PROGRAMME
WELCOME TO THE BRITISH SCIENCE FESTIVAL
Welcome! We are delighted to be visiting Birmingham with the British Science Festival this year. As a flagship event of Birmingham Year of Science, the British Science Festival really does have something for everyone.
ABOUT THE BRITISH SCIENCE ASSOCIATION The British Science Association provides opportunities for all people to enjoy, explore, investigate and discuss science. Our new vision is a society where science is a part of, not set apart from, society and culture.
The British Science Festival is all about the people: you, our visitors, and the fantastic people who want to share what they do with you.
Local scientists and engineers highlight the amazing research happening in Birmingham, while Nobel Prize winners, TV personalities, top researchers, fantastic entertainers and family friendly presenters from around the country, and beyond want to share their passion with you. From the British Science Festival team, our hosts the University of Birmingham and our partners, including Birmingham City Council, we invite you to join us for this very special week. Join the conversation online /BritishScienceFestival @BritishSciFest #BSF14
To achieve this, we need to support, grow and diversify the community of people who are interested in and involved in science, technology, engineering and maths; and who contribute to its impact on UK culture, our society and the economy.
Our programmes will do more to help people to engage with science, become ambassadors for science, and ultimately to be empowered to challenge and influence British science.
We are re-branding National Science & Engineering Week to British Science Week, aiming to make it even bigger and better in 2015 – involving more communities, cultural institutions, and public spaces. And we plan to do more with Citizen Science, as well as lead public debate on hot topics.
Through our science communication activities and our alumni of 30,000 young people who take part in our CREST Awards each year we have the start of a community of like-minded individuals. We hope that you will share our vision, and join us in repositioning science as something for all. www.britishscienceassociation.org
Bookings www.britishsciencefestival.org | 08456 807 207 | Box office marquee on campus during the Festival
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DON’T MISS...
Keep your eyes peeled for a whole host of celebrated scientists, performers and leading thinkers.
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ALICE ROBERTS
MAGGIE ADERINPOCOCK
TIM HUNT
PAUL NURSE
PAGES 16, 29, 31, 32
PAGE 30
PAGE 32
PAGES 32 & 35
MARK WALPORT
DAVID WILLETTS
LUCY ELINISON
PAGE 20
PAGE 29
PAGE 30
GROUNDED
ADURA ONASHILE
HELA
PAGE 32
Festival staff picks
Comedy and drama
Get involved
Look out for events recommended by the Festival Team.
Look out for our theatre and performance events.
Look out for our workshop events
Join the conversation online
/BritishScienceFestival
@BritishSciFest #BSF14
Contents
JIM AL-KHALILI TIM PAGES 26 & 34 HUNT
HELEN ARNEY TIM PAGE 32 HUNT
RICHARD WISEMAN PAUL PAGE 31 NURSE
SIMON SINGH PAUL PAGE 23 NURSE
HELEN CZERSKI
MARK MIODOWNIK
PAGE 33
PAGE 14
NESSA CAREY
MEET THE NSEC WINNERS
PAGE 20
PAGES 16 & 20
4-5
Don’t miss
6-8
Family Saturday at the library
> >
9-11
Family Sunday at the University of Birmingham
>
12-29
Adult daytime events
30-35
Adult evening events
36-37
Trips and tours
38
In and around the museums
39
Bringing the Festival to you
41
The British Science Festival in their own words
44-45
Festival maps
46-48
Festival at a glance
49
Booking
Bookings www.britishsciencefestival.org | 08456 807 207 | Box office marquee on campus during the Festival
> > > > > > > > > 5
FAMILY SATURDAY AT THE LIBRARY
Come and join us at the Library of Birmingham where we are re celebrating its first birthday in true scientific style. The whole family will find something to enjoy, from exploring the glorious properties of goo to peering over the cutting edge of supercomputing. Whether you are into technology, furry (and not so furry!) animals, being environmentally friendly or want to meet some real scientists this is the place to be! Hands-on activities continue throughout the day, so there will always be something to see and do. Timed workshops can be booked on the day.
OUTDOOR EVENTS SAT 6 SEPT, 10.00 - 16.00 00
THROWING SPANNERS RS AT NANOBOTS
SAT 6 SEPT, 10.00 – 16.00
WALKING ON CUSTARD
Come and take on the challenge of walking on custard without sinking to the bottom. Can it be done? Venue: Library of Birmingham
Organised by: Aston University
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The cells of all living organisms ganisms are wonderfully complicated ed factories. Enzymes (or nanobots) are key to this. o produce the They work specifically to products required for a cell to respire, e. Join Nate respond and reproduce. o explore the Adams and Jon Wood to roles of nanobots and see how we can build a picture of how the entire cellular factory system functions, and why it is useful for research in medicine, food security and bioengineering. Venue: Library of Birmingham
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Organised by: Jon Wood; Nate Adams EVERYONE FREE: DROP IN: NO BOOKING REQUIRED
EVERYONE FREE: DROP IN: NO BOOKING REQUIRED
SAT 6 SEPT, 11.00 - 16.00
SAT 6 SEPT, 10.00 - 16.00
THE SKY AT DAY
GIGANTIC BUBBLES OUTDOORS
Just how big can a bubble be? You could be about to find out. We promise bubbles no matter what the atmospheric conditions are - we have a bubble mixture for all weathers! See amazing large bubbles, bubble strings and ample clusters then give it a go yourself. Venue: Library of Birmingham Organised by: Bubblestrings
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EVERYONE FREE: DROP IN: NO BOOKING REQUIRED
A playful parody street walkabout that combines astronomy and engineering with reality and imagination. Look out for an astronaut floating in zero gravity pursued by an astronomer armed only with a strange telescope. Crowds stop, stare into space and are drawn into an absurd tour of the Universe. Whether you’re looking through the lens or are part of the audience you’re guaranteed a very different cosmic experience. Venue: Library of Birmingham
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Organised by: Inspirational Science Theatre Company EVERYONE FREE: DROP IN: NO BOOKING REQUIRED
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Join the conversation online
/BritishScienceFestival
@BritishSciFest #BSF14
FAMILY SATURDAY AT THE LIBRARY SATURDAY 6 SEPTEMBER SAT 6 SEPT, VARIOUS TIMES THROUGHOUT THE DAY
SAT 6 SEPT, VARIOUS TIMES THROUGHOUT THE DAY
CUDDLY SCIENCE
THE SCIENCE OF THE SOFT AND SQUIDGY
Come and join puppet Ada Lovelace and a host of other amazing past scientists and engineers as they help children explore the world around them through games, activities and science crafts. Or chill out and listen to stories of science derring-do and sing and rhyme time.
Venue: Library of Birmingham Organised by: Salaric Craft
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FAMILIES (3+) FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED: SIGN UP ON ARRIVAL SAT 6 SEPT, VARIOUS TIMES THROUGHOUT THE DAY
FROM TINY FLIES TO GREAT DISCOVERIES
We all secretly love playing with goo and messy things, but what is it that makes them such fun to play with? Explore the science behind these exciting materials and the fascinating world of soft matter. Find out what a polymer is, why tomato ketchup is so odd and how something can be both a solid AND a liquid. Venue: Library of Birmingham
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Organised by: Royal Holloway, University of London Supported by: Institute of Physics FAMILIES (5+)
Fractals are shapes which are made up of smaller copies of themselves, and have many interesting properties. Mathematician Katie Steckles describes what a fractal is, then takes you through the process of building a fractal - using only paper, and no glue! It’s a problemsolving workshop, so there’ll be plenty to work out for yourself - but help will be on hand if you get stuck. A
Organised by: Think Maths FAMILIES (8+) FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED: SIGN UP ON ARRIVAL
3-2-1-IGNITION*
Hands-on, ears and eyes on, even noses on, as we entice the public with jars of curiosity, smells of memory and amazing experiments in science busking. At the heart of the activities are the questions that people bring, and the curiosity that inspires the science that matters to them.
EVERYONE FREE: DROP IN: NO BOOKING REQUIRED
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Organised by: University of Birmingham EVERYONE FREE: DROP IN: NO BOOKING REQUIRED
CUPBOARD RAIDERS
Start with 100 IQ points; take part in a series of spectacular experiments and bet your points if you are confident you know the outcome! After every experiment points are awarded for correct answers. But beware... you could end up losing everything! Noisy, messy and fun, no two shows are quite the same, and who knows, you could be the star of the show! Venue: Library of Birmingham
Organised by: Phill Nathan
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FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED: SIGN UP ON ARRIVAL
SAT 6 SEPT, 10.00 - 16.30
Organised by: Ignite!
Venue: Library of Birmingham
SAT 6 SEPT, VARIOUS TIMES THROUGHOUT THE DAY
FAMILIES (8+)
Venue: Library of Birmingham
Come and discover how fruit-fly genetics led to great discoveries on how organisms are made and on how DNA undergoes transformations that affect cell behaviour. We explore how DNA, genes and cells ultimately bring together the complex structure of the brain, and what aspects of the brain are shared by all animals and how behaviour emerges.
FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED: SIGN UP ON ARRIVAL
PAPER FOLDING AND PROBLEM SOLVING WORKSHOP
Venue: Library of Birmingham
SAT 6 SEPT, 10.00 - 16.30
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SAT 6 SEPT, 10.00 - 16.30
I’M A SCIENCEGRRL, TALK TO ME
ScienceGrrls will be invading the city, each wearing a badge inviting you to talk to them. Try to guess what they do by studying their props and find out why they love to work in science as they take to the purple soapbox. Pick up a postcard and collect as many stamps as you can. Venue: Library of Birmingham
Organised by: ScienceGrrl
SAT 6 SEPT, 10.00 - 16.30
SUPERCOMPUTING: FROM DINOSAURS TO PARTICLE PHYSICS
Supercomputing is an exciting new scientific field. Come and use the UK National Supercomputer ‘ARCHER’ capable of a million, billion operations per second and discover how supercomputers work, and what they are used for. Enjoy designing and racing a dinosaur in our ‘virtual paleontology’ experiment, and work together to complete computational tasks against the clock. Venue: Library of Birmingham
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Organised by: EPCC, University of Edinburgh EVERYONE FREE: DROP IN: NO BOOKING REQUIRED
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EVERYONE FREE: DROP IN: NO BOOKING REQUIRED
Bookings www.britishsciencefestival.org | 08456 807 207 | Box office marquee on campus during the Festival
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FAMILY SATURDAY AT THE LIBRARY SATURDAY 6 SEPTEMBER
SAT 6 SEPT, 10:00 - 16.30
SAT 6 SEPT, 10.00 - 16.30
SAT 6 SEPT, 10.00 - 16.30
GAIA: MAPPING THE MILKY WAY FROM SPACE
DR OCTOPUS! WHAT MEDICAL ROBOTS CAN LEARN FROM NATURE
Late in 2013, the Gaia satellite was launched into orbit 1.5 million km from Earth. Come and find out how Gaia will track one billion stars as they travel through space and how you can contribute to real science discoveries with Gaia. Venue: Library of Birmingham
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Organised by: University of Cambridge; Faulkes Telescope Project
Supported by: Science and Technology Facilities Council; Royal Astronomical Society; Institute of Physics EVERYONE FREE: DROP IN: NO BOOKING REQUIRED
Find out about the STIFF-FLOP project which aims to create a robotic arm based on an octopus tentacle, allowing us to innovate and push the boundaries of current medical robotics technology and providing solutions with real benefits for patients and surgical staff. Join members of the Centre for Robotics Research, Kings College London to experience the future of surgery. Venue: Library of Birmingham
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Organised by: King’s College London
CELL TRAIL CHALLENGE!
Your mission is to collect a trail sheet from cell trail HQ to hunt down all of the cells. Can you correctly identify each cell on the trail and work out how each different type of cell helps to defend your body? Researchers will explain more about the job of each cell and how we are harnessing the power of the immune system to fight diseases such as cancer. Venue: Library of Birmingham
Supported by: European Commission’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7)
EVERYONE
EVERYONE
MON 25 AUG – FRI 12 SEPT
FREE: DROP IN: NO BOOKING REQUIRED
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Organised by: Cancer Research UK; University of Birmingham FREE: DROP IN: NO BOOKING REQUIRED
THINK CORNER: THE NON-STOP POP-UP SHOP
SAT 6 SEPT, 10.00 - 16.30
GAMES FOR GOOD: GAMES FOR GRAN
Come along to help us develop a range of exciting new video games for older people. Find out why existing games don’t always cross the generation divide, then help us to storyboard ideas for some brilliant new ‘games for good’! Venue: Library of Birmingham
SAT 6 SEPT, 10.00 - 16.30
LIVE ANIMAL HANDLING
Only for the brave! Come along to enjoy live animal handling, from reptiles and mini-beasts to cute and cuddly animals. Venue: Library of Birmingham
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Organised by: Animals In-Tuition
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Organised by: Abertay University; Quartic Llama
Supported by: Carnegie Corporation of New York EVERYONE FREE: DROP IN: NO BOOKING REQUIRED
EVERYONE
Join the conversation online
Venue: Pavilions Shopping Centre, Birmingham
Organised by: University of Birmingham EVERYONE FREE: DROP IN: NO BOOKING REQUIRED
FREE: DROP IN: NO BOOKING REQUIRED
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Come and visit the University of Birmingham’s ‘pop-up shop’ in the city centre, where research comes alive in a constant turnover of interactive science and arts. From hands-on experiments and installations to quizzes, soapbox talks and discussion groups, this is your chance to get engaged with research in a mind-boggling number of ways. Whether your interest is health, wealth, mechanical marvels or psychological insights, cultural curiosities or breakthrough biology, we have something to inspire and entertain you.
/BritishScienceFestival
@BritishSciFest #BSF14
FAMILY SUNDAY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM SUNDAY 7 SEPTEMBER
Come along to the University of Birmingham’s annual Community Day on Sunday 7th September 2014. Explore the beautiful, historic University of Birmingham campus and enjoy FREE events and activities throughout the day. We are throwing the doors open for you to see for yourselves the great things that the University is doing for people here in the Midlands and around the world. This year Community Day is joining up with the British Science Festival to make it bigger than ever, celebrating all things science with lots of talks and debates throughout the day. (See pages 16&17 for details) Activities will include spectacular circus performances and workshops, funfair, face painting, culture trails, create a dinosaur, make a fossil, search for sharks’ teeth, gold panning, farmers’ market, dig into the past, a climbing wall, bungee trampoline plus star speaker CBBC’s Gastronut Stefan Gates and much more!
WATCH OUT FOR: STEFAN GATES: GASTRONAUT LIVE! 14.00 -15.00
Join Stefan Gates, the star of CBBC’s Incredible Edibles, Disaster Chefs and Gastronuts for a show packed full of wild food adventures and inspiring, explosive science. Warning: things could get messy! Expect custard powder flame throwing, biofuel rockets and flatulent cow gas! Venue: Lecture Theatre 101, Howarth Building, University of Birmingham 12 EVERYONE FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
Bookings www.britishsciencefestival.org | 08456 807 207 | Box office marquee on campus during the Festival
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FAMILY SUNDAY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM SUNDAY 7 SEPTEMBER SUN 7 SEPT, 11.00 - 16.00
SUN 7 SEPT, 11.00 - 16.00
SUN 7 SEPT, 11.00 - 16.00
CHANCELLOR’S COURT: CIRCUSMASH
UNIVERSITY CAMPUS DEVELOPMENT
INTERACTIVE LECTURES AND DEBATES
Come along and join CircusMASH for a spectacular display of dizzying delight and circus frenzy incorporating ariel performances with enticing circus workshops for all the audience. Plus fairground carousel, zumba, giant inflatable lungs and sports games.
Learn all about the University’s School and Sixth Form opening in 2015, the new Sports Centre, library and cultural gateway. Find out more about becoming a student at Birmingham. Venue: Aston Webb Building, University of Birmingham 2 FREE: DROP IN: NO BOOKING REQUIRED
FREE: DROP IN: NO BOOKING REQUIRED SUN 7 SEPT, 11.00 - 16.00
EXPLORE HANDS-ON MEDICINE, EXHIBITIONS, SCIENCE, GAMES AND ACTIVITIES
SUN 7 SEPT, 11.00 - 16.00
MEET THE ROBOTS, MAKE THE ROBOTS
Come and meet our amazing robots with hands-on opportunities to build and programme your own lego robot!
Everything from puppet making, cosmic badges, dressing like a scientist, taking a look at a some science pieces from our Cultural Collections, through to experiencing what it’s like in the Ironbridge Fab Lab. Enough to keep families busy all day long!
Pick up a timetable from the box office on the day for full details. Events include: 11.30 and 13.30 The University of Birmingham School and Sixth Form: Hear an update on the educational vision and details of the admissions process from its Principal Mike Roden. 14.30 Shakespeare Unbard: Was Shakespeare a product of his age or “for all time”? A 30 minute film produced by University of Birmingham MA students explores how societies have celebrated Shakespeare and his relevance to individuals and communities today.
