British Science Festival Programme 2013 by Joanne Ennis

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FESTIVAL SUPPORTERS

BOOKING AND VENUE INFORMATION

We would like to thank our sponsors and supporters.

PRINCIPAL PARTNERS

HOW TO BOOK Find more information about some of the events on our website www.britishsciencefestival.org. Choose what you want to book then: Book online at www.britishsciencefestival.org Book by phone on 08456 807 207 Book in person during the Festival at the Box Office, which can be found in a marquee outside Northern Stage on the Newcastle University campus.

FESTIVAL PROGRAMME

BOX OFFICE OPENING TIMES FRI 6 SEPT 17.00 – 19.00 SAT 7 – THURS 12 SEPT 09.00 – 20.00 (20.30 on Thursday)

ASSOCIATE PARTNERS

Although many of the events during the Festival are free, we recommend that you book to ensure your place.

MAJOR FESTIVAL SPONSORS

VENUES

REFRESHMENTS

Events at the British Science Festival take place in various venues.

Choose from a wide range of quick healthy eating options at Newcastle University

You can find a map of venues in Newcastle on p45 and the Newcastle University campus on p44. For venues not shown on the map please check the website or call for more information. All venues are wheelchair accessible except where otherwise indicated. You can download a map from our website showing accessible routes to buildings at Newcastle University, and access information for all other venues. You can also pick up maps from the Box Office or call the booking line. For anyone requiring further information about accessibility issues on the Newcastle University campus, please contact Dave Watt, Newcastle University Estate Support Service, 0191 222 7171 Newcastle Central Station is within a 20 minute walk of many of the venues, and also well connected by Metro to most Festival venues.

GETTING TO NEWCASTLE Newcastle is easily accessible by rail from all over the UK and by plane from outside the UK. Newcastle International Airport has good travel links to the city centre by bus, Metro or train.

PARKING There will be no parking available at Newcastle University or Northumbria University. The map on p45 shows public parking areas close to the venues.

FRI

SAT

EAT@ BISTRO

Closed

08.00 – 08.00 – 14.00 15.00

EAT@THE BUTTERY

09.30 – Closed 16.00

EAT@CAMPUS COFFEE

07.30 – 09.00 – 09.00 – 16.00 17.00 17.00

07.30 – 18.00

King’s Walk

Barista coffee, light snacks and drinks

EAT@ COURTYARD

08.30 – Closed 16.00

Closed

08.30 – 16.00

Old Library Building

Hot and cold meals, snacks and drinks

EAT@INTO

08.30 – Closed 17.00

Closed

08.30 – 17.00

INTO Building

Hot and cold meals, snacks and drinks

17.00 – 17.00 – 19.00 19.00

11.00 – 19.00

EAT@ MENS BAR

SUN

Closed

MON - THURS

LOCATION

FOOD OFFER

08.00 – 20.00

King’s Road Centre 4

Hot and cold meals, snacks and drinks

09.30 – 16.00

Merz Court

Light snacks and drinks

11.00 – 19.00

Students’ Union 3

Hot and cold light meals

CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS

PHOTOGRAPHY AND FILMING

In the event of a cancellation, tickets will be refunded.

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.

Should you wish to apply for a refund for tickets you have bought please email festivalbookings@britishscienceassociation.org by Friday 23 August. No refunds will be made after this time. If you are subsequently unable to attend a free event you have booked, please email festivalbookings@britishscienceassociation.org stating your name and the title of the event you wish to cancel. This will allow us to make your place available to other people.

FESTIVAL SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS

WE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING FOR THEIR SUPPORT

MEDIA, PUBLICITY AND SUPPORTING PARTNERS

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 Festival website and every effort will be made to inform people already booked in.

For local travel information visit www.nexus.org.uk Brochure design: www.savageandgray.co.uk

The British Science Association is a registered charity: 212479 & SC039236 For more information about the British Science Assocation, 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® certified 100% recycled paper, using vegetable based ink.

Hosted by

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WELCOME TO THE BRITISH SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2013 Each year the British Science Festival travels to a different UK city. This year we are delighted to be in Newcastle and to have received such a warm welcome from our host, Newcastle University and associate partners Northumbria University and Newcastle City Council. The North East has a rich scientific and technological heritage and there is a very local feel to this year’s Festival, with events celebrating the scientific history and heritage of the region, and trips to Cragside, Hadrian’s Wall, Kielder Observatory and Teesside. Over one third of the events in the programme turn the spotlight on research being undertaken in local universities, and we also welcome experts from all over the UK and beyond.

Use this programme to plan your week at the Festival. Events are themed to make it easier for you to find something to suit you, from fun at the weekend with the family, to nights out with friends, to exploring the latest research. So, come and explore your mind and your body, have your say on a range of topics, get hands-on, party down and take part in our celebration of science, engineering and technology and the impact it has on all our lives.

