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British Science Festival

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Bradford 7â&#x20AC;&#x201C;10 September

Bradford: a city of science

Science in popular culture

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Event listings

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The British Science Association is a registered charity: 212479 and SC039236

British Science Festival

Contents Introduction ��02 Bradford: a city of science ��03 Explore the future of technology. ��.. 05

Expand your horizons with four days of free events, talks and performances from across the scientific spectrum at the British Science Festival this September!

Unleash your creativity.. �� .05 Siemens: our mission to inspire a generation �� 06 Lights, camera, action �� 08 Dallas in wonderland �� 09 British Science Festival lates �� 10 North Parade after dark �� 11

Day and night, the city will come alive with performances, talks, workshops, discussions, installations, and entertainment events all dedicated to showing how science touches our lives and impacts on our society.

Kathryn Harkup: A is for arsenic ��12 George Egg: Anarchist cook ��13

Women and the trouble with science ��15 See something you wouldn’t expect �� 16

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Front cover image credits: Martyna Popis, University of Cambridge, Jan Engels, HKUST

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Celebrate the best of British Science in Bradford this September. Book your free tickets at www.britishsciencefestival.org

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We are delighted to return to Bradford for the Festival’s fourth time, having previously been hosted by the city in 1873, 1900 and, more recently, by the University in 2011.

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Over the years there have been many scientific advances announced at the Festival. Did you know that it was at our Festival that the word ‘scientist’ was coined, and the first time that the word ‘dinosaur’ was ever used?

The whole of Bradford will be teeming with exciting science, innovation and creativity, from the University of Bradford campus to Bombay stores and the National Media Museum to the independent quarter and North Parade area. The core Festival features a daytime and evening programme, and immediately followed by a Festival fringe, which focuses on events for school and families.

Seven top UK researchers recognised for their cutting-edge research ��14

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Organised by the British Science Association, our annual British Science Festival migrates every year, bringing scientists together to discuss their ground-breaking work across scientific disciplines, and, crucially, with the general public.

From 7- 10 September, the British Science Festival is transforming Bradford into a vibrant celebration of science, engineering and technology.

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Bradford: a city of science See the city from a different perspective as we serve up some Bradford-based scientific and cultural treats. Whether you are a first time visitor or Bradford born and bred, the Festival gives you the opportunity to discover the science behind many different parts of the city’s culture!

polls. Find out how can this research help us involve diverse communities in the political process in our increasingly multicultural society.

Celebrate Bradford’s Asian population at Bombay Stores lates with a fashion show, music, demonstrations and hands-on activities at the UK’s largest Asian department store. Learn more about the different dyes and fabrics used in Asian fashion, and immerse yourself in Asian culture for the evening.

Hear the latest findings from the Born in Bradford study following over 13,000 children born in Bradford. Find out what this ground-breaking project can teach us about the influence of exercise and the environment on our children’s health and put your questions to the experts involved.

If politics is your thing, examine Bradford’s current political values, attitudes and behaviours based on data collected around the 2015 General Election with Bradford at the

Book your tickets on our website: www. britishsciencefestival.org

Bradford has a proud industrial heritage, built on an entrepreneurial culture which harnessed the energy and skills of successive generations of people who have made the district their home. Bradford Council is proud to welcome the British Science Festival back to a district where innovation, knowledge creation and advanced manufacturing are still at the heart of its economy.

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Experience Experience our our Open Open Day Day Experience our Open Day

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Book your place enquiries@bradford.ac.uk 0800 073 4026

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where future thinkers apply

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Bookyour your place place Book enquiries@bradford.ac.uk enquiries@bradford.ac.uk 0800073 0734026 4026 0800 UOB UOB

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Explore the technology of the future We are living in a digital world and technology is transforming every aspect of our lives. Smartphones, tablets, and wearable technology have revolutionised the way we work. Get ready to hear from inventors creating technology that will shape our future. All over the world people are discovering how playing videogames can improve their health. Games are being used to diagnose illnesses, aid recovery and give patients a greater ownership over their healthcare. Join experts for hands-on demonstrations and discuss the potential of games to change the future of healthcare in Games for health. There’s no denying that robots are already among us - but often they look nothing like Hollywood would lead us to believe. Some of the most powerful are just algorithms or large libraries of code and they underpin our daily lives; everything from our financial services to our social networks. Should we be worried about their increasing power and what measures are in place to control them?

How likely are they to ‘take over’ and how would we cope? Join our panel of experts for this year’s Huxley Debate to discuss the future of artificial intelligence and our relationship with it in Living on the planet of the machines. Cyber-attacks are a growing threat in this highly connected world. From bedroom hackers to terrorist organisations, discover the diverse nature of cybercrime. Discuss the psychology, technology and politics of cyber security with an interdisciplinary panel of experts in The many faces of cybercrime, and find out the challenges it presents to individuals, businesses and national security.