Venue: Lecture Theatres WG12 and WG5, Aston Webb Building, University of Birmingham 2 FREE: DROP IN: NO BOOKING REQUIRED
Venue: Great Hall, Aston Webb Building, University of Birmingham 2 FREE: DROP IN: NO BOOKING REQUIRED
Venue: Bramall Music Building 3 FREE: DROP IN: NO BOOKING REQUIRED
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Join the conversation online
/BritishScienceFestival
@BritishSciFest #BSF14
MEDICAL MYSTERIES TOUR SUN 7 SEPT, 11.00 - 16.00
THE FLASK AND BUNSEN (MARQUEE)
The Flask and Bunsen is your place to meet up, chill out and relax, drink coffee, enjoy snacks, sandwiches, cakes, drinks and ice-cream. Or if you prefer a livelier debate then this is the space to discuss all the amazing things you have seen and heard! Cosmic Badges Create your own cosmic themed badges with the Barber Institute of Fine Arts
Venue: The Flask and Bunsen, Chancellor’s Court, University of Birmingham 1 FREE: DROP IN: NO BOOKING REQUIRED
SUN 7 SEPT, 11.00 - 16.00
BARBER INSTITUTE OF FINE ARTS
Celebrate the Chinese Moon Festival with moon inspired tales, followed by a moon trail around the galleries to discover the many moons in our paintings. Build your own rocket in our art workshop. Venue: Barber Institute of Fine Arts 9 FREE: DROP IN: NO BOOKING REQUIRED
SUN 7 SEPT, 11.00 - 16.00
LAPWORTH MUSEUM
Designosaurus: Design your own dinosaur Make your own fossil: Make your own fossil out of plaster of Paris Understanding ancient marine environments from shark teeth: Find the shark teeth and help paleontologists with their research Under the microscope: Explore a different world
Gold panning: Pan for gold
Volcano: A recreation of one of the most dangerous natural disasters SUN 7 SEPT, 11.00 - 16.00
UNIVERSITY SQUARE
Something for everyone – a fun fair, bungee trampolining, climbing wall, refreshments, games, Farmers’ and Craft markets. Venue: University Square, University of Birmingham
Join us for a series of talks delving deep into the work of one of the UK’s leading medical schools here in Birmingham. After the talk, feel free to stay and play with a range of hands-on experiments and interactive exhibits, as well as discover the cutting-edge research of our Liver and Virology teams, from how and why alcohol gives you a hangover to how we can vaccinate against cancer.
A new geology museum for the Midlands: Find out about the redevelopment plans for the Lapworth Museum. Delving into dinosaur dung
Venue: Lapworth Museum, Aston Webb Building, University of Birmingham 2 FREE: DROP IN: NO BOOKING REQUIRED
SUN 7 SEPT, 11.00 – 12.00
SIGHTS FOR SORE EYES
Learn more about how we see the world around us – from the amazing defences we have protecting us from bugs and damage to how we are using the latest medical and surgical techniques to restore sight to damaged eyes. Prepare to feel squeamish! SUN 7 SEPT, 12.30 – 13.30
THE BEAUTIFUL BRAIN
For big thinkers, we introduce the brain and the nervous system, and how these control and co-ordinate movement, sensation and higher functions. Find out more about neurological disorders, from stroke to simple headaches, how they are caused and how they can be treated, now and in the future. SUN 7 SEPT, 14.00 – 15.00
FREE: DROP IN: NO BOOKING REQUIRED
THE VALUE OF A LIFE
SUN 7 SEPT, 11.00 - 16.00
WINTERBOURNE HOUSE AND GARDEN
Special £1 entry to this unique heritage attraction set within seven acres of beautiful botanic gardens. Wander along the woodland walk, cross the 1930’s Japanese Bridge or simply soak up the tranquillity of this perfectly English Edwardian home.
Decisions about what treatments will and will not be funded by the NHS are often in the news and are frequently criticised. Find out how economists help to decide what is valued and try out the different valuation techniques and discuss their application in both health and end of life decision making. Venue: Meet at the Clock Tower at 10.45, 12.15 or 13.45 to be escorted to the Medical School
Organised by: University of Birmingham ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
Bookings www.britishsciencefestival.org | 08456 807 207 | Box office marquee on campus during the Festival
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DAYTIME ADULT EVENTS SATURDAY 6 SEPTEMBER
So much science, so little time. Our packed programme of talks, debates and workshops is sure to satisfy even the most sciencehungry among you. Whether you want to hear about the latest research, find out how scientists are working to make all our lives better or discuss ethical, political and social concerns around scientific progress, come along and dive in! SAT 6 SEPT, 10.00 - 11.00
SAT 6 SEPT, 10.30 - 12.00
SAT 6 SEPT, 11.00 - 12.00
PRINTING PLANES, CARS AND HOUSES
VIRTUAL PALAEONTOLOGY
THE SOUND OF THE STARS AND THE SEARCH FOR NEW WORLDS
Additive layer manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, is believed to be the new game-changing technology that will revolutionise the high-value manufacturing sector in areas such as aerospace and healthcare. Moataz Attallah explores how 3D printing creates new manufacturable structures, including gas turbine engine components, metallic functional structures for catalysis and armour applications, and large structures.
Modern imaging techniques are revolutionising the study of ancient life. Russell Garwood and Imran Rahman show how approaches such as CT scanning allow palaeontologists to peer deep inside fossils and extract exciting and previously unavailable information. Join us after the talk in the Lapworth Museum of Geology to examine fossils at first hand.
Organised by: University of Birmingham ALL ADULTS
Supported by: The Palaeontological Association
FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
ALL ADULTS
Venue: Lecture Theatre 117, Physics West Building, University of Birmingham 4
Venue: Lecture Theatre WG5, Aston Webb Building, University of Birmingham 2 Organised by: University of Birmingham
FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED SAT 6 SEPT, 10.00 - 11.30
FROM DÜRER TO SUDOKU: 500 YEARS OF RECREATIONAL MATHS
This year marks the 500th anniversary of German Renaissance artist and mathematician Albrecht Dürer’s famous engraving Melencolia I. This work has links to the history of geometry, perspective and magic squares. Find out about the mathematics behind this work of art with talks on geometry by John Sharp, magic and Latin squares by Robin Wilson and a mathematical magic show by Peter McOwan in this event chaired by Peter Rowlett.
Venue: Lecture Theatre S06, Poynting Physics Building, University of Birmingham 6
Organised by: BSA Mathematical Sciences Section; British Society for the History of Mathematics
SAT 6 SEPT, 10.30 - 12.00, 13.00 - 14.30, 15.30 - 17.00
JEWELLERY DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING WORKSHOP
Science and technology meets art at the School of Jewellery where a series of demonstrations and workshops reveal how modern manufacturing techniques are changing the way jewellery, gemstones and time pieces are created. Come along and try your hand at making an heirloom for future generations. Venue: School of Jewellery, Birmingham City University C
Organised by: Birmingham City University
When you look up at the sky on a clear night did you know that many of the twinkling stars are playing a stellar symphony, like musical instruments? And that many host planets like our Earth? Bill Chaplin explains how astronomers are ‘sounding’ stars and finding new worlds in our galaxy.
Venue: Lecture Theatre S02, Poynting Physics Building, University of Birmingham 6 Organised by: University of Birmingham ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
SAT 6 SEPT, 11.00 - 12.00
40 YEARS OF STAR WARS: CHANGES IN FILM TECHNOLOGY
An epic exploration of 40 years of Star Wars and the magic behind its making. Investigate the scientific development of visual effects production and the scientific possibilities offered up by the series’ science fiction originations, as experts examine the science of Star Wars across a past, present and a future not too far, far away. Venue: Lecture Theatre G15, Muirhead Tower, University of Birmingham 8 Organised by: Birmingham City University ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
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Join the conversation online
/BritishScienceFestival
@BritishSciFest #BSF14
CHARLES DARWIN AWARD LECTURE:
SAT 6 SEPT, 13.30 - 14.30
SAT 6 SEPT, 12.00 - 13.00
IN CONVERSATION WITH LORD DICK TAVERNE: IS POLITICS BAD AT SCIENCE?
WHAT CAN MATHS TELL US ABOUT HOW AN ANIMAL IS FEELING?
Mathematics can tell us a lot about the world around us, but surely it doesn’t have a lot to say about feelings? Join Lisa Collins to explore a wonderland of behaviours that are hidden to the human eye, but not to an algorithm. Find out how fractal analysis, typically used to describe swirling galaxies, a rugged coastline or the detail of a snowflake can help to understand complicated and bizarre behaviours...and the feelings of the animals performing them. Venue: Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall Music Building, University of Birmingham 3
Organised by: British Science Association ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED A W A R D
L E C T U R E
SAT 6 SEPT, 13.00 - 14.30
CAN YOU REALLY MAKE A MILLION OUT OF THAT GOOD IDEA?
Take a whistle-stop tour of the intellectual property rights that can protect ideas and hear real life inventors talking about their ideas, how they made their prototypes and how they became successful. Question a ‘Dragons Den’ panel of Claire Howell, Mark Prince and Mark Miodownik on the first steps to take to commercialise good ideas.
Director of Sense about Science, Tracey Browne talks to its founder Dick Taverne. As a Life Liberal Democrat Peer and former MP, Lord Taverne has been perfectly positioned to witness how much reason, science and rationality echo along the corridors of power and inform policy decisions on topics such as drugs policies, hybrid embryos and immigration. And he is worried! Find out why he thinks we should be too. Venue: Lecture Theatre G15, Muirhead Tower, University of Birmingham 8
Organised by: British Science Association ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
Venue: Lecture Theatre S06, Poynting Physics Building, University of Birmingham 6
Organised by: Aston University ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED SAT 6 SEPT, 13.00 - 15.00
HOW OLD ARE YOU REALLY?
Jewellery design and manufacturing workshop SAT 6 SEPT, 13.00 - 14.00
THE SCIENCE OF REGRET
Regret is a very common emotion experienced when a better outcome would have been obtained had we decided differently. Perhaps surprisingly, regret can be studied scientifically. Discover and discuss how the ability to experience regret develops and its relation to children’s choices; how asking people to anticipate regret can change their health-related behaviours and what patients with certain types of brain damage reveal about the role of regret in decision-making. Venue: Lecture Theatre WG5, Aston Webb Building, University of Birmingham 2
In some areas of the UK, life expectancy is increasing by two years every decade. As your lifespan is influenced only partly by your genes (25%) and longevity is partly determined by your lifestyle, the good news is that we can often do something about it. Come along to find out what it’s like to be old, how fit and healthy you really are and much more. Venue: The Dome, Bramall Music Building, University of Birmingham 3
Organised by: MRC-Arthritis Research UK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research Supported by: University of Birmingham; University of Nottingham; The Medical Research Council; Arthritis Research UK ALL ADULTS £4.00: BOOKING REQUIRED
SAT 6 SEPT, 14.00 - 15.00
HIGH-SPEED RAIL: AN ENGINEER’S PERSPECTIVE ON HS2
The current plans for HS2 may not deliver maximum benefit because of a lack of systematic thinking. Drawing on lessons from Japan, China, France and Spain Felix Schmid explores how HS2 could benefit from better integration of engineering, urbanisation and societal aspirations that will allow integration of high-speed railways into the fabric of society.
Venue: Lecture Theatre S02, Poynting Physics Building, University of Birmingham 6
Organised by: University of Birmingham ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
Organised by: Queen’s University Belfast ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
Bookings www.britishsciencefestival.org | 08456 807 207 | Box office marquee on campus during the Festival
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DAYTIME ADULT EVENTS SATURDAY 6 SEPTEMBER
SAT 6 SEPT, 14.00 - 15.00
SAT 6 SEPT, 16.00 - 17.00
USING CHEMISTRY TO SAVE THE CARIBBEAN AFTER WW2
A PERFECT PICTURE
After the Second World War, chemists at University of Birmingham received government funding to try and find new uses for sugar. The aim was to help Britain’s Caribbean colonies. Find out how chemistry in Birmingham was supposed to alleviate the poverty that affected places like Trinidad, Jamaica and Barbados. How does this historical episode help us think about the role of science in solving the problems of developing countries today? Venue: Lecture Theatre 117, Physics West Building, University of Birmingham 4
Discover the basic science of modern photography and how we can it use for better picture-taking. Learn what to do to take better photos, with live demonstrations, side-by-side comparisons, and audience participation, including a studio-lit portrait session. SAT 6 SEPT, 15.30 - 16.30
THE FIRST HUMAN CANCER VIRUS: A HISTORY
FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
Exactly 50 years ago, the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was discovered in a cancer in African children. Today EBV is linked to at least six different types of human cancer across the globe. Here Alan Rickinson recounts the fascinating story of this virus and the scientists who have studied it.
SAT 6 SEPT, 15.30 - 16.30
Organised by: University of Birmingham
Organised by: BSA History of Science Section Presidential Session ALL ADULTS
THE IMPROBABILITY PRINCIPLE: WHY DO INCREDIBLY UNLIKELY THINGS HAPPEN EVERY DAY?
Coincidences happen, incredibly unlikely things occur, and the apparently miraculous comes about. The improbability principle says that such extraordinarily improbable events are commonplace. This is not a contradiction; we should expect identical lottery numbers to come up more than once, lightning to strike twice, and financial crashes to occur. David Hand introduces us to the five laws of probability theory that lead us to expect such improbable events to happen, and to keep on happening. Venue: Lecture Theatre G15, Muirhead Tower, University of Birmingham 8 Organised by: Transworld Publishers ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED This event will be followed by a book signing
FOR MORE TALKS & DEBATES IN THE EVENINGS SEE PAGES 30-35
Venue: Lecture Theatre WG5, Aston Webb Building, University of Birmingham 2
ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
Venue: Lecture Theatre S06, Poynting Physics Building, University of Birmingham 6
Organised by: University of Surrey ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED SAT 6 SEPT, 16.30 - 17.30
ASTRONOMY IN THE CITY
Join astronomers from Birmingham for the launch of their autumn Astronomy in the City programme. Find out about the biggest objects in the universe and what these cosmic giants can teach us about the mysterious dark matter and dark energy! Hear what you can see in the September night sky. Ask the experts about black holes, the big bang, extrasolar planets, and more... Venue: Lecture Theatre S02, Poynting Physics Building, University of Birmingham 6
Organised by: University of Birmingham; Knowle Astronomical Society; Birmingham Astronomical Society; Solihull School ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED SAT 6 SEPT, 16.00 - 17.00
21ST CENTURY MATERIALS WITH MARK MIODOWNIK
We know what ‘living’ things are and we know what ‘non-living’ things are. But how much longer will this be so clear cut? Our growing understanding of matter and new materials are likely to mean that in the future, we may have to rethink; bionic people and living buildings are on the horizon. Join Mark Miodownik to gaze into the future. Venue: Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall Music Building, University of Birmingham 3 Organised by: University College London
SAT 6 SEPT, 16:30 - 17:30
PRIVACY AND SECURITY IN AN AGE OF SURVEILLANCE
As we increasingly live our lives online, mass surveillance by governments and industry has become the norm. Mark Ryan asks what scientific or technological innovations could help avoid the complete erosion of our privacy and personal freedom? Venue: Lecture Theatre 117, Physics West Building, University of Birmingham 4 Organised by: University of Birmingham ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
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SUNDAY 7 SEPTEMBER SUN 7 SEPT, 10.00 - 11.00
SEVENTEEN OR BUST: SOLVING HARD MATHEMATICAL PROBLEMS WITH YOUR HELP!
Sierpinski’s conjecture is an important problem in number theory to which there is still no known solution after 50 years of effort. After an introduction to prime numbers and a look back at progress towards solutions of the Sierpinski problem, find out how you can join the PrimeGrid project to contribute to the solution whilst finding world-record sized prime numbers in the process. Venue: Lecture Theatre 6, Arts Building, University of Birmingham 7 Organised by: EPCC, University of Edinburgh, PrimeGrid ALL ADULTS
SUN 7 SEPT, 10.30 - 11.30
ROBOT TURTLE TO RASPBERRY PI: COMMUNICATING COMPUTING
How would you explain computing? The 1980s saw new approaches; from ‘mathemagical adventures’ to ‘the Domesday Project,’ but we now need a new approach to equip the next generation with the tools they will need in an increasingly computerised world. Join us to find out about the history of computing, get up to date with the very latest in computing technology and help us build modern computing teaching! Venue: Lecture Theatre 7, Arts Building, University of Birmingham 7 Organised by: BSA History of Sciences Section ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED SUN 7 SEPT, 11.00 - 12.00
HOW DOES THE BRAIN COPE WITH MODERN LIFE?