To book, visit www.britishsciencefestival.org or call 08456 807 207

Contents 3

Don’t miss

4 – 13

Family events

14 – 24 Talks and debates 25

British Science Association

Themes

27 – 28 Adult workshops 29 – 34 Evening events 35 – 37 Trips and tours 38 – 40 Exhibitions 41

Outreach

44 – 45 Festival Maps 46 – 48 Festival at a glance 49

Booking

KEY /BritishScienceFestival 2

@BritishSciFest #bsf13

Talks & debates Trips and tours

Adult workshops Evening events

Family events

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Keep your eyes peeled for a whole host of celebrated scientists and leading thinkers

SIMON MAYO

SAT 7 SEPT, 14.30 – 15.30

MAGGIE ADERINPOCOCK

p30

TUES 10 SEPT, 18.00 – 19.00

THURS 12 SEPT, 16.00 – 17.00

p30

SUGATA MITRA

p31

LISA JARDINE

p33

SUN 8 SEPT, 18.00 – 19.00

WED 11 SEPT, 18.00 – 19.00

p32

MARTIN REES

p24

THURS 12 SEPT, 18.00 – 19.00

image: The Reith Lectures

MICHAEL MOSLEY

WED 11 SEPT, 20.00 – 21.00

p29

THE HUXLEY DEBATE

ROBERT WINSTON

SUN 8 SEPT, 20.00 – 21.00

SAT 7 SEPT, 18.00 – 19.00

IAIN STEWART

p34

We advise that you pre-book your tickets, even where events are free. Visit the website to book www.britishsciencefestival.org

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FAMILY WEEKEND SATURDAY

Kicking off a feast of fun with our launch event in association with EAT! Festival, the excitement continues throughout the weekend. Keep your eyes peeled… our teams of buskers are waiting at every turn, ready to entertain and amaze you and the family. SATURDAY EVENTS AT: THE INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR LIFE DISCOVERY MUSEUM BALTIC CENTRE FOR CONTEMPORARY ARTS GATESHEAD LIBRARY

SUNDAY EVENTS AT: NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY GREAT NORTH MUSEUM: HANCOCK NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERISTY JESMOND DENE

Photo: Rich Kenworthy

Head to the International Centre for Life (p6) and Discovery Museum (p8), both hosting special exhibitions, workshops and shows. Head across the water to get busy at the BALTIC CENTRE FOR CONTEMPORARY ARTS (p5), where they will be combining art and science; or explore the frontiers of technology with some 3D printing and technological treats at GATESHEAD LIBRARY (p5). Why not spend Saturday night at the GREAT NORTH MUSEUM: HANCOCK (p9), discovering everything about sleeping, dreaming and what creatures are doing while you are in the land of nod. Phew… and that’s just Saturday!

SUNDAY There’s plenty more fun to come on Sunday. Head up to NEWCASTLE (p10) and NORTHUMBRIA (p13) universities and the GREAT NORTH MUSEUM: HANCOCK (p9) for a breath-taking array of hands-on fun, wacky workshops, treasure trails, dancing, sport and an exploration of our cosmic origins, and much much more! For your nature fix, head to JESMOND DENE (p5), where the Natural History Society of Northumbria need your help searching for all species of animals and plants in a 24-hour Bioblitz.

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FAMILY EVENTS IN THE CITY SAT 7 SEPT

SUN 8 SEPT

SAT 7 SEPT, 12.00 - 15.00

SAT 7 SEPT AND SUN 8 SEPT, 14.00 - 16.00

FESTIVAL LAUNCH

usy at the RARY ARTS ng art tiers ting

t the CK (p9), eping, re doing

nd and the CK (p9) ds-on fun, dancing, cosmic

Find out what it was like to live in Newcastle during the British Science Festival’s previous visits and sample food from the past, present and future cooked up by some of the best local chefs. Venue: Grey’s Monument

Organised by: NewcastleGateshead Initiative; Newcastle University; British Science Association

BUSY B’S: SCIENCE AND ART Work with one of BALTICs artists to explore exciting ways to combine art and science in this drop-in activity for under 12’s and their families. Venue: BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art G Organised by: BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art

EVERYONE

FAMILIES (12 & UNDER)

FREE: NO BOOKING REQUIRED

FREE: DROP IN

SAT 7 SEPT, 14.30 - 15.30

SAT 7 SEPT, 10.00 - 15.00

BROADCASTER SIMON MAYO INTRODUCES ITCH THE ELEMENT HUNTER

EDAY: GET A TASTE OF RASPBERRY PI, 3D PRINTING AND CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY

Find out how Itch uses his brains and element collection to keep the powerful new element 126 he finds in ITCH safe and his family out of harm in ITCH ROCKS. Simon Mayo is joined by chemist Andrea Sella who will be doing live experiments with elements.

eDay is back to bring you the latest in Raspberry Pi, Arduino and 3D printing alongside other maker and programming activities.