Unleash your creativity Hear from experts working across the worlds of culture and science. Discover the science behind dye, graffiti and what makes creative people tick. The secret chemistry of art: unravelling an age-old textile mystery: In the 18th and 19th centuries, the distinctive red hue of Turkey red dye drove a huge industry on a global scale. However, the secret to making the dye has never been uncovered. Discover how Julie Wertz is using historical texts and cutting edge chemistry to unravel this age-old mystery.

The psychology of creativity: What exactly is creativity and where does it come from? Join psychologists to explore the nature of creativity. See demonstrations of the experiments they use to investigate this concept and its origins in the brain. Hear about the experiences of creative professionals and find out if they really are any different from the rest of us.

The ugly truth: what do our cities really need? Do our cities need revitalisation through gentrification or reinvigoration through communication? Do we need a single comfortable community or diverse, contradictory publics? Drawing from a decade of research into graffiti and street art, anthropologist and curator Rafael Schacter stakes a claim for the ugly yet important, the disagreeable but necessary.

Our mission to inspire a generation Launched by Siemens in September 2014, the Curiosity Project is a three-year engagement programme that aims to do just what it says; to inspire young people towards a greater knowledge of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) – not to mention the exciting career prospects available to them. The ambition? To reach out to parents, teachers and young people all over the UK to help support, encourage and, ultimately, inspire young people to become the engineers of the future.

Events, festivals and fun!

Educational support and resources

Siemens is supporting organisations that reach out and nurture the innate curiosity in young people. There are many ways for young people to be involved – festivals, events and competitions at a national and local level.

• F ind information and ideas on how to support young people and their interests in STEM

• M eet the Siemens team at four major science festivals, including the British Science Festival • Talk to us about exciting engineering careers • R ead our blog for the latest musings from our resident and guest bloggers on the wonderful world of STEM

• H elp teachers re-energise their passion to deliver inspiring lessons, via The Princes’ teaching Institutes residential courses in maths and science • A ccess our free online engineering and education resources in our education portal: siemens.co.uk/education

Not sure where to start? Find out more at siemens.co.uk/curiosity-project Download free resources, games and interactive tools at siemens.co.uk/education Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news, events and resources: siemens.co.uk/curiosity-project-newsletter Twitter: @SiemensUKNews • #curiosityproject

A year of STEM

60 Seconds with a Siemens volunteer

Siemens launched the Curiosity Project at the British Science Festival last year, and what a year it has been! The Siemens team have met hundreds of amazing young people, parents and teachers and shared our knowledge and enthusiasm for STEM through workshops, games, competitions and various events. This is what a few of them had to say:

“Watching detective TV programmes like CSI really got me interested in studying chemistry at college.” Katherine Somerville, pupil, aged 17

“I’ve had a great experience on my apprenticeship with Rail Systems. Many young people are unaware of the opportunuties available to them..” John Cookneil, Siemens apprentice

“STEM subjects are difficult but challenging. Using Siemens’ learning resources, I learnt about different bones in the body.” Charlotte Hibbard, pupil, aged 14

Margaret Onifade, Graduate Electrical Engineer at Siemens, has volunteered at some Curiosity Project events, including a Q&A session with pupils attending the British Science Festival last year, and she is also a STEM Ambassador. What do you enjoy about being a STEM Ambassador? I love working with young people and speaking about my experiences as a female engineer. Meeting enthusiastic students who have lots of questions is rewarding.

Why is it important to inspire young people about STEM? Aside from the STEM skills gap, these subjects also provide a plethora of other career options.

What advice would you give aspiring youngsters?

“I didn’t really enjoy STEM subjects at school. If I had more inderstanding of their relevance, I would have been more interested.”

Girls in particular should research some of history’s great female scientists and engineers for inspiration, and go for it!

Rose Spence, Communications Executive, Siemens

Join the adventure There are plenty of events coming up to get involved with. Whether you are looking for a great day out with the family, or a bit of inspiration, come and see us! British Science Festival, Bradford 7-10 September Greenpower Challenge Final, Rockingham 10-11 October Manchester Science Festival, MOSI 22 October- 1 November

Lights, camera, action Motion capture – not all ping pong balls and silly lycra suits Place: Horton Building, University of Bradford Time: Monday 7 September, 13.00-14.00 Motion capture has become the norm in Hollywood, rapidly evolving over the last few decades, this technique is now readily used in blockbuster movies. Established in the late 19th century, pre-dating cinema itself, motion capture was first used to better understand how humans and animals move. Later in the 20th century, the technique was used by sports, education and videogames, like the Prince of Persia.

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Walt Disney discovered motion capture whilst searching for new and exciting ways to bring characters to life. He began to experiment using it in motion pictures, producing Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs, tracing over the motion of real actors, as they performed the parts. Disney then used this technique in other blockbuster hits, such as Peter Pan, Sleeping Beauty and Alice in Wonderland. Hollywood quickly adopted this technique, and it was used in many smash hit films including Gladiator, Star Wars and the huge blockbuster, Avatar.

