to follow a career which utilises these skills by demonstrating they are fun and relevant in day to day life.
Sarah Chew, managing director of TechFest, said: “We’re very excited to kick off the 25th year of TechFest with science and nature expert Nick Baker. This is a unique opportunity for wildlife fans of all ages to hear from someone who has devoted their life to exploring the natural world and is not to be missed.
“Nick is the first of many engaging and inspiring presenters appearing at what we’re sure is going to be another fantastic TechFest, and we look forward to welcoming people from Aberdeen and beyond to see for themselves how fascinating STEM subjects can be.”
As well as delving into wildlife, history, technology and music, TechFest 2018 also pays tribute to its milestone 25th year with a range of events exploring the history and uses of silver.
National Museums Scotland will present key objects from its touring exhibition with Behind the scenes of Scotland’s Early Silver: From conservation to display (September 12).
Highlights of this year’s festival include Aberdeenshire singer songwriter Jenny Sturgeon performing tracks from her critically acclaimed album ‘The Wren And The Salt Air’ as part of Jenny Sturgeon Trio (September 15), science magician and associate of the world renowned Inner Magic Circle Dr Matt Pritchard exploring the history, conflict and collaboration between scientists and magicians in Wonder Workers (September 19) and Cbeebies presenter Lizzie Daly using experiments and demos to show some of the most bizarre survival strategies the natural world has to offer in Wild Adaptations (September 15).
The festival will close with a talk from author, commentator and ex professional cyclist, Graeme Obree. In Graeme Obree the ‘Flying Scotsman’, the athlete will share his story of breaking a world record using a homemade bike and talk about his decades of cycling and competition experience.
Sarah added: “None of this would be possible without the help we receive from our sponsors and supporters, in particular our joint principal funders Shell and BP, whose continued backing allows us to engage people of all ages in the fantastic opportunities that STEM can offer.”
TechFest’s public programme, sponsored by Equinor, is expected to attract thousands of visitors from across Aberdeen City and Shire from September 8 to September 22. To view the public programme, please visit www.techfest.org.uk
Nick Baker