SUN 7 SEPT, 10.00 - 11.30
THE CARBON CONUNDRUM
Gadgets, clothes, heat and light are part of our everyday lives. But their production fills our atmosphere with carbon dioxide, a harmful greenhouse gas. Come and find out how and where we can capture and safely store this gas away deep underground. Venue: Lecture Theatre 1, Arts Building, University of Birmingham 7
Organised by: UK CCS Research Centre; Scottish Carbon Capture and Storage; British Geological Survey
Supported by: IC4S, Imperial College London and EPRG, University of Cambridge ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
The human brain evolved to deal with very different challenges to those it faces today. Find out how modern brain imaging can shed light on the changes to brain structure and function that accompany stress, changes to sleep habits, aggression and stroke.
SUN 7 SEPT, 12.00 - 13.00
INSIDE FUTURE ROBOTS
Autonomous robots have suddenly hit the public consciousness. Join Jeremy Wyatt and Nick Hawes on a journey to the frontier of intelligent robotics. Discover the ‘smarts’, the intelligence required to make robots autonomous, and the latest research which makes robots perform intelligent manipulation, plan, learn, see, communicate and navigate. What are the big challenges for the future of robotics and how close are we to over-coming them? Venue: Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall Music Building, University of Birmingham 3 Organised by: University of Birmingham ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
Venue: Lecture Theatre G15, Muirhead Tower, University of Birmingham 8
Organised by: University of Birmingham ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
SUN 7 SEPT, 13.00 - 14.00
RECREATING THE BIG BANG WITH THE WORLD’S LARGEST MACHINE: THE LARGE HADRON COLLIDER AT CERN
Find out the latest results coming out of CERN as David Evans explains the physics behind the LHC and what we hope and expect to learn from it. To demonstrate the science behind the LHC, this talk includes some audience participation and demonstrations with liquid nitrogen. Venue: Lecture Theatre 1, Arts Building, University of Birmingham 7
Organised by: University of Birmingham ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
Bookings www.britishsciencefestival.org | 08456 807 207 | Box office marquee on campus during the Festival
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DAYTIME ADULT EVENTS SUNDAY 7 SEPTEMBER SUN 7 SEPT, 13.00 - 14.00
SUN 7 SEPT, 14.00 - 15.00
THE GREAT EDF ENERGY EXPERIMENT: THE BIG BUMBLEBEE DISCOVERY
SCIENCE OF STAR WARS
Come and join Helen Roy and Michael Pocock to find out about this year’s Great EDF Energy Experiment: The Big Bumblebee Discovery. Not only will you find out about the results of this innovative nationwide experiment but also learn about how you can become a citizen scientist in the future. Venue: Lecture Room 4, Arts Building, University of Birmingham 7
Organised by: EDF Energy; Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, University of Birmingham ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED SUN 7 SEPT, 13.00 - 14.00
MENTAL HEALTH DIAGNOSIS IN SOCIETY AND THE MEDIA
Why is there such a stigma about mental health problems? Question the experts as they explore the issue and try to address the crucial question: How can the situation be improved? Venue: Lecture Theatre G15, Muirhead Tower, University of Birmingham 8
Organised by: Imperial College London ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED SUN 7 SEPT, 13.00 - 14.00
WHAT DID YOUR ANCESTORS DIE OF?
Are you interested in studying your family history? Do you have old death certificates that you don’t understand? Come along and ask the experts. Find out the meaning of common medical terminology and diagnoses that you may have come across and discuss why the names of diseases and medical complaints have changed over time. Which diseases do you think have been particularly prevalent in the history of the West Midlands? Venue: Library of Birmingham
A
Organised by: BSA History of Science Section
SUN 7 SEPT, 13.30 - 14.30
SEX, MATHS AND THE BRAIN: WHERE HAVE ALL THE GIRL SCIENTISTS GONE?
This talk will look at how brain imaging techniques might help to explain the problem of gender differences in the world of mathematics. Measuring brain activity associated with psychological processes such as ‘mental rotation’ and social processes such as ‘stereotype threat’ could reveal some answers.
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Venue: Large Lecture Theatre, Arts Building, University of Birmingham 7 Organised by: University of Derby EVERYONE FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
Venue: Lecture Theatre 6, Arts Building, University of Birmingham 7
Organised by: Aston University; ScienceGrrl ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
SUN 7 SEPT, 14.00 - 15.00
THE ART OF ANATOMY
This fascinating talk by Alice Roberts traces the history of the illustrated anatomy text through time, illuminating advances in anatomical knowledge, the changing relationship between art and science, and the development of new technology in the investigation of anatomy itself, in the production of illustrations, and in the publication and distribution of material. Venue: Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall Music Building, University of Birmingham 3
Organised by: Cadbury Research Library ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED This event will be followed by a book signing.
Festival staff picks Comedy and drama
ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
Ian Turner, a Star Wars geek, takes a look at the Star Wars universe and asks: is science fiction close to becoming fact? Learn about the true force, the science of droids and spaceships and how scientists are making real lightsabers. Can you win the top prize in the Star Wars character quiz? Dressing up is welcome with a prize for the best dressed youngster! May the force be with you!
Get involved /BritishScienceFestival
SUN 7 SEPT, 15.00 - 16.00
MEET THE NSEC WINNER 2014: ENGINEERING
Rebecca Simpson was named UK Young Engineer of the Year 2014 at the National Science + Engineering Competition finals after designing and building a retro arcade game from scratch. Join Rebecca to hear about her project and what she has been up to since winning the Competition. Venue: The Flask and Bunsen, Chancellor’s Court, University of Birmingham 1 Organised by: British Science Association ALL ADULTS FREE: NO BOOKING REQUIRED
@BritishSciFest #BSF14
SUN 7 SEPT, 15.30 - 17.00
NOT ENOUGH EXERCISE, TOO MUCH STRESS: THE CURSE OF MODERN LIVING
A lack of exercise in our lives is linked to many preventable diseases like diabetes and obesity so it’s not news that exercise is good for us, but why don’t we do it? We also know that psychological stress can make us ill, so why do we continue to lead busy stressful lives? Luckily experts are on hand to share the latest research on exercise and stress with you. Venue: Lecture Theatre 7, Arts Building, University of Birmingham 7
Organised by: University of Birmingham ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
SUN 7 SEPT, 16.00 - 17.00
THE HALSTEAD LECTURE: DAWN OF THE GIANTS: HOW DINOSAURS ROSE TO DOMINATE THE TRIASSIC WORLD
Dinosaurs reigned as the dominant large vertebrates on land for 135 million years, diversifying into more than 1,000 species that ranged from pigeon-sized animals weighing less than 1 kg up to 70 tonne giants. Although most attention has been focused on the dinosaur extinction, arguably a more interesting question is how and why the dinosaurs became so successful in the first place. Richard Butler will explain the latest research sheds light on this important question. Venue: Lecture Theatre 1, Arts Building, University of Birmingham 7 Organised by: BSA Geology Section
Supported by: Geologists’ Association ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
SUN 7 SEPT, 15.30 - 17.00
FOOD WASTE: NOT JUST A LOAD OF OLD RUBBISH
Innovative, UK-based research is converting food waste into fuel and other useful products at all stages of the food chain, from farm to fork. Hear from the experts and have your say in this interactive session, led by Keith Waldron. Venue: Lecture Theatre G15, Muirhead Tower, University of Birmingham 8
Organised by: BSA Agriculture and Food Section; Institute of Food Research Supported by: Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
SUN 7 SEPT, 16:00 - 17:30
WHEN FRIDGES ATTACK: BIG DATA MEETS INTELLIGENT MACHINES
New year 2014 saw the first recorded case of a smart device, a fridge, being hacked and used to send spam emails, heralding a new era in the Internet of Things. Technology allows amazing new applications to improve our lives, but also opens a host of new dangers. Join Peter McOwan and Louis McCallum to find out how mathematics underpins our intelligent machine-processed world and discuss the important ethical and legal dimensions of the rise of intelligent devices.
Venue: Large Lecture Theatre, Arts Building, University of Birmingham 7 Organised by: BSA Mathematical Sciences Section Presidential Session
Supported by: The Operational Research Society; Queen Mary University of London ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED This event will be followed by a wine reception
ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
FOR MORE TALKS & DEBATES IN THE EVENINGS SEE PAGES 30-35
Bookings www.britishsciencefestival.org | 08456 807 207 | Box office marquee on campus during the Festival
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DAYTIME ADULT EVENTS MONDAY 8 SEPTEMBER MON 8 SEPT, 10.30 - 12.00
A GRASS ROOTS APPROACH TO FLOODING
A grass roots approach to flooding MON 8 SEPT, 10.00 - 11.00
GEOLOGY IN WWI: MINING ON THE WESTERN FRONT
The First World War didn’t only involve soldiers fighting in trenches. There was a lot of behind-the-scenes planning, and understanding the geology of the battlefields was crucial. Miners were responsible for such varied tasks as drilling for potable water, deciding on the best dugout and underground bunker positions as well as offensive and defensive mining beneath no-man’s-land. Discover how they did it and the current geohazard potential as urban development encroaches on these old battlefields.
Many solutions were proposed after the UK’s recent flooding, from dredging to houses on stilts. Is it possible to manage rural landscapes to make them more productive, and at the same time protect urban and rural environments from extreme weather? Join us to explore alternative approaches to managing water in the landscape and consider how the needs of farmers and homeowners can be balanced in a future where floods may become commonplace. Venue: Lecture Theatre WG5, Aston Webb Building, University of Birmingham 2
Organised by: BSA Agriculture and Food Section
Supported by: Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
Rossa Brugha is a children’s doctor and air pollution researcher who spends his time wandering around London with his air pollution monitors getting a bit paranoid about the air quality. Discover the science behind air pollution and what you can do to dodge dirty air until either the politicians sort it all out, or we run out of fossil fuels and have to resort to hover boards. Please bring a hover board if you have one - Rossa’s Mum, helping him out here, wants a go.
Venue: Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall Music Building, University of Birmingham 3 Organised by: British Science Association Supported by: Siemens
A W A R D
L E C T U R E
MON 8 SEPT, 13.00 - 14.00
ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
ECONOMICS OF INEQUALITY
MON 8 SEPT, 10.00 - 11.30
NEW NUCLEAR: DOES SIZE MATTER?
Organised by: Midlands Energy Consortium; University of Nottingham
SOOTY CITY IS HORRIFIC OUR AIR IS ATROCIOUS
FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
Organised by: BSA Geology Section
Venue: Lecture Theatre S06, Poynting Physics Building, University of Birmingham 6
MON 8 SEPT, 12:00 - 13:00
ALL ADULTS
Venue: Lecture Theatre 117, Physics West Building, University of Birmingham 4
In order for the UK to meet carbon reduction targets within the next 20 years, a reliable and economic source of electricity will be critical. With large scale nuclear power plants requiring large, high risk capital and facing opposition, could the development of smaller nuclear reactors in the UK create an opportunity for us to meet these targets and catalyse a supply chain in an emerging global market?
CHARLES LYELL AWARD LECTURE:
MON 8 SEPT, 11.00 - 12.00
POCKET DOCTOR
With increasing pressure on GPs and the NHS, what would a world where your smartphone could run medical tests look and feel like to you? Would you be happy to trust mathematics and technology to do the job of your GP? Join Max Little to discuss the issues. Venue: Lecture Theatre S02, Poynting Physics Building, University of Birmingham 6 Organised by: Aston University
ALL ADULTS
ALL ADULTS
FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
Is there such a thing as economic equality? Why is so much of the world’s wealth in the hands of so few? Internationally renowned experts Brian Bell, Barbara Pertonogolo and Jan Van Reenan discuss levels of pay at the top, whether gender affects your earning power and ask ‘what’s happened to the 99%?’
Venue: Lecture Theatre S02, Poynting Physics Building, University of Birmingham 6 Organised by: BSA Economics Section Presidential Session ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
Festival staff picks Comedy and drama Get involved
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MON 8 SEPT, 13.30 - 19.30
BUSINESS AND SCIENCE: PARTNERS FOR SUCCESS
MON 8 SEPT, 13:00 - 14:00
DAVID DICKSON LECTURE: FOSTERING PHYSICS IN THE DEVELOPING WORLD
Outreaching physics to developing countries can play a key role in promoting the growth of the scientific community and sustainable development. Dr Kate Shaw has been in the thick of these developments in places such as Palestine, Algeria and Egypt. Join her to explore the power of scientific collaboration to revolutionise physics in the developing world. Venue: Lecture Theatre 117, Physics West Building, University of Birmingham 4
Organised by: BSA Physics and Astronomy Section ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED MON 8 SEPT, 13.00 - 15.00
HOW QUANTUM TECHNOLOGIES CAN IMPROVE OUR FUTURE
Quantum technologies with fantastic new features are closer than you might think. A £270m government grant will help turn research into applications within the next five years. Enjoy a series of short talks on clocks and gravity sensors and workshops, posters and the presentation of a system trapping cold atoms in laser light. Venue: The Dome, Bramall Music Building, University of Birmingham 3 Organised by: University of Birmingham ALL ADULTS £4.00: BOOKING REQUIRED MON 8 SEPT, 13.15 - 14.30
THE X-CHANGE SUPPORTED BY SIEMENS
Visit the x-change – part chat-show, part science cabaret – for all the best bits from the Festival programme. Featuring inspiring speakers, big issues, fun science acts and perhaps some famous faces, the x-change is your Festival highlights show.
Venue: The Flask and Bunsen, Chancellor’s Court, University of Birmingham 1 Organised by: British Science Association EVERYONE
MON 8 SEPT, 13.30 - 14.30
MEGAFLOODS: MYTH AND REALITY
Accounts of catastrophic, flood events appear throughout history, in eye witness accounts, mythology and historical records. But how large have megafloods been both in recent years and in the geological past? What can geological evidence on Earth, and on other planets, tell us about the reality of megafloods? Explore the causes and effects, the geological records they leave behind, and the likely locations and impacts of such events in the future.
Successful businesses innovate by drawing on scientific and technological advances to develop products, processes and business practices, whilst much scientific research and technological development is driven by the needs of business. Science and business join forces in this afternoon of talks, discussion and networking to examine the critical factors for their successful partnership. 13.45 - 14.45
PARALLEL SESSION 1A
13.45 - 14.45
PARALLEL SESSION 1B
15.15 - 16.30
PARALLEL SESSION 2A
Organised by: BSA Geography section Presidential Session
Transferable Models of Innovation in Business: Birmingham Science City’s Chief Technology Officers Group will host a discussion with Adrian Woolard, BBC R&D North Lab and David Jakubovic, Procter and Gamble
ALL ADULTS
15.15 - 16.30
PARALLEL SESSION 2B
17.00 - 18.15
SESSION 3
Venue: Barber Concert Hall, Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham 9
Supported by: Geological Society of London FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED MON 8 SEPT, 13.30 - 14.30
WEST MIDLANDS PRESTIGE LECTURE: FRACKING
Is fracking for shale gas the answer to the looming energy crisis or is it a disaster waiting to happen? Opinions are split. Oil and gas companies are keen to go ahead but communities targeted for fracking are worried about earthquakes and groundwater contamination. Mike Stephenson, Director of Science and Technology at the British Geological Survey explores the issue.
Venue: Lecture Theatre S06, Poynting Physics Building, University of Birmingham 6 Organised by: BSA West Midlands Branch ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
Manufacturing renaissance – led by John Bryson, University of Birmingham
Design driven science: Innovating through blending systematic and reflective forms inquiry – led by Simon Bolton, Birmingham Institute of Art and Design (BIAD)
More canals than Venice, but where next for major infrastructure investment in the West Midlands? University of Birmingham’s Business Club will discuss the costs and benefits and examine what we might learn from our industrious forefathers. Led by Birmingham Centre for Rail Research & Education (BCRRE) with the Rail Alliance and others. STEM skills for the knowledge economy – Question Time with John Perkins, BIS; Stuart Towe, Hadleigh Industries and Chair of Black Country LEP; David Roberts, Droplet; Julia King, University of Aston and GBS LEP; Tim Thomas, EEF and facilitation by Kurt Jacobs, Midlands Business Insider. There will be networking time between sessions and a drinks reception after. Venue: Business School, University House, University of Birmingham Organised by: Birmingham Science City; University of Birmingham, Birmingham City University PROFESSIONALS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
FREE: NO BOOKING REQUIRED
Bookings www.britishsciencefestival.org | 08456 807 207 | Box office marquee on campus during the Festival
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DAYTIME ADULT EVENTS MONDAY 8 SEPTEMBER MON 8 SEPT, 14.00 - 15.00
MON 8 SEPT, 15.30 - 17.30
BRITAIN’S BLOODIEST TIME PERIOD
SEEING IS BELIEVING: EYE IMAGING IN THE 21ST CENTURY
Periods of warfare and violence occurred repeatedly throughout our history. Trauma leaves tell-tale traces on the skeletons, which we study to investigate violence in the past. This debate helps you understand how we identify trauma in skeletal remains, and how patterns of trauma have changed over time, from brutal sacrificial killings to widespread slaughter on the battlefield. But which time period was the bloodiest? You decide. Venue: Lecture Theatre WG5, Aston Webb Building, University of Birmingham 2
Organised by: British Association for Biological Anthropology and Osteoarchaeology ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED MON 8 SEPT, 14.00 - 15.00
WHO OWNS MEDICINE?