Facebook and hip hop at a science festival?! This year’s Festival will not only focus on the best of British science – events that explore the furthest reaches of our galaxy, the deepest oceans, the moments that have shaped our past and innovations that are set to change our future – but also how science interacts with other areas of society. We will explore the psychology of colour, the social importance of graffiti to our urban spaces and ethical issues such as how to involve patients in medical research. These two events are great examples of science in society… The evolution of hip hop: Hip hop is more than just a music genre. For many fans it’s an identity and provides an outlet for discussing often marginalised societal issues. Through its beats, lyrics and sub-culture it has influenced everything from poetry and music to politics and resistance. This event unpicks the power of hip hop beyond the turntable with DJ Semtex and guests. Why Facebook won’t get you any more friends: Rather than having huge numbers of friends all around the world, in practice, people’s Facebook address lists are no different to their real world list of friends and family. At this event, psychologist Robin Dunbar will explain why.

Take a behind the scenes look at the technology used to create realistic motion for games, films and animated productions. Whether you’re familiar with motion capture or not, join Karl Abson as he explores the creative possibilities of Vicon motion capture with horses. Hear about his exciting work developing safer, more humane ways of capturing animal movement, and see motion capture for yourself with a live demonstration.

Jim Al-Khalili brings hidden stories out of the shadows Place: National Media Museum Time: Wednesday 9 September, 18.30-19.30 Professor Jim Al-Khalili will join us to investigate Who was the father of modern optics?, exploring how the optic scientists of the Arabic world influenced scientists worldwide. Newton and Kepler are renowned for establishing our modern understanding of the nature of light, but the medieval Arabic world was full of geniuses who made remarkable discoveries. However, the law of refraction, also known as Snell’s law, was actually discovered by Ibn Sahl, in Iraq, more than 600 years before Willebord Snellius, a Dutch astronomer. Join scientist, author and broadcaster, Jim Al-Khalili as he explores these stories and characters in more depth.

Dallas in wonderland

‘Dallas in wonderland: adventures in science television’ Wednesday 9 September, National Media Museum, Bradford 20.15-21.15

Dallas Campbell is a TV presenter with a penchant for science. He’s presented numerous entertaining and informative science shows, and is most well-known for presenting ‘The Gadget Show’, ‘Bang Goes the Theory’, and now ‘Britain Beneath Your Feet’ on BBC One. ‘Dallas in wonderland: adventures in science television’ at the British Science Festival will explore Mexican sewer diving to space station Soyuz launches, as Dallas shares hair-raising tales from the frontline of science TV programme making, and talks about the challenges of bringing big science to the small screen.

Tell us more about your event at the British Science Festival. I’ve been lucky over the years to have filmed some fascinating stories in some extraordinary locations so it’s going to be a bit of a whirlwind show and tell. And also a chance to talk about my own science adventure – Why & how I’m doing what I’m doing and why we need to think of science in a much broader less isolated way. Why did you want to come and tell people about your experiences as a TV presenter at the British Science Festival? Because television is still one of the main windows in which we can all explore the world. I was hugely influenced by science television growing up. It’s a fantastically powerful way of getting people engaged with a wide range of ideas, places and people. What’s the scariest thing you’ve done for a TV programme? Sitting on a twitchy horse as the world’s largest Brazilian cattle herd decide to break rank and stampede past. was pretty terrifying!

What’s on your TV presenting ‘to do list’- is there anything you’d like to do, or anyone you really would like to work with? My list is long & extensive. I have wide ranging interests. In an age of obsessive specialisation this is sometimes ‘remarked upon’ which is a dreadful shame. The Ascent Of Man by Jacob Bronowski is still television’s greatest science series to which we all aspire. If Tomorrow’s World ever returned to our screens I would lobby hard to be in the line up. Werner Herzog is high on my list of fantasy people to work with. He has a wonderful way of interpreting the world. I want to try & make interesting, entertaining, thought provoking, popular telly that people want to watch that isn’t measured by brow height.

What’s the most interesting fact or place that you discovered during filming? There’s a top secret BBC studio in a top secret nuclear bunker underneath Edinburgh. And I’m the only person to have used it. What else would you like to know about the underground world? What underground secrets lie hidden beneath other parts of the world. And finally, will there be any more episodes in the future? Good question. We shall have to wait and see.

What inspired you to take part in Britain Beneath Your Feet? The chance to explore Britain in a way that hadn’t been done before. To have a good old rummage in Britain’s basement if you like.

British Science Festival Lates Algoraves: future of dance music

Talking colour

Place: The Bier Keller

Place: Society of Dyers and Colourists

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Monday 7 September

Date: Wednesday 9 September

Time: 20.00-22.00

Time: 18.00-22.00

Hacking meets clubbing for an evening of techno, with a twist.

Uncover how we think and talk about the colourful world around us in this vibrant evening. Experience bite-sized talks, creative activities, performances and live experiments exploring the language and psychology of colour.

