A fascinating week-long celebration of science and technology launches in the city this weekend, as Aberdeen Science Festival, powered by TechFest, officially gets underway tomorrow (Saturday).
The newly-created festival is primarily aimed at adults, with talks and events set to generate thought-provoking debates and deep-dives into topics including AI, forensic science and psychology.
Previously known as the TechFest public programme, the festival has a fresh new look as well as a new name.
Aberdeen Science Festival runs from Saturday, September 21 to the following Saturday, September 28.
A huge range of awe-inspiring talks, hands-on workshops and behind the scenes tours will take place at locations including the University of Aberdeen, Robert Gordon University, The Lemon Tree and Greyhope Bay.
Taking place after dark, STEM Nights will provide a space for the discussion of serious scientific ideas such as the Cafe Controversial - Ideas of Death, which combines a blend of controversial academic research and audience participation with comedy (Wednesday, September 25 at The Lemon Tree). Or movie buffs and join in with a debate about the best sci-fi film of all time (Sunday, September 22 at the University of Aberdeen)!
Hot Topics will cover cutting edge research and topical subjects such as the use of insects and dogs in identifying illnesses and AI’s use in diagnosing diabetes (both Monday, September 23 at the University of Aberdeen).
Engaging Experiences offer the opportunity to get up close and personal with science – if you’re a fan of true crime, you can be a forensic scientist for the evening, or create your very own AI assistant (Saturday, September 21 at the Sir Duncan Rice Library).
The Family Fest events have been designed to appeal to the whole family, including free workshops on cooking on a budget and healthy and sustainable diets (Rowett Institute on Saturday, September 21), while Sunday’s Discovery Day at the university, in collaboration with Explorathon, will have fun and free activities for all ages.
Tickets are selling fast so festival goers are being urged to book now at Aberdeen Performing Arts, for just £6 for adults and £4 concessions.
Dr Martha Gavan, deputy managing director of TechFest said it was exciting to see the festival come to life.
“We are thrilled to see Aberdeen Science Festival get underway, with a huge range of exciting and interesting events for all ages to get involved in,” she said. “With four decades worth of experience of delivering STEM events, TechFest is ready to roll out Aberdeen Science Festival and bring a week of interactive events, insightful presentations and fascinating shows to both new and loyal audiences.
Martha added: “Tickets are selling fast and we hope the varied programme will entice people, including students and senior school pupils, to come along and learn something new. No prior knowledge is needed for any event, so don’t worry if it’s a completely new topic to you – that’s part of the fun!”
Aberdeen Science Festival is supported by joint principal sponsors bp and Shell and festival sponsor Equinor.
Doris Reiter, senior vice president of bp North Sea, said: “Making STEM accessible for all ages is key to inspiring the next generation and developing talent with the skills to work in the energy sector and support the energy transition. I’m delighted to see this evolution of TechFest’s public programme which I’m sure will be a great success.”
Simon Roddy, senior vice president of Shell UK Upstream, added: “We are delighted to continue our sponsorship of TechFest and this year’s Aberdeen Science Festival. We hope that the variety of activities and experiences on offer will encourage people to engage with STEM and learn about the skills needed to help shape and develop our energy system.”
Camilla Salthe, senior vice president upstream at Equinor UK, said: “The energy industry depends on advances in science, technology, engineering and maths. Investing in STEM is key for us to be able to find better ways to produce energy today, and the energy the world will need in the future.
“TechFest offers something for everyone in STEM – it promotes young children’s natural curiosity as well as offering opportunities for secondary pupils to gain an insight into subjects for future studies or careers. We are proud to play our part in inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers with TechFest to help improve the world we live in.”
Tickets for Aberdeen Science Festival can be bought online at Aberdeen Performing Arts or in person at the box offices at HMT or the Music Hall or by calling 01224 641122 between 10am and 6pm, Tuesday to Saturday.
To book your tickets online, visit www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/whats-on/?event-search=Aberdeen+Science+Festival
For more information on Aberdeen Science Festival and TechFest’s work throughout the year, visit www.techfest.org.uk