Is it ethical that companies can make money from selling life-saving drugs at premium prices? Or are the costs necessary so that these businesses can invest in the next generation of treatments and therapies? Our expert panel explores whether the historical relationship between medical practice and profit can help us understand the current climate in the medical trade, and asks what could be done better in the future. Venue: Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall Music Building, University of Birmingham 3 Organised by: University of Leeds
Supported by: British Society for the History of Science ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
MON 8 SEPT, 15.00 - 16.00
MEET THE NSEC WINNER 2014: SCIENCE
Earlier this year, twin sisters, Ameeta and Aneeta Kumar, were named UK Young Scientists of the Year 2014 after developing a potential early diagnostic tool for cancer. In this exclusive interview with Nobel prize-winner, Tim Hunt, Ameeta and Aneeta discuss their award-winning project and what they have been up to since the National Science + Engineering Competition finals.
Look! You won’t believe your eyes when you see this amazing opportunity to have your retinas scanned and photographed by Aston University eye care specialists and researchers. This imaging technology allows the detection of eye diseases well before they can be spotted using conventional examination techniques, and you can even find out how healthy your diet is and whether it is protecting your eyes against disease. Venue: Vision Sciences Building, Aston University L
Organised by: Aston University; Zeiss Meditec UK ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
Venue: The Flask and Bunsen, Chancellor’s Court, University of Birmingham 1 Organised by: British Science Association ALL ADULTS FREE: NO BOOKING REQUIRED
MON 8 SEPT, 15.30 - 17.00
EPIGENETICS: WHY YOU DON’T HAVE TEETH IN YOUR EYEBALLS
If you’ve ever wondered why you can tell identical twins apart, why a caterpillar looks so different from a butterfly, or how your teeth know they should grow in your mouth but never in your eyeballs, then epigenetics is the science for you. From new treatments for cancer, to offspring inheriting fear from their parents, once you understand epigenetics you’ll never look at the world the same way again. Nessa Carey and Bryan Turner explain, whilst Alice Roberts chairs.
Venue: Lecture Theatre S02, Poynting Physics Building, University of Birmingham 6
Organised by: BSA Biological Sciences Section Presidential Session, University of Birmingham; Biochemical Society
Supported by: Federation of European Biochemical Societies
MON 8 SEPT, 16.00 - 17.00
THE FUTURE OF CITIES: WHAT WILL A CITY LOOK LIKE IN 2065?
What will your city look like in the future? Fifty years from now, what energy source will it run on and who will be living there? Mark Walport, the Government’s Chief Scientific Advisor, has been posing questions such as these to city leaders around the UK to understand the challenges and opportunities they face as more people live in towns and cities. Come along to find out what UK cities might look like in 2065.
Venue: Barber Concert Hall, Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham 9
Organised by: The Government Office for Science ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED Epigenetics
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TUESDAY 9 SEPTEMBER MON 8 SEPT, 16.00 - 17.00
TUES 9 SEPT, 10.00 - 11.00
TUES 9 SEPT, 10.30 - 11.30
THE CHANGING FACE OF ANTARCTICA
FRIENDS, ROMANS, COUNTRYMEN, LEND ME YOUR FEET
WHY BEING IN THE GREEN CAN STOP YOU FEELING BLUE
Antarctica might be far away, but with climate change causing receding glaciers and collapsing ice shelves it has the potential to affect all of our lives through the connections between the ice sheets, our atmosphere and our ocean. Find out how scientists are investigating this enigmatic continent, see what it’s like to study glaciers from a tent in Antarctica, and discover how scientists are studying past changes to predict future change. Venue: Lecture Theatre 117, Physics West Building, University of Birmingham 4 Organised by: BSA Geography Section ALL ADULTS
Join us to hear about new and exciting discoveries from Roman Vindolanda, where scientists are bringing the people at the fort to life by studying an organic treasure trove of over 4000 shoes and boots, preserved during the Roman occupation of Britain. Venue: Lecture Theatre WG5, Aston Webb Building, University of Birmingham 2
Organised by: BSA Anthropology and Archaeology Section; Vindolanda ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED MON 8 SEPT, 16.30 - 17.30
THE APE THAT STOOD UP
Join Susannah Thorpe, and Julia Myatt to explore how the fascinating world of animal behaviour, especially knowledge of modern great ape walking, running and climbing, sheds light on how humans became ‘the ape who stood up’.
Venue: Lecture Theatre S06, Poynting Physics Building, University of Birmingham 6
Organised by: BSA Anthropology and Archaeology Section Presidential Session; University of Birmingham ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED MON 8 SEPT, 16.30 - 17.30
SLEEP, DRUGS AND 24 HOUR LIVING
Do you take something to pep you up? Or something to help you sleep? Maybe you just need an extra burst of energy at times? Is medication the answer? Join Jonathan Gabe, Catherine Coveney and colleagues to discuss their research looking into the social and ethical issues around different uses for sleep and alertness medications.
Venue: Lecture Theatre WG5, Aston Webb Building, University of Birmingham 2
Organised by: BSA Sociology and Social Policy Section Presidential Session
TUES 9 SEPT, 10.00 - 12.00
ROBOTICS WORKSHOP
Birmingham is famous for having more canals than Venice. Not only are these canals a reminder of its industrial past but they can help the wellbeing of its current inhabitants. Research suggests that walking next to canals in a semi-rural environment reduces stress and improves cognitive functioning. Marc Jones, Chris Gidlow, Gemma Hurst, Dan Masterson and Matt White explore why being in a natural environment has such positive effects on health and wellbeing.
Venue: Barber Concert Hall, Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham 9
Organised by: BSA Psychology Section; British Psychological Society ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
Learn about the challenges of programming autonomous robots - robots that can do things for themselves - before experiencing this first hand by building and programming your own Lego robots to do simple tasks. Venue: Clock Tower, Chancellor’s Court, University of Birmingham Organised by: University of Birmingham ALL ADULTS £4.00: BOOKING REQUIRED The changing face of Antarctica TUES 9 SEPT, 10.00 - 12.30
HOW TO ORGANISE YOUR SCIENCE EVENT
Have you considered running a science events but dont know where to start? We have just the start-up kit you need, filled with activities and tips developed for British Science Week. You’ll learn about organising and running activities, and we’ll help you develop the skills and confidence to deliver them. Plus, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet likeminded people and share experiences. Venue: The Dome, Bramall Music Building, University of Birmingham 3 Organised by: British Science Association ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
TUES 9 SEPT, 10.30 - 11.30
PREVENTING CHILDHOOD OBESITY
One third of children in the UK leaving primary school are overweight or obese and currently there seems to be no workable solution to this. Find out about the development and evaluation of a novel, whole system approach to obesity prevention, The Healthy Lifestyles Programme, which uses drama activities where children co-create scenes with actors whose lifestyle attributes they consider similar to theirs. Does it motivate families to change their lifestyles? Venue: Lecture Theatre 117, Physics West Building, University of Birmingham 4 Organised by: University of Exeter
ALL ADULTS
PROFESSIONALS
FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
Bookings www.britishsciencefestival.org | 08456 807 207 | Box office marquee on campus during the Festival
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DAYTIME ADULT EVENTS TUESDAY 9 SEPTEMBER TUES 9 SEPT, 11.00 - 12.00
FUSION POWER: WITHIN OUR GRASP?
TUES 9 SEPT, 13.00 - 14.00
MATTERS OF THE HEART
With fossil fuel reserves diminishing and concerns over climate change increasing, the hunt for alternative sources of energy is crucial. We are currently researching a new source of energynuclear fusion. Steve Cowley discusses the science of fusion, the JET experiment leading the worldwide effort towards commercial fusion power and ITER, the next step international fusion device. The first power stations should be starting up in the next 30 years.
Join leading scientists and clinical researchers from Birmingham to find out about new treatments and genetic causes of atrial fibrillation, the most common cardiac arrhythmia, and new research that links cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and infection.
Organised by: Culham Centre for Fusion Energy (CCFE)
ALL ADULTS
ALL ADULTS
TUES 9 SEPT, 13.00 - 14.30
Venue: Lecture Theatre S02, Poynting Physics Building, University of Birmingham 6
FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
Venue: Lecture Theatre S06, Poynting Physics Building, University of Birmingham 6 Organised by: University of Birmingham FREE: NO BOOKING REQUIRED
IS FREE-RANGE EGG PRODUCTION ALL IT’S CRACKED UP TO BE?
MARGARET MEAD AWARD LECTURE: TUES 9 SEPT, 12.00 - 13.00
CLIMATE HAZARDS IN A GLOBALISED WORLD: CHINESE DROUGHT, BREAD AND THE ARAB SPRING
Climate hazards disrupt human and environmental systems, social structures and livelihoods. Their immediacy and unpredictability place human wellbeing at the core of climate research and at the centre of the climate-hazard predicament for the 1.4 billion residents of Asian drylands. Find out about Troy Sternberg’s research on the exposure of societies to hazard events and the greater consequences of climate hazards in our globalised world.
Venue: Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall Music Building, University of Birmingham 3
Organised by: British Science Association Supported by: Siemens ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED A W A R D
L E C T U R E
Are chickens better off on free range farms or could cages have their advantages? What makes a happy chicken? With ever-changing regulations and industrialised farming, how can consumers make the best choices for animal welfare? Find out how chicken welfare is studied and measured by scientists and vets, to resolve conflicts between production, health and welfare on a commercial farm.
Venue: Barber Concert Hall, Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham 9
Organised by: BSA Agriculture and Food Section ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED TUES 9 SEPT, 13.15 - 14.30
THE X-CHANGE SUPPORTED BY SIEMENS
Visit the x-change – part chat-show, part science cabaret – for all the best bits from the Festival programme. Featuring inspiring speakers, big issues, fun science acts and perhaps some famous faces, the x-change is your Festival highlights show.
TUES 9 SEPT, 13.30 - 14.30
GAUGING SENTIMENT ON THE SOCIAL WEB
Many of us now express all sorts of opinions on the internet through blogs, forums and social media. All this data can be analysed to track public opinion and sentiment. How does this happen? What can be learnt by tracking this over time? Come and find out what you are revealing online and how it is tracked and used to make recommendations by matching your demographics with what you review online. Venue: Lecture Theatre 117, Physics West Building, University of Birmingham 4 Organised by: Aston University ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED TUES 9 SEPT, 14.00 - 15.00
WATER FLEAS SAVE THE WORLD
Water fleas have fascinating ways of coping with environmental change and hardship, which includes hibernating for hundreds of years. Scientists are discovering how they can serve as miniature detectives of the quality of our environment. John Colbourne explains how these tiny creatures are providing answers to big questions.
Venue: Lecture Theatre WG5, Aston Webb Building, University of Birmingham 2 Organised by: University of Birmingham ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
Venue: The Flask and Bunsen, Chancellor’s Court, University of Birmingham 1 Organised by: British Science Association EVERYONE FREE: NO BOOKING REQUIRED
The x-change
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Join the conversation online
/BritishScienceFestival
@BritishSciFest #BSF14
TUES 9 SEPT, 14.00 - 15.00
TUES 9 SEPT, 16.00 - 17.30
OUR WORLD IN 2050
Among the predictions of dire consequences that threaten us over the next 30 years or so, there is the occasional cornucopian vision promising wealth, health and leisure for all nine billion of us. Jonathon Porritt asks what’s the truth of this futuristic guessing-game? Is there a realistic view that avoids the extremes of despair and over-optimism? And if so, can we summon up the political will to make good on it? Venue: Lecture Theatre S02, Poynting Physics Building, University of Birmingham 6 Organised by: BSA General Section Presidential Session ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED. This event will be followed by a book signing TUES 9 SEPT, 15.30 - 16.30
FROM SUN TO SOCKET: A JOURNEY THROUGH PHOTOVOLTAIC MATERIALS
In this EPSRC RISE Award Lecture, Piers Barnes takes us on a journey following light from its creation in the Sun through to its capture and conversion on Earth to create electricity we can use. Along the way we will delve into some of the fascinating physics and chemistry underlying light and its interaction with matter to understand how different solar technologies work.
DO YOU OWN YOUR GENES?
TUES 9 SEPT, 15.30 - 16.30
SIMON SINGH: THE SIMPSONS AND THEIR MATHEMATICAL SECRETS
Simon Singh discusses his latest book which explores mathematical themes hidden in The Simpsons. Very few people realise that mathematically gifted writers use the show to explore everything from calculus to geometry, from pi to game theory, and from infinitesimals to infinity. Singh also discusses how writers of Futurama have similarly made it their mission to smuggle deep mathematical ideas into the series. Venue: Lecture Theatre 117, Physics West Building, University of Birmingham 4
Organised by: BSA Medical Sciences Section Presidential Session; Cancer Research UK; Newcastle University ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED. This event will be followed by a book signing
TUES 9 SEPT, 16.00 - 17.30
UNRAVELLING THE MYSTERIES OF THE UNIVERSE
ALL ADULTS TUES 9 SEPT, 15.30 - 17.30
EXPLORING THE BRAIN IN HEALTH AND DISEASE
FOR MORE TALKS & DEBATES IN THE EVENINGS SEE PAGES 30-35
Venue: Lecture Theatre S02, Poynting Physics Building, University of Birmingham 6
Organised by: British Science Association
Venue: Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall Music Building, University of Birmingham 3 Organised by: Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council; Royal Academy of Engineering FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
Do you want to know if you have genes predisposing you to cancer? Who owns genetic samples and the information they provide? Discuss the impact of genetics on medicine with a series of experts. Christine Harrison talks about her work in leukaemia; Andy Hall explains how and why we store genetic samples so carefully while Charlie Craddock takes us through ethics and patient rights. Finally David Grimwade shows how genetic testing is now allowing us to monitor treatment in new ways.
Delve into the inner workings of your brain with demonstrations of the latest technologies and some intriguing brain teasing experiments. Venue: Aston Brain Centre, Aston University K Organised by: Aston University ALL ADULTS
Take a journey through some of the greatest modern physics experiments that will allow us a much deeper understanding of the Universe. How does the LHC recreate conditions similar to the Big Bang? How do lasers help in the hunt for gravitational waves? And how does measuring the cosmic microwave background help us understand the infant Universe?
Venue: Barber Concert Hall, Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham 9 Organised by: BSA Physics and Astronomy Section, University of Birmingham ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
Bookings www.britishsciencefestival.org | 08456 807 207 | Box office marquee on campus during the Festival
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DAYTIME ADULT EVENTS TUESDAY 9 SEPTEMBER
WEDNESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER WED 10 SEPT, 10.00 - 11.00
USE IT OR LOSE IT: ACTIVE AGEING
‘Use it or lose it’ is a phrase commonly used to suggest that we have some control over the way we age. Find out some of the accumulating evidence on what really can have an impact on our intellect and wellbeing as we get older. TUES 9 SEPT, 16.30 - 17.30
THE KNOWLEDGE: HOW TO REBUILD OUR WORLD FROM SCRATCH
The world as we know it has ended. For the few survivors it no longer matters how. But what do you do now? What would be the crucial scientific and technological knowledge a group of post-apocalyptic survivors would need preserved in a book to help them recover as quickly as possible? Join the author of ‘The Knowledge: How to Rebuild Our World from Scratch’ Lewis Dartnell, for a fascinating exploration of how our world really works. Venue: Lecture Theatre WG5, Aston Webb Building, University of Birmingham 2 Organised by: University of Leicester; Academy of Engineering ALL ADULTS FREE: NO BOOKING REQUIRED. This event will be followed by a book signing
Venue: Lecture Theatre 117, Physics West Building, University of Birmingham 4
Organised by: Aston University ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
WED 10 SEPT, 10.00 - 11.00
JOURNEYS THROUGH DROUGHT AND FLOOD
Join us on a journey through drought and flood! Down the Ganges where drought and flood happen side by side simultaneously; on to sub-Saharan Africa where groundwater abstraction has improved people’s lives; then, return closer to home to the Thames Basin, where geology and land use affect the response to rainfall and may impact on water resources in the future. Venue: Lecture Theatre WG5, Aston Webb Building, University of Birmingham 2
Organised by: BSA Geology Section; British Geological Survey ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED WED 10 SEPT, 11:00 - 12:00
EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY: THE PHYSICS OF SOLAR ERUPTIONS
Explosions in the sky
Festival staff picks Comedy and drama Get involved
We are currently in a period of peak solar activity. Find out about the sources of these explosions, how they can be triggered, and the impact that they can have on our technologically reliant society. Louise Harra and Mike Lockwood discuss the longer term aspects of the changes in the Sun’s behaviour. Venue: Lecture Theatre S02, Poynting Physics Building, University of Birmingham 6
Organised by: BSA Physics and Astronomy Section Presidential Session ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
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Join the conversation online
/BritishScienceFestival
WED 10 SEPT, 11.30 - 12.30
HAVE I TAKEN MY TABLETS? MEDICINES MANAGEMENT FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA
The G8 are committed to finding a cure or treatment for dementia by 2025 and David Cameron plans to double funding for dementia research. But all this is useless if the patient forgets to take their medication. Learn about the impact of dementia on medicine usage and the challenges of developing effective medicines. Join us to discuss the flaws with the current UK Government policy response to dementia treatment. Venue: Barber Concert Hall, Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham 9 Organised by: Aston University ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
ISAMBARD KINGDOM BRUNEL AWARD LECTURE: WED 10 SEPT, 12.00 - 13.00
OF CRAFTY CROWS AND SPACE SHUTTLES
Why do so few animals use tools, and why are we humans so good at it? In his Award Lecture, Christian Rutz from the University of St Andrews will explore this intriguing scientific puzzle, reporting about his long-term research on one of the most remarkable nonhuman tool users – the New Caledonian crow.