Picture this; a DJ stands behind the decks, with a swarm of people pulsating to the music. Just your standard club, right? Except, the DJs aren’t really DJ’s, they’re coders, and there aren’t any decks, they’re working on laptops. These coders are modifying and playing with live code, creating complex rhythms. Welcome to an algorave, where humans dance to algorithums.

The Society of Dyers and Colourists opens its doors for one night only, inviting you to explore their Colour Experience. Once home to the world’s first museum dedicated to colour, their interactive exhibits are now closed to the public. Delve deeper into how you perceive colour and quiz our experts.

Experience the latest craze of electronic dance music which has already taken over Canada, Slovenia, Mexico and London.

Come along and discover why colour was so important in ancient China, how colour is used to produce 3D, the role of colour in Roman literature and more.

Join live coder Alex McLean and friends for an evening where music, technology and art collide.

And when you’ve had your fill of colour, drop in to Bradford Brewery’s pop up bar to try our Festival brew!

CSI Bradford Place: National Media Museum Date: Thursday 10 September Time: 18.30-21.30 Become a detective for the evening with the National Media Museum.

From Bombay to Bradford Place: Bombay Stores Date: Tuesday 8 September Time: 18.00-22.00 Indian fashion features spectacular patterns and colours, varies widely all over the country, depending on climate, local culture and religion. Join us for an evening of music, demonstrations and hands-on activities at the UK’s largest Asian department store. This celebration of Asian culture will include a fashion show and sari demonstrations, as well as the chance to learn about different dyes and fabrics used in Asian fashion.

CSI Bradford will put your inquisitive skills to the test as you take part in our interactive evening investigating the science and technology of crime fighting. Study the crime scene and decipher the clues left behind. Enjoy the journey into this fascinating and intriguing world and the people who work within it. The National Media Museum Lates is a night of FREE entertainment for adults where you can relax, have fun and engage in Lightning Talks, get hands on with Play activities and be wowed by headlining shows.

Transformations: North Parade after dark Tuesday 8 September, North Parade area, Bradford, 18.00-23.00

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Bradford’s independent quarter transforms after dark as regional and national artists, scientists, makers and performers take over the area’s best venues. Dive into a range of creative activities, performances and exhibitions, and experience a completely different side of Bradford.

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8 The Record Café 9 Bradford Brewery 10 The 1in12 Club

Al’s Dime Bar (alsdimebar.com) Technology and philosophy come together in this haunting but informative one-woman show about the science of the end.

3 Molecular mixology Al’s Dime Bar (alsdimebar.com) Visit NYC style ‘dive’ bar, Al’s Dime Bar for a selection of fabulous cocktails in quirky containers, uniquely inspired by science.

4 Patterns of mutation In Forks Café (forkscafe.org.uk) Get creative with Immy Smith, artistin-residence at the University of Portsmouth Brain Tumour Research Centre.

5 Pinhole photography The Beerhouse Discover a new way to capture the world around you with Justin Quinnell, pinhole photographer extraordinaire.

Scratch cymatics

Colourful chemistry

Keeping letterpress alive

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Experience the magic of indigo dyeing first hand with historian of art, Julie Wertz.

Come and get your hands inky at our drop-in letterpress workshop with London-based New North Press and Bradford’s own The Print Project.

Claire Kearns and special guests Explore the science of sound in this multisensory drop in session of soundart and experimental music with a sound artist and sound scientist. With Claire Kearns and friends.

7 Travel magazine from the future The Sparrow Bier Café (thesparrowbradford.co.uk) It’s 2150 and the UK has been transformed into a positive, sustainable society. How has this affected Yorkshire communities?

8 Entropy The Sparrow Bier Café (thesparrowbradford.co.uk) Watch light energy being transferred and transformed through Video Mapping Projection and LED strips.

10 North-South brew off Bradford Brewery (bradfordbrewery.com) Join us for a brew off between London-based Signature Brew and Bradford Brewery. Try their science inspired collaborative Festival beer and vote on your favourite beer from the two breweries.

11 Artic smellscapes in Bradford Bradford Brewery (bradfordbrewery.com) Journey through an alternative geography of Bradford, linking the city to the Arctic. Visit Julia Feuer-Cotter to find out what smell can reveal about the environment, and how odours can connect places and people.

13 Art in Unusual Spaces The 1in12 Club (1in12club.com) This summer, Art in Unusual Spaces have invited artist Jean McEwan; writer Javaad Alipoor; musicians Seth Bennett, George Murray and Aby Vulliamy; and dancer Chemain Cooke to develop new work in Gallery II. Join the artists as they showcase the result of their collaboration.

14 Bradfords best sounds Northgate Square Swing by the square and listen to some of Bradford’s finest acoustic bands, playing outdoor live music between 17:00 and 22:00.

Kathryn Harkup: A is for arsenic

Sunday 10 September, Waterstones 18.00-19.00

Kathryn Harkup discusses her upcoming book about the poisons of Agatha Christie. The chemical and physiological characteristics of the poisons used provided vital clues to discovering the murderer in Agatha Christie’s work. Join Kathryn to celebrate the science in the books as part of the 125th anniversary of Agatha Christie’s birth.

Why are you fascinated about the poisons used by Agatha Christie?

What do you think is the most interesting poison?

Christie used an astonishing variety of poisons, more than any other crime writer, and was incredibly accurate in her descriptions of their effects. Christie used more than thirty poisons to bump off her characters but I’ve chosen just fourteen to look at in detail.

I really love physostigmine, which comes from a plant found in West African. It wasn’t a poison I knew much about before writing the book so it was fantastic to learn about its history. Neurotransmitters are molecules that pass signals between nerve endings, and the poison blocks an enzyme used to break up neurotransmitters. It’s important to destroy the neurotransmitters after they have passed on their message to allow the receiving nerve to reset itself and be able to receive the next message. By blocking the enzyme it causes the neurotransmitter to continue to activate the nerve it is docked to.

Why did you think it was important to explore the science behind the poisons Christie used? I’m not sure that many people realise just how good Agatha Christie was at explaining the science of poisons. The symptoms of the poisons she used often provide clues for the detective and you might think this would give an advantage to anyone with a good knowledge of medicine or toxicology. But Christie explained the necessary science so well and so succinctly that all her readers have all the information they need to solve the crime.

The effects of physostigmine on respiration heartbeat can prove fatal. However, in small doses physostigmine, can be used aid eye pupil dilation, relieving pressure from glaucoma, and as a treatment for myesthenia gravis which causes a debilitating muscle weakness.

The brilliance of Christie was hiding the clues in plain sight. The hints and, sometimes very subtle, references to poisons and the clarity of Christie’s writing might make people think writing crime novels is easy. I am in awe of Christie’s attention to detail and the amount of research she must have done to get her facts right.

Why are you coming to the British Science Festival? The British Science Festival always has such an interesting and varied programme. It’s one of those festivals where you can turn up to any event and be entertained whilst learning about the most fascinating science. Tell us what people can expect from your event There are guaranteed to be some gruesome facts about the effects of some really very nasty poisons, how some of them have been used in real-life, how they are detected and how, in the right circumstances, they can be hugely beneficial in the form of medicines. Above all I’m hoping to show how wonderfully Agatha Christie used her knowledge of poisons to create her brilliantly plotted whodunnits.

Other book events Matthew Cobb: Life’s Greatest Secret

Anna Feigenbaum: Protest Camps

Jamie Bartlett: The Dark Net

Lewis Dartnell: The Knowledge

Monday 7 September, 13.00-13.30 • Waterstones Matthew Cobb discusses his latest book which explores the discovery and cracking of the genetic code. This breakthrough forms the most striking proof for evolution, has incredible potential for improving wellbeing and has transformed the way we think about ourselves.

Tuesday 8 September, 13.00-13.30 • Waterstones Anna Feigenbaum explores protest camps around the world: from Occupy Gezi to Occupy London. Journey through different cultural, political and geographical landscapes as Anna offers a ground-breaking view of this global phenomenon.

Wednesday 9 September, 13.00-13.30 • Waterstones Beyond the familiar world of Google, Hotmail, Facebook and Amazon lies a vast, often hidden network. These sites, communities and cultures are as creative and complex as they are dangerous and disturbing.

Thursday 10 September, 13.00-13.30 • Waterstones Lewis Dartnell explores his latest book, The Knowledge. If the world as we know it ended, what knowledge would survivors need to start rebuilding our world from scratch?

George Egg: Anarchist Cook

Thursday 8 September The Studio 19:00-21:00

George Egg: Anarchist cook

One man. One hour. Three courses. Join George Egg as he shows you how to rustle up a three course meal using nothing but the contents of a regular hotel room. Dissatisfied with the quality of room service while touring UK’s comedy clubs, George took matters into his own hands. A surreal mix of stand-up comedy and striking innovation in an unforgettable demonstration of extreme multitasking. After two decades on the comedy circuit, George Egg is finally making his debut at the British Science Festival this year, with his sell out show Anarchist cook.

properly in a hotel and I’m quite particular (eggs in a bag in the kettle, bacon and black pudding on the iron, mushrooms marinaded, foraged condiments,… you get the idea).

Why did you start experimenting with food? I started making my own meals in my hotel room because I like cooking, I like food and don’t like people telling me what to do. I’ve a built-in desire to behave in a mildly anarchic way. It started with ironing pitta bread to dip in humous and once I realised I could do that I’ve progressed all the way to Moules Mariniere and Ice Cream (not together mind you). It’s come about through a combination of necessity, desire and disobedience. What’s your favourite thing to cook in a hotel room?

Why did you want to come to the British Science Festival this year? As frivolous and absurd as my behaviour might seem there’s an awful lot of science in the kitchen (or out of it in my case), lots of reactions, chemistry, physics even. But if I were to get poetic about it, and I’m going to get poetic about it, the grander picture of what I’m doing is, I suppose, a metaphor for looking at what you’ve got and thinking what else can I do with this?, what can I discover?, what experiments can I create? And I think that has masses of relevance to the science community. So while it’s all rather silly on the surface, I think it’s really motivating.