Venue: Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall Music Building, University of Birmingham 3 Organised by: British Science Association
Supported by: Winton Capital ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED A W A R D
L E C T U R E
@BritishSciFest #BSF14
WED 10 SEPT, 13.00 - 14.30
LIFE SAVING MATHEMATICS
What has abstract maths ever done for you? You may be surprised! By applying mathematics to biological problems, such as brain tumours, heart attacks and cancer, we can produce results that simply could not have been achieved through experimentation alone. Come and meet the people who are breaking down the barriers that once existed between sciences.
Venue: Lecture Theatre WG5, Aston Webb Building, University of Birmingham 2 Organised by: BSA Medical Sciences Section ALL ADULTS
WED 10 SEPT, 14.00 - 15.00
IS THE WORLD RUNNING OUT OF FOOD AND WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT?
BIG BROTHER: KEEPING A WATCHFUL EYE ON ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR
Global demand for food is growing faster than our ability to supply it, and climate change is putting an extra brake on production. Can we grow enough food to meet demand and can we do it in a way that preserves our land for its many other functions? Join Tim Benton to explore some of the current issues and potential solutions.
Venue: Lecture Theatre S02, Poynting Physics Building, University of Birmingham 6
Organised by: BSA Agriculture and Food Section Presidential Session
Applying the latest video technology to observe animal behaviour can advance our understanding, leading to improved animal well-being, as well as generating more reliable data from animal studies. Find out about three different projects using video to monitor and evaluate animal behaviour.
Venue: Lecture Theatre S06, Poynting Physics Building, University of Birmingham 6
Organised by: NC3Rs ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
ALL ADULTS
FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED WED 10 SEPT, 13.00 - 15.00
HARNESSING THE POTENTIAL OF TECHNOLOGY
Find out about how collaborations between the Digital Hub, small digital companies and cultural organisations are harnessing the potential of innovative new technologies to transform the way we interact with our technology. Chew over the challenges of developing software that works on 360 degree interfaces, consider the value of augmented and virtual reality, and discover the benefits of 3D printing. Venue: Clock Tower, Chancellor’s Court, University of Birmingham
Organised by: University of Birmingham ALL ADULTS £4.00: BOOKING REQUIRED WED 10 SEPT, 13.15 - 14.30
THE X-CHANGE
WED 10 SEPT, 13.30 - 14.30
SUPPORTED BY SIEMENS
Visit the x-change - part chat-show, part science cabaret - for all the best bits from the Festival programme. Featuring inspiring speakers, big issues, fun science acts and perhaps some famous faces, the x-change is your Festival highlights show.
Venue: The Flask and Bunsen, Chancellor’s Court, University of Birmingham 1 Organised by: British Science Association
FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED WED 10 SEPT, 13.30 - 14.30
WED 10 SEPT, 15.30 - 16.30
BIOMATERIALS IN OUR DAILY LIVES
How do you know your hand is part of your body? How does your body contribute to your sense of self? Psychologists describe what strange illusions tell us about the body and the self.
Biomaterials research is at the forefront of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, and uses ideas from medicine, biology, chemistry, materials science and engineering. Come and find out about exciting advances in replacing or regenerating failed body parts.
Organised by: BSA Psychology Section
Organised by: Aston University
MY BODY, MY SELF
Venue: Barber Concert Hall, Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham 9
Venue: Lecture Theatre WG5, Aston Webb Building, University of Birmingham 2
ALL ADULTS
ALL ADULTS
FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
WED 10 SEPT, 14.00 - 15.00
WED 10 SEPT, 15.30 - 17.00
THE HALSTEAD LECTURE: EXPLORING GLOBAL TECTONICS FROM YOUR ARMCHAIR
THE SECURITY IMPACT OF DRONE WARFARE
As a tool for gaining rapid, global and often detailed views of the earth’s surface, Google Earth is unsurpassed, and is used by the media, industry and academia. Find out how you can use it to investigate large-scale tectonic features such as mountain belts formed during plate collision, continental rifts and belts of lateral plate motion, without leaving your armchair.
From counter-terrorism operations in Afghanistan, to Amazon delivery services, the use (and ownership) of drone technology has major implications for domestic and international security. But what are the legal and ethical implications of this technology, and can drones ever be fully autonomous? Join leading experts from the Institute for Conflict, Cooperation and Security to have your say.
Organised by: BSA Geology Section; The Geologists’ Association
Organised by: University of Birmingham
Venue: Lecture Theatre 117, Physics West Building, University of Birmingham 4
EVERYONE
ALL ADULTS
FREE: NO BOOKING REQUIRED
FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
Venue: Barber Concert Hall, Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham 9 ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
Bookings www.britishsciencefestival.org | 08456 807 207 | Box office marquee on campus during the Festival
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DAYTIME ADULT EVENTS WEDNESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER WED 10 SEPT, 14.30 – 20.30
BIRMINGHAM: THE SMARTER, GREENER, SCIENCE CITY
14.30: Registration and tea/coffee
SESSION 1: SMARTER ENERGY 15.00: Lubo Jankovic (Birmingham City University): Zero carbon design and retrofit of buildings
The need for cities to work smarter and in more environmentally efficient ways is essential to ensure the wellbeing of citizens, and to help businesses reduce their impact on global warming. This event will showcase research and innovation on the theme of smarter and greener cities. It includes an exhibition and a series of lectures throughout the day with a keynote by Rick Robinson, Executive Architect of Smarter Cities at IBM.
15.15: A talk on the European Bio Energy Research Institute, also known as EBRI. There will also be the opportunity to take a tour of EBRI during the day.
Can a text message be as incriminating as a fingerprint? In the field of forensic linguistics it certainly can. Join us to find out how we have helped solve criminal cases, based on language evidence at the scene.
15.45: Keith Osman, Dave Taylor (Birmingham City University): The KIC transitions: Integrated sustainability modelling for cities
ALL ADULTS
SESSION 2: SMARTER CITIES
16.00: iCentrum and its role in Birmingham’s smart city agenda
SESSION 3: SMARTER TRANSPORT 17.00: Kathryn Moore (Birmingham City University): HS2 and sustainability 17.15: David Saad (Aston University): Planes, trains and polymers – the statistical physics of routing 17.30: Aston University (speaker TBC): Improving winter road maintenance combining sensor networks, probabilistic modelling
Venue: Millennium Point, Birmingham I
Organised by: Birmingham City University; Aston University; Millennium Point; Birmingham Smart City Alliance PROFESSIONALS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED To book, visit: bit.ly/brumsmartgreen
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BEING A LANGUAGE DETECTIVE
15.30: Katharine Fuller (Innovation Birmingham): The EIT Climate KIC and West Midlands Regional Innovation Centre
16.15: Tea/coffee break
Photos: © Daniel Sturley
WED 10 SEPT, 15.30 - 17.30
17.45: Raj Mack (Digital Birmingham): Integrated transport
KEYNOTE ADDRESS: SMARTER BIRMINGHAM
Venue: Room MB574, Main Building, Aston University M Organised by: Aston University FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
WED 10 SEPT, 16.00 - 17.00
JOURNEY INTO THE LIBRARY OF SECRETS
Using practical demonstrations, Jim Al-Khalili and Andrea Sella introduce you to the historical roots behind various scientific ideas and theories and the scientists, to whom we owe credit for bringing these ideas to light. Witness a demonstration of the finest alchemy and see base metals being turned into ‘gold’, as if by magic!
Venue: Lecture Theatre S02, Poynting Physics Building, University of Birmingham 6
Organised by: Curriculum Enrichment for the Future ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
18.00: Rick Robinson (IBM): The Smart City Alliance and the smart/green transformation of Birmingham. 19.00: Drinks reception
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THURSDAY 11 SEPTEMBER THURS 11 SEPT, 10.00 - 11.30
ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE
WED 10 SEPT, 16.30 - 17.30
THURS 11 SEPT, 09.30 – 10.30
FORESTS OF THE FUTURE: BUILDING A GREENHOUSE WITHOUT WALLS
ZERO CARBON HOUSE BIRMINGHAM: SUN, LIGHT AND MATERIAL
Join Julia King to consider the options we have on mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change. What are the benefits of investing now against leaving things to the future, and indeed if we invest now, what should our investment priorities be? How does the science and technology engage with both economics and morality?
Venue: Barber Concert Hall, Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham 9 Organised by: Aston University
Imagine an ecological experiment to rival the LHC. Would you imagine a greenhouse the size of a forest, without walls or a roof so that weather, seeds, microbes and animals can pass through the system? This seemingly impossible experiment to investigate the effects of carbon dioxide on a mature oak woodland is about to become a reality. Come and find out how with Rob Mckenzie.
Find out about Birmingham’s zero carbon house, the UK’s first retrofit home to zero carbon standards. Discover how and why the house was built, including its use of solar and other technologies. Architect John Christophers describes how natural light and pioneering low carbon building materials are combined architecturally and environmentally to create an inspiring architecture responding to the new realities of climate change.
ALL ADULTS
ALL ADULTS
FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED: To book, visit: bit.ly/1o3lGac This event is the keynote talk for the Zero Carbon Buildings conference 2014. For more information on the conference, please visit www.zcb2014.org
Join us for a cutting-edge view of research into brain stimulation and cognitive enhancement. Discover the possibilities and pitfalls in this newly emerging field: Can it change our mind? How does stimulation interact with behaviour? Can we improve the damaged brain? Are there physical and psychological risks? Join Roi Cohen Kadosh, Gregor Thut, Jacinta O’Shea and Gemma Learmonth to find out.
THURS 11 SEPT, 10.00 - 11.00
Organised by: University of Glasgow
Venue: Lecture Theatre 117, Physics West Building, University of Birmingham 4 Organised by: University of Birmingham
WED 10 SEPT, 16.30 - 17.30
Venue: Parkside Building, Birmingham City University J Organised by: Birmingham City University
TACKLING SPORT CONCUSSION
What happens to the brain after multiple head injuries? Should society worry more about chronic traumatic encephalopathy or childhood obesity? How are sporting associations tackling the issue? How useful is brain imaging in monitoring the effects of concussion? Tony Belli and Michael Grey present the latest research followed by your chance to question the experts and have your say. Venue: Lecture Theatre S06, Poynting Physics Building, University of Birmingham 6
Organised by: University of Birmingham ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
CAN YOU PREVENT RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a common chronic disease. Whilst current treatments are unable to cure the disease, we are entering an era in which we may be able to prevent people developing the disease in the first place. Join us to discover and discuss the latest research on what causes rheumatoid arthritis, predictive testing and preventive treatment. Venue: Lecture Theatre WG5, Aston Webb Building, University of Birmingham 2 Organised by: University of Birmingham
Supported by: EuroTEAM; European Commission; European Commission’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED THURS 11 SEPT, 10.30 - 12.00
BRAIN, INTERRUPTED: THE PROMISE AND PERILS OF BRAIN STIMULATION
Venue: Lecture Theatre S02, Poynting Physics Building, University of Birmingham 6 ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
THURS 11 SEPT, 11.00 - 12.00
MAKING BODY PARTS
Join Liam Grover and Duncan Shepherd to explore the history of implant development, from the use of sea shells to replace teeth, through to the implantation of materials designed for use in the aerospace industry. Implants now allow us to stay mobile into our old age, and will eventually allow us to regrow our own tissues. Venue: Lecture Theatre 117, Physics West Building, University of Birmingham 4 Organised by: University of Birmingham ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
Bookings www.britishsciencefestival.org | 08456 807 207 | Box office marquee on campus during the Festival
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DAYTIME ADULT EVENTS THURSDAY 11 SEPTEMBER THURS 11 SEPT, 11.30 - 13.00
THURS 11 SEPT, 13.00 - 14.00
THURS 11 SEPT, 14.00 - 15.00
OPEN FORUM
EVOLUTION OF EVOLUTION
YOUR ASTONISHING LIVER: DISEASE INVESTIGATION TO TRANSPLANT INNOVATION
Listen to a round-up from our Chief Executive, Imran Khan, ask questions and then join us for lunch and more informal chat with BSA staff. Venue: Lecture Theatre 1, Arts Building, University of Birmingham 7
Organised by: British Science Association ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
ROSALIND FRANKLIN AWARD LECTURE: THURS 11 SEPT, 12.00 - 13.00
OUR DYNAMICAL SUN: A 21ST CENTURY VIEW
Although it looks serene, the sun is constantly erupting and hurling out hot plasma, affecting life on Earth. Join Ineke De Moortel for a journey from deep inside the Sun’s nuclear core, through the solar surface, into its atmosphere, on towards Earth and finally out into space. Ineke explains how scientists use amazing satellite imagery to create mathematical models of this solar activity. Venue: Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall Music Building, University of Birmingham 3
Organised by: British Science Association
Supported by: Winton Capital
Despite the simplicity of Darwin’s Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection, it is often misunderstood. Learn the historical perspective to the development of Darwin’s ideas, including influences from the West Midlands and why the ideas were so dangerous. Jeremy Pritchard discusses recent issues covering the ancient Greeks, Islamic science, adverts, the Lunar Society and Kylie Minogue.
Scientists and surgeons introduce you to the body’s most hardworking and remarkable organ. See how the transplant technology of the future is being trialled in Birmingham, and how a modern diet has led to an increasingly common type of liver disease.
ALL ADULTS
ALL ADULTS
FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
THURS 11 SEPT, 13.15 - 14.30
THURS 11 SEPT, 14.00 - 15.00
THE X-CHANGE
JBS HALDANE LECTURE 2014: COMPUTING LIFE, OR, THE SEARCH FOR THE SOUL.
Venue: Lecture Theatre WG5, Aston Webb Building, University of Birmingham 2 Organised by: University of Birmingham
SUPPORTED BY SIEMENS
Visit the x-change - part chat-show, part science cabaret - for all the best bits from the Festival programme. Featuring inspiring speakers, big issues, fun science acts and perhaps some famous faces, the x-change is your Festival highlights show. Venue: The Flask and Bunsen, Chancellor’s Court, University of Birmingham 1 Organised by: British Science Association EVERYONE FREE: NO BOOKING REQUIRED
ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED A W A R D
L E C T U R E
THURS 11 SEPT, 13.00 - 14.00
THE CONSCIOUSNESS CONUNDRUM
A series of demonstrations illustrate why it’s so difficult to account for our sense of consciousness. It’s as if it requires a level of self-understanding beyond our capabilities. Science is nibbling away at the edges of this conundrum, so that we can begin to suggest what might be going on.
Venue: Barber Concert Hall, Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham 9 Organised by: The Open University
THURS 11 SEPT, 13.30 - 14.30
THE NEUROSCIENCE OF LEARNING
In the 1960s renowned neuroscientist Tim Bliss established the phenomenon of long-term potentiation (LTP) as the dominant model of how the mammalian brain stores memories. Find out about current research into LTP, including the relationship between neuroplasticity and memory and how it might be exploited to maximise the potential for learning throughout life. Venue: Lecture Theatre S02, Poynting Physics Building, University of Birmingham 6 Organised by: BSA Education Section Presidential Session
Venue: Lecture Theatre 117, Physics West Building, University of Birmingham 4 Organised by: University of Birmingham
What is it that makes living things alive? Over 2000 years ago Aristotle said their “souls”- the network of functional relationships between the parts of living things; 20th century biologists reduced life to the functioning of cells and molecules; now a new breed of ‘systems biologists’ like Armand Leroi, are bringing these two philosophies together, relying on vast amounts of data, complex mathematical models to answer this age old question. Venue: Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall Music Building, University of Birmingham 3 Organised by: The Genetics Society ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED THURS 11 SEPT, 15.30 - 17.00
SURVIVING CANCER: CURES AND QUALITY OF LIFE
Join survivors, doctors and researchers to debate approaches to achieving cures and ensuring quality of life after cancer.