What are you planning to make in your British Science Festival hotel room this year? As I have to cook a three-course meal in an hour on stage while talking and (hopefully) making people laugh too I thought I might hang up my apron for the evening and enjoy whatever hospitality is thrown at me. But that said, if I get peckish in the night I might rustleup some fresh pasta (dough made from 1 egg and 100g flour, wrapped in a shower cap to rest… hold on, I can’t give all the secrets away). If people were on the fence about coming to your event, what would you say to make them attend? You’ll be entertained and inspired, you’ll come away with recipes and ideas and if you’re quick you’ll even get something to eat.

It would have to be a Full English Breakfast, because that’s rarely done

Other comedy events Laughter is the best medicine

The Z List Dead List: Med List

Monday 7 September, 19.00-21.00 • The Studio Enjoy a healthy dose of laughter in this science meets comedy event with neuroscientist and part-time comic Sophie Scott and special guest, Kiri Pritchard McLean. Sophie explores her world leading research on how and why people laugh.

Tuesday 8 September, 19.00-21.00 • The Studio Join comedian Iszi Lawrence and guests for a special medical edition of the Z List Dead List: described by Nottingham Live as “an adult version of Horrible Histories”. Meet the unsung heroes behind some of history’s most important medical discoveries and vote for your favourite forgotten celeb.

Seven top UK researchers recognised for their cutting-edge research For over 20 years, the British Science Association has been showcasing the up-and-coming stars of science communication through our Award Lecture series. Winners present their research to the public at the British Science Festival, following in the footsteps of previous Award Lecturers such as Professor Brian Cox and Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock. This year we will launch two new award lectures at the British Science Festival, because it’s a perfect setting to celebrate the digital innovation and links between science and the arts in a city that has such a rich scientific and cultural heritage. The two brand new Award Lectures; the Jacob Bronowski Award Lecture for science and the arts, and the Daphne Oram Award Lecture for digital innovation. Julie Wertz and Alex McLean have the honour of giving the inaugural talks for these two new awards in September.

Live coding: creating languages for making music Monday 7 September, Lecture: 11.00-12.00 Algorave: 19.00-23.00 Norcroft Auditorium, University of Bradford

Alex McLean, from University of Leeds, is the Daphne Oram Award Lecture winner for digital innovation. Algorithms are changing the way we experience the world, and have huge potential for new collaborative ways to make music. Discover how live coding can be used to create music and visuals, with live demos and videos of ‘algoraves’.

Former Award Lecture winner Tori Herridge in Aberdeen at the British Science Festival in 2012.

The Award Lectures have been presented since 1990 with the aim to recognise and promote the cutting-edge research being carried out in the UK by early-career scientists. Notable Award Lecture winners include, Professor Brian Cox (winner in 2006) Maggie Aderin-Pocock (2008) and Richard Wiseman (2002).

Game of clones: why should we care if our friends are similar to us?

Unravel the secrets of turkey red dye, a famous dye used in the 18th and 19th century

Thursday 10 September, 11.00-12.00 Norcroft Auditorium, University of Bradford

Monday 7 September, 14.00-15.00 Norcroft Auditorium, University of Bradford

Katherine Woolf, from University College London, is the Charles Darwin Award Lecture winner for agriculture, biological and medical sciences.

Julie Wertz, from University of Glasgow, is the Jacob Bronowski Award Lecture winner for science and the arts.

Do you find yourself making friends with people like you? Discover how you can challenge the status quo to create a fairer, more integrated, more successful society.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the distinctive red hue of Turkey red dye drove a huge industry on a global scale. However, the secret to making the dye has never been deciphered. Discover how Julie Wertz is using historical texts and cutting-edge chemistry to unravel this age-old mystery.

Who owns outer space? Tuesday 8 September, 14.00-15.00 Norcroft Auditorium, University of Bradford

Jill Stuart, from London School of Economics and Political Science, is the Margaret Mead Award Lecture winner for social sciences. As governments and corporations continue to venture beyond our own planet, how do we decide who owns space? Explore how politics on Earth affects what happens in the cosmos.

The invisible world below your feet: fracking, geology and you Wednesday 9 September, 11.00-12.00 Norcroft Auditorium, University of Bradford

Hazel Gibson, from Plymouth University, is the Charles Lyell Award Lecture winner for environmental sciences. Explore how we think about the ‘land beneath our feet’ and discover how what happens down there in the subsurface affects our lives up here on top.

The coming of age of plastic electronics Wednesday 9 September, 14.00-15.00 Norcroft Auditorium, University of Bradford

Radu Sporea, from the Advanced Technology Institute, University of Surrey is the Isambard Kingdom Brunel Award Lecture winner for engineering, technology and industry, supported by Siemens. Explore plastic electronics and learn how these new materials and unconventional devices could be more efficient, cheaper and easier to manufacture than existing technologies.