Venue: Lecture Theatre WG5, Aston Webb Building, University of Birmingham 2
Organised by: University of Birmingham
ALL ADULTS
ALL ADULTS
FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
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Join the conversation online
/BritishScienceFestival
@BritishSciFest #BSF14
THURS 11 SEPT, 15.30 - 17.00
THURS 11 SEPT, 16.00 - 17.00
THURS 11 SEPT, 16.30 - 17.30
MIND-BRAIN MYTHOLOGY: CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES
A ONE TO ONE WITH DAVID WILLETTS AND ALICE ROBERTS
‘WIRE IN THE BLOOD’ AT WEBSTER AND HORSFALL
There often appears to be a mismatch between what scientists think they know about the mind and the brain and how this knowledge is understood by the many people who are fascinated by it. As findings are simplified by the media and entrepreneurs capitalise on pseudoscience jargon to sell products and programs, how can we dispel the myths about how the mind and the brain work? Venue: Lecture Theatre S02, Poynting Physics Building, University of Birmingham 6
Organised by: BSA Psychology Section Presidential Session
Supported by: British Psychological Society ALL ADULTS
David Willetts, UK Minister for Universities and Science, joins Alice Roberts to reflect on the past five years of government science policy and initiatives, and to look to the future, including the Government’s plans to ensure the UK’s place as an international leader in science, technology and innovation. Join us to hear the very latest from the corridors of power. Venue: Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall Music Building, University of Birmingham 3
HELD IN MIND, NOT LOST IN SPACE
We live in a crowded world but in our minds we can often feel lonely and forgotten. GRiST (www.egrist.org) is a web-based application that reconnects us within a caring and supportive network built on the advice of several thousand mental-health experts. Hear about GRiST, try it, and see how it creates a canopy of care to maintain the mental health and wellbeing of family, carers, friends, and colleagues. Venue: Room MB204, Main Building, Aston University M Organised by: Aston University; University of Warwick
Venue: Lecture Theatre S06, Poynting Physics Building, University of Birmingham 6 Organised by: The Lunar Society ALL ADULTS
Organised by: Department for Business, Innovation and Skills
FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
ALL ADULTS
THURS 11 SEPT, 16:30 - 17:30
FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
MAKING DECISIONS WITH ZOMBIES
How can governments use models to make policy? We look at several simple models that look at different aspects of ‘what should we do if zombies attack?’ and reach different conclusions. We will then look at a more detailed model about health promotion during an influenza epidemic using ideas from the zombie models.
FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
THURS 11 SEPT, 15.30 - 17.30
A real success story, this local family-run wire manufacturing business has a 300 year history. Past and present board members explain how, through its research into product development, it has survived and developed in a global market.
THURS 11 SEPT, 16.00 - 17.00
THE BROADBAND CAPACITY CRUNCH
Modern technology means that the exponential growth in the ability of humans to communicate across vast distances is limited only by their desire for social interaction and entertainment. Explore the impact of communication on society, and speculate on the future impact on society and the environment as the capability to remotely engage with others continues to grow.
Venue: Lecture Theatre 117, Physics West Building, University of Birmingham 4 Organised by: University of Surrey; BSA Sociology and Social Policy Section ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
Venue: Barber Concert Hall, Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham 3
Organised by: Aston University ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
ALL ADULTS FREE: DROP IN: NO BOOKING REQUIRED. Talk begins at 15.30, with drop in activities throughout the two hours.
Bookings www.britishsciencefestival.org | 08456 807 207 | Box office marquee on campus during the Festival
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EVENING ADULT EVENTS SATURDAY 6 SEPTEMBER
We all know that science can be interesting, fascinating and of great benefit to humanity but in our programme of evening events we discover that it can also be funny, dramatic, emotional and controversial. Star speakers, comedians, dramatists and film-makers turn science into entertainment that challenges, intrigues and amuses in equal measure. Grounded
SAT 6 SEPT, 18.00 - 19.00
SAT 6 SEPT, 19.00 - 23.00
MAGGIE ADERIN-POCOCK: THREE ERAS OF SPACE
THINGS THAT GO POP
How far have our notions of space and what it means to humanity come in the last 70 years? Maggie Aderin-Pocock explores the history of space exploration by taking us through the three eras of space: firstly, confrontation borne out of the Second World War; next, collaboration between nations across the world, united to establish a permanent habitat; and, lastly, commercialisation. Is this the key to getting us all out there? Venue: Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall Music Building, University of Birmingham 3
SAT 6 SEPT, 19.00 - 21.30
Enjoy an immersive evening of combustible vapours and fizzy drinks inspired by natural philosopher and theologian Joseph Priestley. As Joseph Priestley was in life, we shall so be in our party – challenging, free thinking, and unafraid to stand up for what we believe. Find out more about this fascinating local hero throughout an unforgettable evening of screenings, performances and experiments. Venue: Birmingham and Midland Institute Organised by: Flatpack Film Festival
Organised by: British Science Association
Supported by: University of Birmingham; Royal Society of Chemistry
ALL ADULTS
ALL ADULTS
£11.00: BOOKING REQUIRED
£6.00: BOOKING REQUIRED
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SAT 6 SEPT, 18.00 - 20.00
SAT 6 SEPT, 19.30 - 22.00
TATTOOS FOR TIME TRAVELLERS
ASTRONOMY IN THE CITY: STARGAZING
Imagine that we’re about to send you back in time. You can’t take anything with you (not even your clothes!), but we do have an amazing tattooist, and she’ll write or draw anything you want on your body before you go. What information do you need to survive, to thrive, to change the future? Will you be hailed as a genius or burnt as a witch? Use your ink wisely! Venue: The Flask and Bunsen, Chancellor’s Court, University of Birmingham 1 Organised by: University of Birmingham ALL ADULTS
20.15: Following the performance you will get the chance to explore the issues raised in a debate with leading experts from the Institute for Conflict, Cooperation and Security. Explore the psychology of the military drone pilot and have your say on this modern day dilemma. Venue: The REP, Birmingham
Supported by: Arts Council England ALL ADULTS
£12.00: BOOKING REQUIRED To book, please visit www.birmingham-rep.co.uk
Venue: Chancellor’s Court, University of Birmingham
Organised by: University of Birmingham; Knowle Astronomical Society; Birmingham Astronomical Society; Solihull School
Join the conversation online
FREE: NO BOOKING REQUIRED. On the night we will also invite small groups (11+) to look through the University’s historic Grubb Telescope on the roof of the adjacent Poynting Physics Building.
/BritishScienceFestival
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Organised by: Beckie Darlington presents Gate Theatre’s production of Grounded by George Brant; University of Birmingham
EVERYONE
FREE: DROP IN. NO BOOKING REQUIRED. Take the argument to twitter with the hashtag #BSFTattoos
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Join astronomers just after sunset for a trip around the night sky, exploring the planets, star clusters, nebulae, and other spectacular astronomical sights. Use the telescope provided, and get expert tips on stargazing with and without a telescope.
GROUNDED
‘My pulse quickens. It is not a fair fight, but it quickens.’ She’s a hot-rod F16 fighter pilot. She’s pregnant. Her career in the sky is over. Now, she sits in an air-conditioned trailer in Las Vegas flying remotecontrolled drones over the Middle East. She struggles through surreal 12-hour shifts far from the battlefield hunting terrorists by day and being a wife and mother by night. This extraordinary play targets our assumptions about war, family, and what it is to be a woman.
Astonomy in the city: Stargazing
@BritishSciFest #BSF14
SUNDAY 7 SEPTEMBER SAT 6 SEPT, 20.00 - 22.00
SUN 7 SEPT, 19.30 - 20.30
SCIENCE SHOWOFF
Enjoy a chaotic cabaret night featuring scientists, science communicators, science teachers, historians and philosophers of science, students, science popularisers and anyone else with s omething to show off about science. Hosted by comedian Steve Cross, ten acts will take you into the weird and wonderful world of science. Expect jokes, demos, music, and some naughty words. And some of the best and most chaotic science on stage you’ve ever seen! Venue: Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall Music Building, University of Birmingham 3 Organised by: Steve Cross ALL ADULTS £6.00: BOOKING REQUIRED. This event is suitable for over 18s only.
SPECIAL EVENT SUNDAY 7 SEPTEMBER
ARE YOU LONESOME TONIGHT?
SUN 7 SEPT, 18.00 - 19.00
ALICE ROBERTS: THE INCREDIBLE UNLIKELINESS OF BEING
It is the closest we ever come to a transformation as profound as that from a caterpillar into a butterfly. In the first two months of our existence each of us changed from a single egg to something that looked recognisably human. In the course of that development there were echoes of earlier stages of evolution, harking back to very ancient ancestors we share with living insects, fish, amphibians and reptiles.
Ellie Stamp was told that she is the secret love child of Elvis. Since then she has been trying to discover how and why delusional beliefs occur. Created by Ellie and neuroscientists and based on true events the performance examines current methodology used to define and measure ‘madness’. Come and explore her lineage to ‘The King’ by playing with 9 numbers that fascinated Sir Issac Newton, Pythagoras and Elvis. This show is followed by Q&A with Ellie Stamp and Paul Fletcher. Venue: mac birmingham, Cannon Hill Park, B12 9QH Organised by: Ellie Stamp and Xavier de Sousa
Supported by: Arts Council England; The Yard Theatre, Theatre Delicatessen ALL ADULTS £6.00: BOOKING REQUIRED
Venue: Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall Music Building, University of Birmingham 3
Organised by: British Science Association ALL ADULTS £11.00: BOOKING REQUIRED. This event will be followed by a book signing SUN 7 SEPT, 19.00 - 21.00 SAT 6 SEPT, 19.00 ONWARDS
MENU OF THE FUTURE
Inferior cuts of meat and funny shaped vegetables are routinely thrown away by producers and shops, so are we too fussy about what we eat? Over a dinner cooked by Andy Waters, top chef and nutritionist inspired by the latest nutrition research, and using unusual ingredients, discuss how we can be more mindful of what we eat (or don’t!) and discover how science is playing a crucial role in the challenge to feed 9 billion people.
SCIENCE QUIZ
Do you think you could be the brain of Birmingham? Do you have a broad knowledge of science? Or are you just very good at guessing? This pub quiz with a science slant has something for everyone, with rounds testing your skills as well as your brain power.
Venue: The Flask and Bunsen, Chancellor’s Court, University of Birmingham 1 Organised by: British Science Association ALL ADULTS FREE: NO BOOKING REQUIRED
Venue: Edgbaston Priory Club
SUN 7 SEPT, 20.00 - 21.00
RICHARD WISEMAN’S NIGHT SCHOOL: WAKE UP TO THE POWER OF SLEEP
Psychologist Richard Wiseman is on a self-declared mission to put the world to sleep. For the past year he has explored the new science of sleep and dreaming, conducted experiments into sleeplearning, and assembled the world’s largest archive of dream reports. Richard will be uncovering the power of the sleeping mind, revealing how you can get the perfect night’s sleep, decode your dreams, and improve your life without moving a muscle.
Festival staff picks
Venue: Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall Music Building, University of Birmingham 3
ALL ADULTS
Comedy and drama
ALL ADULTS
REGISTER ONLINE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Get involved
£11.00: BOOKING REQUIRED. This event will be followed by a book signing
Organised by: BSA Biology Section; Agriculture and Food Section; Harborne Food School
Organised by: British Science Association
Bookings www.britishsciencefestival.org | 08456 807 207 | Box office marquee on campus during the Festival
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EVENING ADULT EVENTS MONDAY 8 SEPTEMBER MON 8 SEPT, 18.00 - 19.00
MON 8 SEPT, 20.00 - 21.00
PAUL NURSE AND TIM HUNT: WINNING THE NOBEL PRIZE
What does it take to become a world renowned researcher with a Nobel Prize to your name? How does it feel to be the first to discover something new? Alice Roberts interviews Tim Hunt and Paul Nurse who share the excitement of their discovery and tell us whether winning the top accolade in science changed their lives and their research. Join us for this unique opportunity to find out more about the personalities behind the Prize.
Venue: Barber Concert Hall, Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham 9 Organised by: British Science Association ALL ADULTS £11.00: BOOKING REQUIRED
MON 8 SEPT, 18.00 - 19.30
WOMEN IN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING: NETWORK EVENT
Come and meet the scientists conducting cutting-edge research which directly impact on people’s lives. This is an opportunity for women in science to expand their networks and for media professionals to engage with women from all scientific backgrounds.
Venue: Café Aroma, Staff House, University of Birmingham 11 Organised by: University of Birmingham
Supported by: Daphne Jackson Trust; Royal Society of Chemistry PROFESSIONALS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
WOMEN IN SCIENCE ON TV
MON 8 SEPT, 19.30 - 20.30
HELA
1951, Henrietta Lacks walks into the coloured section of a hospital in Baltimore with a pain in her abdomen. A cell sample taken without her permission was used as the raw material for some of the most important scientific discoveries of the past 100 years. This powerful performance spans race and poverty in 1950’s America to current ethical debates about who owns our DNA.
Join prominent television industry stakeholders and presenters Elizabeth McIntyre, Alice Roberts, Lucy Pilkington and Gia Milinovich to debate the position of women scientists on TV. What are the particular challenges? Has the rise of social media made things worse? Caroline Van den Brul chairs this debate on the challenges women scientists face in the media and tries to discover what solutions the industry can offer.
Venue: Barber Concert Hall, Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham 9
Organised by: Elizabeth McIntyre ALL ADULTS £6.00: BOOKING REQUIRED
Venue: mac birmingham, Cannon Hill Park, B12 9QH Organised by: Iron-Oxide
Supported by: Creative Scotland; British Council; Made in Scotland; Edinburgh International Science Festival; The Arches ALL ADULTS £6.00: BOOKING REQUIRED MON 8 SEPT, 19.30 - 22.00
FESTIVAL OF THE SPOKEN NERD
Stand-up mathematician Matt Parker and geek songstress Helen Arney bring a host of science demos, factually accurate songs and mathematical wonders - plus two special guests not seen before at the BSF: Sketch comedian Gemma Arrowsmith and stand-up Kent Valentine. Join us for an unforgettable night of comedy and curiosity. Be there and be square! Venue: Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall Music Building, University of Birmingham 3 Organised by: Festival of the Spoken Nerd
MON 8 SEPT, 20.00 - 22.00
HEALTH, LIES AND VIDEOTAPE
Do you remember the public health films of the mid-20th century? Films of fat children, bad hygiene and worried families were short but often hilarious and doom-laden. But how do we learn about health today, and what do we want in the future? Join us as we showcase some of the best and worst films in the archives. Experts will help you separate the fact from the fiction, and the daft from the downright dangerous. Venue: The Electric Cinema, Birmingham Organised by: Academy of Medical Sciences ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
ALL ADULTS £6.00: BOOKING REQUIRED Festival of the Spoken Nerd
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Join the conversation online
/BritishScienceFestival
@BritishSciFest #BSF14
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TUESDAY 9 SEPTEMBER TUES 9 SEPT, 18.00 - 19.00
TUES 9 SEPT, 19.30 - 20.30
HELEN CZERSKI: CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMAL SENSES
We tend to assume that our way of seeing the world is the only way there is, and that our perception defines reality. But plenty of animals detect more of their physical environment than we do. Join Helen Czerski to find out how and discuss why evolution still has its limits when it comes to sensing. Helen will co-present (with Patrick Ayree) the BBC Two series Beyond Human, looking at the science of animal senses. Venue: Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall Music Building, University of Birmingham 3 Organised by: British Science Association ALL ADULTS £11.00: BOOKING REQUIRED
TUES 9 SEPT, 18.00 - 19.00
EVERYDAY CREATIVITY: SCIENCE THROUGH THEATRE
A CURE FOR AGEING
TUES 9 SEPT, 19.00 - 20.00
HYPNOSIS: THERAPY OR QUACKERY?
An in-depth look at what goes on in the brain during hypnosis, the implications for therapy and how it really would save a hard-pressed NHS lots of money if it were practiced more regularly. The talk is full of demos and interaction, with a chance to try hypnosis for yourself at the end. Venue: Barber Concert Hall, Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham 9
£6.00: BOOKING REQUIRED
Venue: mac birmingham, Cannon Hill Park, B12 9QH Organised by: Ira Brand ALL ADULTS £6.00: BOOKING REQUIRED
Organised by: Open University ALL ADULTS
£6.00: BOOKING REQUIRED
Join us as we demystify the science of creativity and how we can access it for ourselves through simple theatre techniques. Learn about ‘divergent’ and ‘convergent’ thinking and the four main stages of the creative process by getting creativity off the page, on its feet and relating it to your daily life. Expect lateral thinking, problem-solving, improvisation, and a lot of fun! Venue: The Dome, Bramall Music Building, University of Birmingham 3 Organised by: Jugular: Joining the head and the heart ALL ADULTS
A performance about being young and foolish, and becoming old and wise. Or about being young and wise, and becoming old and foolish. It asks how we can talk more honestly about ageing, through personal accounts and shameless speculation in a celebration of life and an attempt to fall in love with our own decline. Join Ira Brand to consider numbers, years, the passing of time, and the fact that we have all, already, started dying.