How do you solve a problem like nuclear power? Thursday 8 September, 11.00-12.00 Norcroft Auditorium, University of Bradford

Ian Chapman from the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy, is the Rosalind Franklin Award Lecture winner for physical sciences and mathematics, supported by Siemens. Fusion energy has the potential to be one of the most important scientific breakthroughs. Physicist Ian Chapman explores the challenges in nuclear fusion and explains how the international ITER project is combatting them. Take control as Ian allows you, the audience, to choose the path of his talk.

Women and the trouble with science Supported by HSBC As an organisation that welcomed women to its annual meetings in the 1830s (albeit first as guests, before presenting research in their own right), some decades before other Academies, a charity with a strong showing of female past Presidents, and a national extra-curricular education scheme that attracts 50% girls – the British Science Association feels particularly keenly about the issue of women in science. We are also committed to not organising events with all-male panels, and in our Festival programme you will have the opportunity to hear from a balanced line up of brilliant male and female speakers and performers. However, we believe that our annual British Science Festival women in science event is an important flagship moment. Not least for the structured and informal networking it offers women, at all levels of their careers, with people (women and men) who are at slightly more advanced stages of theirs. While the gender balance in many areas of academia and public life appears to improve at a glacial pace at best, we nevertheless wanted our event this year to move the conversation forwards. With a nod to the inglorious “trouble with girls” furore from earlier in the summer, our event is entitled Women and the trouble with science. We are delighted to welcome a stellar line up of women onto the panel: Professor Gina Rippon, Aston University; Professor Udy Archibong, University of Bradford; Professor Averil MacDonald, WISE; Marianne Waterhouse, Head of Software Delivery, HSBC. (Our male Chair will be revealed in due course!) The event will briefly explore the various reasons that have been suggested for the lack of women in science and industry (from brain biology and identity to social condition and plain discrimination), before addressing the main question of what can and should be done by employers, individuals and wider society to address the issue.

Professor Gina Rippon

Place: Henry Mitchell Hall, Bradford College Time: Tuesday 8 September 18.30-20.3 (including drinks reception). Tickets are free, but booking is recommended: www.britishsciencefestival.org

Taste, touch and tequila A question of taste?

Drinking in later life

Place: Richmond Building, University of Bradford

Time: Wednesday 9 September 12.45-14.00

Time: Monday 7 September 14.00-15.00

With the Great British Bake Off back on TV, millions of people are dusting off their baking trays, and polishing their pastry rollers in preparation for another summer of baking.

Is drinking in later life increasing and are older generations drinking more than the young? Is there any evidence that moderate drinking may be good for your health?

But while we scrutinise our scones and inspect our icing, what’s affecting our perceptions of food? Is it the chemistry of the dish or the art of the plate? In A question of taste? at the British Science Festival, join philosopher Barry Smith, chef Jockie Petrie and sensory experts Ophelia Deroy and Charles Spence to explore the factors that affect our dining experiences – with some intriguing demonstrations!

In recent years there has been speculation surrounding the amount of drinking in an aged society, and researchers have been trying to find out not only why people drink, but also why the volume being consumed is increasing. Join us to find out how drinking behaviours change as we get older and more about the link between drinking and health in Drinking in later life.

See something you wouldn’t expect

The X-change: Your best of the Fest, every lunchtime Place: The Atrium, Richmond Building, University of Bradford Date: Monday 7 SeptemberThursday 10 September Time: 12:30-13:30 The X-change, supported by Siemens, at the British Science Festival brings you all the best bits from the programme while you catch your breath and stop for a bite to eat at lunchtime. This fast-paced daily highlights show, hosted by BBC presenter Richard Hollingham, will feature a terrific line-up of: inspiring, intriguing and controversial speakers; big issues x-plained in brief; and cutting-edge research – as well as interviews with some familiar Festival faces. Get a re-cap of your favourite event, or hear from the speakers you didn’t have a chance to catch, at the X-change. This year the show will take place in the airy atrium of the University of Bradford, from 12:30 – 13:30 (daily, Monday 7 – Thursday 10 September), and is a drop-in event. We hope to see you there!

2015 Presidential Address: why education matters more than ever Place: Horton Building, University of Bradford Date: Thursday 10 September Time: 17.00-18.00 Incoming President of the British Science Association, Dame Athene Donald, is well known for being a champion of diversity in science and, as Chair of the Royal Society’s Education committee, she is a prominent commentator on how our education system can better support more young people to enjoy and study science. Her Presidential Address is entitled Why education matters more than ever and looks at the impact of asking our children to make their subject choices at an earlier stage than almost any other country. Athene believes that this reinforces the cultural divide between scientists and non-scientists, to everyone’s detriment, and also affects the diversity of science graduates. Her lecture will explore how we can change how we think about education; what we might learn both from the past and from the way other countries tackle the issue; and whether this improve the interaction between the public and science.