TUES 9 SEPT, 20.00 - 21.00
DAVID NUTT: UK DRUGS AND ALCOHOL POLICY: TIME TO PUT SCIENCE IN CHARGE?
Join us to celebrate the work of our volunteers in the Scientific Sections, where hundreds of scientists and engineers from all disciplines contribute their time and energy to making the Festival happen each year. Join some of them for a glass or two and a chat about how you could get involved next year. Venue: The Flask and Bunsen, Chancellor’s Court, University of Birmingham 1
Current UK policy on alcohol and other drugs is a mess, with little evidential basis and so is doing more harm than good. Moreover they massively impair research and treatment innovations. The origins of the current laws are archaic traditions, outmoded UN conventions and cynical party political machinations. David Nutt explains where we are, how we got into this mess and how, with a simple scientific evidence-based approach, marked improvements can easily be made. Venue: Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall Music Building, University of Birmingham 3
ALL ADULTS
ALL ADULTS
FREE: DROP IN: NO BOOKING REQUIRED
£11.00: BOOKING REQUIRED
TUES 9 SEPT, 19.00 - 21.00
CELEBRATE WITH US
Organised by: British Science Association
Organised by: British Science Association
Bookings www.britishsciencefestival.org | 08456 807 207 | Box office marquee on campus during the Festival
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EVENING ADULT EVENTS WEDNESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER
WED 10 SEPT, 18.00 - 19.00
WED 10 SEPT, 19.30 - 21.00
THE HUXLEY DEBATE: I, SIMULATION
SIMON WATT’S FROGS AND FRIENDS
Orwell would never have predicted that corporations would be scrutinising our every move; nor would he have foretold that we would blindly trade our freedom for access to modern life. Aral Balkan explores notions of our digital selves, our ‘simulations’, how they undergo much more scrutiny than our corporeal selves and what that means for our fundamental freedoms and democracy. He has a solution and we want you to form the counter-argument, so come prepared. Venue: Barber Concert Hall, Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham 9 Organised by: British Science Association ALL ADULTS £6.00: BOOKING REQUIRED
The Ugly Animal Preservation Society’s professor of comedy, Simon Watt, returns to the Festival with his new show – for adults only. Frogs are brilliant, but they are dying out. In this comedic lecture Simon explores why frogs are better than most people he knows and how studying them has changed the world. Featuring guest performances by Iszi Lawrence and Helen Arney. Venue: Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall Music Building, University of Birmingham 3 Organised by: Simon Watt ALL ADULTS £6.00: BOOKING REQUIRED
WED 10 SEPT, 18.00 - 21.00
CIRCUIT BENDING 101
Circuit bending is the creative art of making modifications to small devices, so they perform in unexpected ways. Explore the basics of circuit bending, including soldering, and try it out on your own battery powered toys or devices. Venue: Education room, Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham 9 Organised by: Antonio Roberts ALL ADULTS £6.00: BOOKING REQUIRED Kits can be provided.
WED 10 SEPT, 19.00 - 20.00
PEOPLE VS. LARRY CHIMP
You are summoned for jury service. Larry and his gang killed a member of another gang. He is now on trial for murder. But this trial has a difference - Larry is a chimpanzee. Does Larry understand that others are like him? Can he predict what will happen when he attacks another chimp? You will hear arguments from both sides, quiz the expert witnesses and help decide: can a chimp do human wrongs? Venue: Barber Concert Hall, Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham 9
Join the conversation online
WED 10 SEPT, 19.30 - 21.30
LIES, DAMNED LIES AND STATISTICS: HOW WE GET SCIENCE COVERAGE WRONG
There is often a glaring disconnect between the findings of actual science and media reporting of such topics, causing a needless chasm between public perception and the evidence on many contentious topics. Join physicist and science journalist David Robert Grimes to discuss the problems in reporting science, from misunderstandings to bad statistics to false balance, and the factors that influence this. Venue: The Victoria Pub, Birmingham Organised by: Birmingham Skeptics in the Pub
WED 10 SEPT, 19.30 - 21.00
CHRONICLES OF A MEMORY FORETOLD: REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES
Join award-winning theatre company “Jugular: Joining The Head and The Heart” as we explore the role of memory for our perceived individual identities. This darkly comic play on the disastrous consequences of ‘forgetting’ in relationships is interspersed with live lectures and audience experiments with psychologist Peter Naish.
Venue: mac birmingham, Cannon Hill Park, B12 9QH Organised by: Jugular: Joining the head and the heart ALL ADULTS £6.00: BOOKING REQUIRED
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ALL ADULTS FREE: NO BOOKING REQUIRED. Please visit Birmingham.skepticsinthepub.org for more information.
WED 10 SEPT, 20.00 - 21.00
JIM AL-KHALILI: LIFE ON THE EDGE: THE COMING OF AGE OF QUANTUM BIOLOGY
What is the link between the way plants make use of sunlight, the migration of the European robin, our sense of smell, and mutations in DNA? Quantum biology may provide the answers. Jim Al-Khalili explains how he is using quantum mechanics to describe the workings of the wet warm biological world. Join him in a heady mix of the weirdness of quantum mechanics and its still speculative applications in biology. Venue: Barber Concert Hall, Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham 9 Organised by: British Science Association
Organised by: Lewis Dean Supported by: Primate Society of Great Britain ALL ADULTS £6.00: BOOKING REQUIRED
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Simon Watt’s frogs and friends
ALL ADULTS £11.00: BOOKING REQUIRED. This event will be followed by a book signing
/BritishScienceFestival
@BritishSciFest #BSF14
THURSDAY 11 SEPTEMBER THURS 11 SEPT, 17.30 - 21.30
THURS 11 SEPT, 19.00 - 20.00
DRUG DISCOVERY: FROM DESIGN TO DELIVERY
MY MANAGER AND OTHER ANIMALS
Explore how we are hoping to conquer the major challenge of delivering sustainable healthcare systems, including advanced and affordable diagnostics and therapeutics, to billions of people living in diverse environments. We welcome anyone interested in participating in our open forum for defining the nature of global problems and searching for innovative solutions. Venue: The Binding Site, Birmingham
Organised by: Science Capital, Lunar Society
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PROFESSIONALS BOOKING REQUIRED Please visit www.sciencecapital.co.uk /2014-biomedical for further details.
THURS 11 SEPT, 18.00 - 19.00
BRITISH SCIENCE ASSOCIATION PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: SCIENCE AS REVOLUTION
Science has brought about revolutionary changes in our understanding of ourselves and the natural world, which have acted as major drivers of our culture and civilisation. This scientific knowledge has in turn brought about revolutions in the ways we live and in the technologies that support society. A case can be made that science is the most revolutionary activity of human-kind. Join Paul Nurse who will put forward this case for science. Venue: Elgar Concert Hall, Bramall Music Building, University of Birmingham 3 Organised by: British Science Association Supported by: Winton Capital ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
Are your colleagues worker ants or alpha apes? Maybe this is a question you have never asked yourself, but Richard Robinson will leave you looking at your colleagues in a different way. Find out the laws of the office jungle and how you can use your animal instincts to succeed in the workplace. Venue: The Flask and Bunsen, Chancellor’s Court, University of Birmingham 1
THURS 11 SEPT, 18.30 - 20.00
FILM SCREENING: MOON
Sam Bell (Sam Rockwell) is nearing the end of his contract with Lunar. He’s been a faithful employee for three long years. His home has been Sarang, a moon base where he has spent his days alone, mining Helium 3. This precious gas holds the key to reversing the Earth’s energy crisis. Isolated, determined and steadfast, Sam does his job mechanically, and spends most of his available time dreaming of his imminent return to Earth, to his wife, young daughter and an early retirement. But two weeks shy of his departure from Sarang, Sam starts seeing things, hearing things and feeling strange. And when a routine extraction goes horribly wrong, he discovers that Lunar have their own plans for replacing him...and the new recruit is eerily familiar. Venue: The Electric Cinema, Birmingham
Organised by: Electric Cinema
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Organised by: Richard Robinson ALL ADULTS FREE: NO BOOKING REQUIRED
THURS 11 SEPT, 19.30 - 22.00
FESTIVAL DINNER
Join us for dinner in the beautiful surroundings of the University of Birmingham’s Great Hall. Find out who has been awarded a British Science Association Honorary Fellowship and celebrate the Association’s work and achievements throughout the year.
Venue: Great Hall, Aston Webb Building, University of Birmingham 2
Organised by: British Science Association ALL ADULTS £50.00: BOOKING REQUIRED
ALL ADULTS TO BOOK, please visit: www.theelectric.co.uk
THURS 11 SEPT, 18.30 - 23.00
< Circuit Bending 101
A NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM
Finish the BSF in style by letting your hair down for a night at the Museum. Thinktank will be opening its doors for the night to adults who want to see museums in a new way. The bar will be open, the music will be turned up and the activities will have you making things all night long! Venue: Thinktank, Birmingham
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Organised by: Birmingham Museums ALL ADULTS £6.00: To book, please visit www.thinktank.ac or call 0121 348 8000
A night at the museum
Bookings www.britishsciencefestival.org | 08456 807 207 | Box office marquee on campus during the Festival
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TRIPS & TOURS SATURDAY 6 SEPTEMBER
MONDAY 8 SEPTEMBER
TUESDAY 9 SEPTEMBER
Whether you want to get out and about, or get into places you have never seen before, take a trip with us. As local institutions show you the secrets behind the scenes, trips further afield are set to change the way you think of the ancient and natural history of the West Midlands.
SAT 6 SEPT 09.30 - 11.30, 12.00 - 14.00, 14.30 - 16.30, 17.30 - 19.30, 20.00 - 22.00
ASTRONOMY IN THE CITY: TRIPS TO UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM OBSERVATORY
The University of Birmingham Observatory is home to a new telescope with a diameter of half a metre. Drop in to the Observatory throughout the day to use the telescope (weather permitting) and to find out how our students and staff use the telescope for their studies. Venue: Coach pick up point, University of Birmingham 9
Organised by: University of Birmingham; Knowle Astronomical Society; Birmingham Astronomical Society; Solihull School
MON 8 SEPT, 10.00 - 16.00
BOTANICAL GARDENS AS COMMUNITY AND PLANT SCIENCE ‘HUBS’
Why are botanical gardens important for human wellbeing? Find out at this unique botanical event and enjoy a behind-thescenes guided tour full of inside information about some of the amazing plants. Botanist and ecologist Ian Trueman also shares his knowledge of the flora of the West Midlands. If you are interested in plants, gardens, wildlife or conservation, join us for a fascinating event in one of Birmingham’s hidden gems. Venue: Coach pick up point, University of Birmingham 9
Organised by: Society of Biology
EVERYONE (11+)
ALL ADULTS
FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED: Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before start time
£6.00: BOOKING REQUIRED: Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before start time
TUES 9 SEPT, 10.00 - 17.00
APPLIED GEOLOGY OF KINVER EDGE
Triassic sandstones are very important to our modern and historic lifestyles and shape our landscape. They were deposited as sand dunes in desert environments approximately 250 million years ago when all the continents were joined together in Pangaea. Join us to visit outcrops where the internal structures can be studied, an historic pumping station, and the famous rock houses of Kinver Edge. Venue: Coach pick up point, University of Birmingham 9
SAT 6 SEPT 17.00 - 19.00
Organised by: BSA Geology Section
JOSEPH PRIESTLEY WALKING TOUR
Come and explore Joseph Priestley’s Birmingham and discover the environment in which he lived and worked between 1780 and 1791. This was a particularly effervescent time in Birmingham’s history, when the town expanded industrially and demographically and experienced deep-rooted political and religious tensions which culminated in the destructive Priestley Riots of 1791.
ALL ADULTS £6.00: BOOKING REQUIRED: Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before start time. Entry charges into Kinver Rock Houses (NT) charged locally. Please wear stout shoes suitable for walking and bring waterproofs. Places to buy lunch should be available but if in doubt please bring your own refreshments.
Venue: Priestley’s Statue, Chamberlain Square, Birmingham E
Organised by: University of Birmingham FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED: The tour will end at the Birmingham and Midlands Institute in time for the start of ‘Things That Go Pop’, see page 30.
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Join the conversation online
Botanical gardens: Winterbourne House
/BritishScienceFestival
@BritishSciFest #BSF14
WEDNESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER THURSDAY 11 SEPTEMBER WED 10 SEPT, 10.00 - 17.00
THURS 11 SEPT, 10.00 - 17.00
ANCIENT PEOPLE OF THE MIDLANDS
THE ARCHAEOLOGY, GEOLOGY AND GEOGRAPHY OF THE IRONBRIDGE GORGE
Discover the Midlands’ rich and varied past. On a circular walk from Croft Castle (on a site occupied by the same family for a millennium) to the iron age hillfort of Croft Ambrey, see how many generations have left traces on the landscape and history of this once turbulent area. Venue: Coach pick up point, University of Birmingham 9
Organised by: BSA Anthropology and Archaeology Section ALL ADULTS £6.00: BOOKING REQUIRED: Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before start time. Entry to Croft Castle (NT) charged locally. Please wear stout shoes suitable for walking and bring waterproofs. Places to buy lunch should be available but if in doubt please bring your own refreshments. WED 10 SEPT, 10.00 - 19.00
CELEBRATING HERITAGE AND INNOVATION
Join us at Blists Hill to explore and participate in a range of fantastic science and technology inspired workshops and activities including geology, mining and crafting activities. After all that activity enjoy a series of talks exploring how technology is changing the way we see the past and how we envision the future at Ironbridge Gorge Museum. Venue: Coach pick up point, University of Birmingham 9
Organised by: University of Birmingham ALL ADULTS £14:50 BOOKING REQUIRED: This includes coach travel and all activities (book through the British Science Festival). If you prefer to make your own way there please book in advance by emailing helen.may@ironbridge.org.uk: or calling 01952 435900 for a reduced price of £8.50.
Join experts from archaeology, geology and geography to explore the unique Ironbridge Gorge, one of the most significant areas of industrial heritage in the world. Discover how its geology and geography shaped the development of industry and find out how industrial archaeologists piece together Ironbridge’s past. Venue: Coach pick up point, University of Birmingham 9
Organised by: BSA Anthropology and Archaeology Section; Geography Section; Geology Section; Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust ALL ADULTS £6.00: BOOKING REQUIRED: Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before start time. Entry to museums charged locally. Please wear stout shoes suitable for walking and bring waterproofs. Places to buy lunch should be available but if in doubt please bring your own refreshments. THURS 11 SEPT, 13.00 - 15.00
SPECIAL TOUR OF THE MUSEUM COLLECTIONS CENTRE
The nine sites of Birmingham Museums are home to approx 800,000 objects, from steam engines to natural sciences, transport to public art, but only a very small proportion are on display at any one time. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to peek behind the scenes and see many of the treasures that are generally out of sight.
Comedy and drama
SCIENCE AND THE ARTIST
Discover what Renaissance artists used to make their paints, how bronze sculptures were produced, what got artists outdoors in 1841 and what revolutionary invention changed art forever!
Venue: Barber Lecture Theatre, Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham 9 Organised by: The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, University of Birmingham ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED
Venue: Museum Collections Centre, 25 Dolman Street B74RQ
Organised by: Birmingham Museums ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED: To book, call 0121 348 8231. Parking is available on site or Duddeston Station is close by.
Festival staff picks
THURS 11 SEPT, 14.00 - 15.00
Special tour of the museum collections centre
DON’T MISS THE BUS! ARRIVE 15 MINUTES BEFORE START TIMES AT THE PICK UP POINT
Get involved
Bookings www.britishsciencefestival.org | 08456 807 207 | Box office marquee on campus during the Festival
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IN AND AROUND THE MUSEUMS SATURDAY 6 SEPTEMBER
As well as world-class current research, there is a wealth of scientific and industrial heritage in Birmingham which we encourage you to explore during the British Science Festival.
EVENTS AT SOHO HOUSE
Thinktank redefines the concept of a science museum. From steam engines to intestines, this exciting museum has over 200 hands-on displays on science and technology including a digital Planetarium and outdoor Science Garden.
SAT 6 TO WED 10 SEPT, 10.30 - 16.00
CANCER: UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
Cancer comes in many shapes and forms, but have you ever had the chance to take a look at cells up close? Enjoy a selection of fascinating cell images, and join cancer researchers to take a look at cells under a microscope and discuss progress in cancer research. Share your personal thoughts and observations with us and other visitors.