Fake it ‘til you make it Place: Theatre in the Mill Date: Wednesday 9 September Time: 19.00-21.00 Performance artist Bryony Kimmings has created a drama out of her boyfriend’s depression. The couple met in 2013 and, about six months later, she discovered that he had spent years hiding severe clinical depression depressing after a breakdown at the age of 22. The show traces their relationship from its beginnings and explore the depths of Tim’s illness. One in four of us will suffer from a mental health illness in our lifetime, yet it remains a hidden condition – one that people find it very hard to talk about. This “darkly funny, beautifully painful show” is a heartwarming celebration of the wonders and pitfalls of the human brain. Expect home-made music, silly dancing and on-stage arguments as the duo seek to unpick what it means to be a ‘real man’.

EE Y FR TR EN

Situated in the heart of Bradford, 100m from Bradford Forster Square Station, a stay in the Midland Hotel is a uniquely relaxing experience. The Hotel has 90 Bedrooms fully equipped. Unlimited FREE Wireless Broadband with no time restrictions and Free Car Parking for all residents.

M IDLAND H OTEL Bradford

Please quote Science Festival to secure these rates

Rates per room, per night based on a double room for sole occupancy

• £61.50 Standard • £71.50 Premium • £91.50 Executive

• Additional sleeper £15 • All rates include Full English Breakfast & inclusive of VAT

Prepare for the Unexpected at Bradford College SATURDAY 12TH - FRIDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER What’s going on at Bradford College? •• •• •• •• •• •• ••

Advanced Technology Centre Tours Exciting & Innovative Workshops Interactive Science & History Sessions International Exhibitions Mystery Solving Analysis Science-themed Lunches Special Effects Demonstrations

Pre-register at www.fringesciencefestival.org New courses in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. Find out more at www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk

Bradford College

A DVA N C E D TECHNOLOGY CENTRE

To book please ring or reservations team on 01274 735735 email: rooms@midland-hotel-bradford.com. web: www.peelhotels.co.uk

The Midland Hotel, Forster Square, Bradford, BD1 4HU

Bradford College

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INTERNATIONAL IMAGES FOR SCIENCE 2015 AN EXHIBITION OF THE WORLD’S BEST SCIENTIFIC PHOTOGRAPHY

Featuring 100 images selected by an expert judging panel to form a touring exhibition, launching at the British Science Festival in Bradford 2015.

DATE: 8th-18th September 2015 VENUE: Dye House Gallery, Bradford College, Great Horton Road, Bradford BD7 1AY

For further information, please visit www.rps-science.org IMAGE: PHRED PETERSEN Liquid Lace

During British Science Week, 11–20 March 2016, Behind the Scenes of British Science will throw open the doors of Britain’s most fascinating science, technology and engineering locations, operation sites and laboratories… as well as revealing science at the heart of the places you’d least expect to find it. Why get involved? Behind the Scenes of British Science is an opportunity: • to be involved in the largest annual celebration of science across the UK (British Science Week is a national event, featuring around 5,000 events with tens of thousands of participants in community places, public spaces, cultural venues, scientific institutions, and school settings);

D ES N I BEHE SCENSH TH BRITI E OF IENC SC

• for community engagement and staff volunteering; • to reach new audiences in different ways;

• support the charitable aims of the British Science Association; and • to link with a powerful and respected brand giving PR value by association. We will provide: • Digital presence via the British Science Week and British Science Association websites; • You will be part of the Behind the Scenes of British Science social media campaigns; and • You will be part of the targeted e-marketing campaign.

• highlight the fascinating science behind your work; To find out more and how to get involved, visit: www.britishscienceweek.org/behindthescenes/

G1136_BSA_BSWAD_ART.indd 2 We want to grow a community of people who support our vision, whose views we represent, and who connect both with our work and with one another.

We have created a new membership scheme, which offers two different levels for supporting the organisation (Member and Friend) and, we hope, offers something in return. Benefits include: Early bird booking for the Science Communication Conference

22/07/2015 15:33

We want to rebrand science from being just a ‘profession’ or a ‘subject’ into something that is seen as a fundamental and inclusive part of our society and central to our cultural identity. We hope that you will join us.

Help us put science at the heart of the UK’s culture and society

Priority booking for BSA events, such as the British Science Festival and Policy Debates series Members’ only events

Tickets

Special offers with selected BSA partners

www.britishscienceassociation.org/membership @britsciassoc /britishscienceassociation BritSciAssoc

Registered charity 212479 and SC039236’

All tickets to the British Science Festival are free, but booking is recommended for some. Visit the website for further details or pop along and book your tickets in person at our Festival box office, in the Atrium of the Richmond Building, at the University of Bradford. www.britishsciencefestival.org

British Science Festival e g n i r F Bradford 11-18 September

Discover scienceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hidden secrets Experience the exciting and mysterious world of science close up and learn how it changes our lives. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss the British Science Festival Fringe, for young scientists, this September. Discover more about our Schools Programme and Family Weekend: www.fringesciencefestival.org @FringeSciFest

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