Venue: Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery E Organised by: Cancer Research UK; University of Birmingham EVERYONE FREE: DROP IN: NO BOOKING REQUIRED SAT 6 & SUN 7: 12.00 - 17.00, MON 8 TO THURS 11: 09.00 - 17.00
Venue: Thinktank, Birmingham SAT 6, SUN 7, TUES 9, WED 10 & THURS 11 SEPT, 13.00 - 16.00
TOUR OF SOHO HOUSE, THE HOME OF MATTHEW BOULTON
Come and visit Soho House, the home of industrialist and enterpreneur Matthew Boulton, a founding member of the famous Lunar Society. You will see the dining table where some of the greatest thinkers of their time used to eat under the light of the full moon. Adults £4.00, Concessions £3.00, Children under 16 free. This is a self-led tour and there are cafe facilities in the adjacent visitor centre. Visitors can drop in at any time in the afternoon. There is limited parking available on site and local buses 40X, 74 and 75 stop nearby.
LAPWORTH MUSEUM OF GEOLOGY
The Lapworth Museum is approximately 130 years old and contains the largest and finest collection of fossils, minerals and rocks in the Midlands comprises more than 250,000 specimens of both national and international importance. Come and delve into the past! Venue: Lapworth Museum of Geology, Aston Webb Building, University of Birmingham 2
Organised by: Lapworth Museum of Geology EVERYONE FREE: NO BOOKING REQUIRED. Please note there will be an interactive event taking place on Sat 6 Sept after the virtual palaeontology event (see page 12).
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EVENTS AT THINKTANK
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To book, visit: www.thinktank.ac.uk or call 0121 348 8000 Various prices apply. SAT 6 AND SUN 7 SEPT, 10.00 - 17.00
GIANT DRAWING MACHINES
Come draw miniature silhouettes of your friends onto small sheets of paper with a giant pantograph. Create big geometric flower patterns with a bicycle spirograph, and small ones with scrap bike cogs. Made from familiar materials, these contraptions demonstrate the magic of maths and mechanics in a fun, interactive way. Organised by: Nick Sayers
SAT 6 - THURS 11 SEPT, 10.00 - 16.30
TURNING RUBBISH INTO ENERGY
Who were the Lunar Men and how did they change the world? Come along to Soho House Museum and take part in hands-on activities and have a go at the new Children and Young People’s Lunar Society Heritage Trail.
Have you ever thought about what happens to the contents of your rubbish bin? They don’t have to end up on the rubbish tip, they can be used to create energy! Come on a journey of discovery to see how developments in bioenergy technologies are proving there is a reliable, sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels, and learn about the work we are doing to drive this forward.
Venue: Soho House Museum, Soho Avenue, B18 4RQ
Supported by: BioenNW: Delivering bioenergy to North West Europe; Interreg IVB
SAT 6 SEPT, 12.00 - 16.00
CRAZY SCIENCE
Organised by: Birmingham Museums; The Lunar Society
EVERYONE
/BritishScienceFestival
Organised by: European Bioenergy Research Institute, Aston University
@BritishSciFest #BSF14
BRINGING SCIENCE TO YOU We take to the road to bring all the fun of the Festival to venues in local communities throughout Birmingham. Find more details of what’s on near you in your local libraries, or participating venues. VENUES INCLUDE: Quinton Library Harbourne Library Erdington Library Birchfield Library Small Heath Library Northfield Library
Druids Heath Library Yardley Wood Library Sutton Coldfield Library Warmley Library Acocks Green Library South Yardley Library
EXTRA SENSORY DECEPTION
SCIENCE MADE SIMPLE
Objects vanish, images are distorted, thoughts are transmitted and received, but this isn’t magic, it’s science. This show by Matt Pritchard is full of demos and tricks.
Come along with the family to get hands-on and have fun with science. SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES.
SUITABLE FOR AGES 6+.
PERIODIC SUCCESS
ENTERTAINING SCIENCE CIRCUS SHOW
In this show by Jamie Gallagher you will be turned into a living periodic table as we explore the elemental housing block that is the periodic table.
Dr Ken takes you on a voyage of discovery investigating how performers make use of many scientific principles in their tricks and stunts. It’s science but not as you may know it!
SUITABLE FOR AGES 8+.
SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES.
Experiment with making simple capacitors from tin cans and fast food containers then learn how to control the electricity flow with resistance wire, to make your own synthesizer, and after a little experimentation, play the Dr Who signature tune. SUITABLE FOR AGES 11 - 14
THE MATHS AND COMPUTING MAGIC SHOW Peter McOwan’s interactive magic show explores the maths and computing principles behind familiar, and not so familiar, tricks.
MOOG WORKSHOP
Suze Kundu
SUITABLE FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AGED 12+.
Sparkbrook Community and Health Centre Cocks Moors Wood Leisure Centre Hall Green Library Handsworth Library Library of Birmingham
STEM CAREERS Come and hear from successful black science, technology, engineering and maths professionals and artists as they share their journey, including what inspired and influenced their career choices, and their challenges and achievements along the way. This event is for young people considering their future careers and their families. SUITABLE FOR AGES 13+.
ARE YOU LONESOME TONIGHT? Join us in a workshop to promote empathy and positivity towards mental health by exploring the themes in Are you lonesome tonight? (see page 31). Using the game mechanic from the show – who do other people think you are – you will begin to explore perception. This workshop is specially designed for teenagers and young adults who are affected, directly or indirectly, by mental health issues and includes a free ticket to the performance on Sunday evening.
Richard Robinson: Moog Workshop
Jamie Gallagher
Bookings www.britishsciencefestival.org | 08456 807 207 | Box office marquee on campus during the Festival
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BRITISH SCIENCE ASSOCIATION FIND OUT ABOUT THE BRITISH SCIENCE ASSOCIATION The British Science Festival is an annual event organised by the British Science Association. We hope that you enjoy your visit and that you’ll be inspired to learn about what we do and get involved during the year – we have a whole host of events and activities for people of all ages taking place across the UK. Speak to a member of our team or go to www.britishscienceassociation.org to find out more.
THE PRESIDENT’S LECTURE: SCIENCE AS A REVOLUTION The BSA’s President for 2014/15, nobel-winning geneticist, Sir Paul Nurse, will give the annual President’s Lecture on 11 Sept (p35) during which he will put forward the case for science being the most revolutionary activity of human-kind. Sir Paul is currently Director and Chief Executive of the UK Centre for Medical Research and Innovation (UKCMRI) and President of the Royal Society.
WOMEN IN SCIENCE As part of our commitment to ensuring better representation and promotion of women in science we have a number of initiatives this year. Firstly, we have re-named two of our five Award Lectures after women – the Margaret Mead Award Lecture in social sciences (p22) and, after a public vote, the Rosalind Franklin Award Lecture in physical sciences and mathematics (p28). Secondly, we tackle the issue of women in Alice Roberts science on TV, as Elizabeth McIntyre, Alice Roberts, Lucy Pilkington and Gia Milinovich discuss the positive and negative effects of raising your profile and the impact of social media (p32). And finally, we invite women working in science and engineering to a special networking event hosted by the University of Birmingham (p32).
THE HUXLEY DEBATE HAVE YOUR SAY! In 1860, the BSA hosted one of the great debates of science; best remembered for “Darwin’s Bulldog” Thomas Huxley making the case for evolution via natural selection against the Lord Bishop of Oxford, Samuel Wilberforce. The showdown helped change how the world saw and engaged with a live and
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contested scientific issue and inspired debate for years after. Now we’re giving you, the audience, the chance to hav e your say on a controversial topic: freedom, data, surveillance and our ‘digital selves’. The fact that corporations and governments have the ability to scrutinise our every move, or that we trade our freedom for access to 24/7 technology, is something that even Orwell did not predict. Hear Aral Balkan’s take on what
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HONORARY FELLOWS Each year, members of the BSA are invited to nominate individuals to be considered as Honorary Fellows. These are people who have made an outstanding contribution to promoting science, or who have engaged and inspired people directly through science. We are delighted to unveil our three new Honorary Fellows, who will be formally presented at the Festival dinner: Professor Dame Athene Donald – Professor of Experimental Physics at the University of Cambridge and Master-elect of Churchill College, Cambridge. Athene is a champion of diversity in science, especially better representation of women. Robin Ince – comedian, actor and writer who has pioneered the promotion of science through entertainment and comedy with live events including School for Gifted Children, 9 Lessons and Carols for Godless People, as well as curating two huge shows of “science, music, comedy and wonder” with Brian Cox, his co-presenter of the Sony Award-winning BBC Radio 4 programme Infinite Monkey Cage. Dr Steve Cross – Head of Public Engagement at UCL and the founder of several platforms for academics to engage with enthusiasts: Bright Club (university researchers as stand-up comedians!), Science Showoff (a chaotic open mic night for scientists and science enthusiasts) and its sister event, Museums Showoff. Steve is also a trustee of the science centre At-Bristol.
this means for our fundamental rights and democracy - bring your own ideas, prepare to champi on or challenge his solutions and join the debate.
@BritishSciFest #BSF14
THE BRITISH SCIENCE FESTIVAL IN THEIR OWN WORDS “Hearing eminent scientists speak freely on a wide range of topics and being able to ask them questions is a rare opportunity.”
“Took one week off work for event delighted!” Audience member, Dublin 2005
Audience member, Newcastle 2013
“As a parent, I now understand the importance of more science in school” Audience member, Birmingham 2010
“Made science much less scary.” Audience member, Liverpool 2008
“[The Festival] listens more and more to people’s anxiety and the concerns they have so that they become part of that science.” Prof. Lord Robert Winston
“You can come and see the cutting edge [science] delivered by the people who are doing it.” Prof. Brian Cox
In YOUR own words, tell us about your Festival experience. You will be given the opportunity to complete evaluations at the end of each event. This feedback is really important as it helps us make future Festivals even better. Twitter and Facebook are also a great way to share us your insights of the Festival, whether it’s something you have learnt, experienced or created,
We appreciate feedback and strive to make the British Science a thought, a pictureFestival or a video, to bring the feel bestfree it can be. Ifthe you Festival to a wider audience the Twitterahashtag are askedwith to complete feedback form, we would really #BSF14 and on Facebook at BritishScienceFestival. value your thoughts, and thank If you enjoyed the Festival sign up as a you foryou yourcan time.
member of the British Science towill find out Next year Association the Festival about our activitiestake across the country. Please visit place in Birmingham britishscienceassociation.org for more information. from 6 – 11 Sept 2014.
Bookings www.britishsciencefestival.org | 08456 807 207 | Box office marquee on campus during the Festival
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AFFILIATES
Affiliates of the British Science Association are a national network of organisations that share our vision of advancing the public understanding, accessibility and accountability of the sciences and engineering. Current Affiliates include: Abertay University Academy of Medical Sciences Anglia Ruskin University Aston University Biochemical Society British Psychological Society British Society for Immunology British Sociological Association Cardiff University Centre for Life City of Westminster College Edinburgh Napier University Geological Society Graphic Science James Hutton Institute John Innes Centre Keele University
London Mathematical Society Mineral Products Qualifications Council National Museums Scotland Natural History Museum Newcastle University Nutrition Society Our Dynamic Earth Physiological Society Prospect Research Councils UK Robert Gordon University Royal Academy of Engineering Society for General Microbiology The British Library The Society of Professional Engineers
University University University University University University University University University University University University University University University
College London of Aberdeen of Bath of Birmingham of Brighton of Cambridge of Durham of Huddersfield of Leeds of Leicester of Liverpool of Portsmouth of Surrey of Westminster of York
Bookings www.britishsciencefestival.org | 08456 807 207 | Box office marquee on campus during the Festival
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FESTIVAL VENUES BIRMINGHAM CENTRE KEY The Library of Birmingham
The Victoria Pub
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The REP
The Electric Cinema
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School of Jewellery, Birmingham City C University Birmingham and Midland Institute
Thinktank
The Binding Site
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Museum Collections OFF MAP Centre, 25 Dollman Street, B7 4RQ
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Parkside Building, Birmingham City University
Priestley’s Statue and Birmingham Museum and Art University of Birmingham E Gallery
Main Building, Aston University
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Millennium Point
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Soho House Museum
Soho House Museum, OFF Soho Avenue, MAP B18 5LB
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Aston Brain mac Centre, OFF birmingham, K MAP Aston University Festival Building Numbers Cannon Hill - Plan 1
Vision Science Building, Aston University
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UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM KEY Box Office and The Flask and Bunsen Aston Webb Building
Bramall Music Building Physics West
Poynting Physics Muirhead Tower
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Nuffield
Arts Building
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Barber Institute of Fine Arts and the coach pick up point Education Building Staff House
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Howarth
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Mechanical Engineering 13 Computer Science
The Learning Centre All day parking
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/BritishScienceFestival
@BritishSciFest #BSF14
BIRMINGHAM CITY CENTRE
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Bookings www.britishsciencefestival.org | 08456 807 207 | Box office marquee on campus during the Festival
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BOOKING AND VENUE INFORMATION HOW TO BOOK
Decide which events you want to go to, then:
Book online at
britishscienceassociation.org /booking-tickets
ABOUT VENUES Events at the British Science Festival take place in various venues. You can find a map of venues in Birmingham and the University of Birmingham campus on pages 44 and 45. For venues not shown on the map please check the website or call for more information on how to get there. All venues are wheelchair accessible. You can download a map from our website showing accessible routes to buildings at the University of Birmingham, and access information for all other venues. You can also pick up maps from the Box Office or call the booking line. Anyone requiring further information about accessibility issues on the University of Birmingham campus can see more information on their website www.birmingham.ac.uk/contact/ directions/disability.aspx
GETTING TO THE BRITISH SCIENCE FESTIVAL BY CAR Pay and display car parks are located at North East Multi Storey Car Park (access via Pritchatts Road) Sat Nav Postcode B15 2SA North Car Park (access via Pritchatts Rd) Sat Nav Postcode B15 2SB Pritchatts Road Car Park (at the junction with Vincent Drive) Sat Nav Postcode B15 2QU More information available at birmingham.ac.uk/maps
BY RAIL Nearest railway station is University which is located on the University of Birmingham campus. Trains depart every 10 minutes from Birmingham New Street Station.
ACCOMMODATION
BY BUS
Accommodation is available at the University of Brimingham. For more details call the booking line or visit britishscienceassociation.org/ BSFaccommodation-and-travel
Numbers 61, X62 and 63 go to the University’s Edgbaston campus frequently from the city centre. Online bus timetables are available at www.nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands
CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS In the event of a cancellation, tickets will be refunded via the payment method you used to purchase the tickets. To allow us to make places available for other people we would be grateful if you would let us know if you are unable to use your ticket. To do so please email festivalbookings@britishscience association.org. Paid for tickets will only be refunded if you cancel your booking before midnight on Friday 22 August.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND FILMING Some events may be filmed or photographed for the Festival archives and future promotion. If you wish not to be filmed or photographed please alert the Festival Assistants in your event before the event starts.
DISCLAIMER All details are correct at the time of going to print. The British Science Festival reserves the right to change events if necessary. All changes will be posted on the British Science Association website and every effort will be made to inform people already booked in.
OPENING TIMES
EATING AND DRINKING AT THE BRITISH SCIENCE FESTIVAL
LOCATION
Hot food, snacks and sandwiches are available from: THE FLASK & BUNSEN
Saturday – Thursday 09.00 – 20.00 (21.00 on Sun & Mon) Bar open from 12.00
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For a great selection of food and drink, with a side order of science, head to
BRATBY BAR
Sunday 11.00 – 16.00 Monday – Thursday 12.00 – 14.00 and 17.00 – 23.00
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NOBLE ROOM
Monday – Thursday 12.00 – 14.00
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THE FLASK AND BUNSEN
CAFÉ AROMA
Monday – Thursday 09.00 – 16.00
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next to the Box Office 1 Sat – Thurs 09.00 – 20.00 (21.00 on Sun & Mon) Bar open from 12.00
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Book by phone on 08456 807 207 Book in person during the Festival at the Box Office, which can be found in a marquee in Chancellor’s Court at the University of Birmingham.
Coffee and light refreshments are available from: COSTA COFFEE
In the Bramall Music Building, Sunday – Thursday 08.00 – 16.00
COSTA COFFEE
University Square, Saturday & Sunday 08.00 - 18.00
STARBUCKS
In Muirhead Tower, Sunday – Thursday 08.00 – 18.00
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Brochure design: www.savageandgray.co.uk
FESTIVAL SUPPORTERS
We would like to thank our partners, sponsors and supporters
PRINCIPAL FESTIVAL PARTNERS
HEADLINE SPONSOR
MAJOR SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSOR
KEY PARTNERS
SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS
The British Science Association is a registered charity: 212479 & SC039236 For more information about the British Science Association, please visit www.britishscienceassociation.org This page acknowledges the generous contribution of all our sponsors and supporters at the time of going to print. This programme has been printed on FSC速 certified 100% recycled paper, using vegetable based ink.