Venue: Dance City

Organised by: Random House Children’s Publishers UK FAMILIES (12+) £6.00, CONCS £4.00

Venue: Gateshead Central Library, Prince Consort road, Gateshead, NE8 4LN Organised by: Gateshead Libraries Supported by: Gateshead Council; UK Online Centres EVERYONE FREE: DROP IN. Some workshops will need to be pre-booked in advance. Visit www.asaplive.com/whats-on/events/eday-2

OND

SUN 8 SEPT, 10.00 - 21.00

JESMOND DENE BIOBLITZ Come and help us to find and identify as many species as possible in 24 hours. Join friendly experts to search for birds, bats, mammals and plants. Take part in minibeast hunts, pond dipping and moth trapping. Venue: Visitor Centre, Red Walk, Jesmond Dene, NE7 7BQ Organised by: Natural History Society of Northumbria; Newcastle City Council; ERIC North East; Newcastle University EVERYONE FREE: DROP IN. Workshops will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Arrive early to avoid disappointment. Full details visit www.nhsn.ncl.ac.uk

THURS 12 SEPT THURS 12 SEPT, 17.00 - 18.00

FESTIVAL FINALE GOOD VIBRATIONS: SCIENCE FLASHMOB ORCHESTRA Join the Newcastle University Street Scientists, Framwellgate School buskers and others to make your own glove-aphone, drinking straw kazoo or other improvised musical instrument, and learn more about the science behind sound! Venue: Grey’s Monument

Organised by: Newcastle University Street Scientists; Framwellgate School Buskers EVERYONE FREE: JUST TURN UP

eed cies

The British Science Festival family weekend is just the thing to beat the back-to-school blues. @BritishSciFest #bsf13 /BritishScienceFestival

Booking Line:

08456 807 207 or visit

www.britishsciencefestival.org 5

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FAMILY EVENTS AT THE INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR LIFE

Age of the Dinosaur >

Fantastic fossils >

Transporting visitors back to the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, Age of the Dinosaur, a Natural History Museum exhibition, aims to give visitors a glimpse of life as it was 65 million years ago. Your Science Centre ticket gets you everything else in the Centre too including live theatre shows, Britain’s most popular planetarium, the 4D Motion Ride and the hands-on Curiosity Zone. There’s also a special area for under 7’s, the amazing Young Explorers’ Zone.

FAMILY TICKET: (1 Adult + 3 Children): £29.50

FAMILY TICKET: (2 Adults + 2 Children): £29.50

Adult: £10.85, Child (aged 2-17 inclusive): £7.50 Child (under 2): Free Concessions (OAP, student or unwaged): £8.75 To book, visit www.life.org.uk or call 0191 243 8223

SAT 7 SEPT SAT 7 SEPT, VARIOUS TIMES

SAT 7 SEPT, VARIOUS TIMES

VOLCANO HEAD WITH DR BUNHEAD

HELEN KEEN’S SPACE RACE!

TV’s most extreme scientist reveals nature’s most spectacular science displays; volcanoes, tornadoes, thunder and lightning live on stage. Expect huge bangs, giant clouds, fire, tornadoes, floods and more.

Taking off from her popular BBC Radio 4 series ‘It is rocket science’, Helen Keen’s space race features her trademark unique mixture of fascinating facts and space-based silliness along with plenty of audience participation.

STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS: A STORY TOLD WITH GRAVITY

Organised by: Doctor Bunhead Science Education

Organised by: Helen Keen FAMILIES

Join Marty Jopson, the BBC’s One Show’s resident scientist as he delves into the story of how Newton came up with his ideas on gravity. From the Ancient Greeks, through Newton’s genius, right up to date with the hunt for the Higgs boson.

FAMILIES

Organised by: Marty Jopson

£5.00 FOR ADULTS. Every adult ticket bought allows free entry for one accompanied child to the Life Science Centre (adults pay full price). This is applicable for this day only and on offer after the 11.00 session or before the 15.00 session (Important: show booking confirmation letter at International Centre for Life reception.)

FAMILIES

@BritishSciFest #bsf13 6

/BritishScienceFestival

Find the International Centre for Life at K on page 45

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FAMILY SATURDAY SAT 7 SEPT

SPECIAL EVENT TUES 10 SEPT

SAT 7 SEPT, VARIOUS TIMES

CURIOUS CHEMISTRY SHOW

MAKING WAVES: LIVE SKIES PLANETARIUM SHOW

A theatre show that inspires curiosity. These performances use visual chemistry demonstrations to make you question your senses. Prepare to be astounded! Organised by: International Centre for Life

Enter the largest planetarium in the North East and discover the Universe through the wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum.

EVERYONE

Organised by: International Centre for Life EVERYONE

SAT 7 SEPT, VARIOUS TIMES

COLOUR CHEMISTRY WORKSHOP Be the scientist in this hands-on workshop to run alongside our ‘Curious chemistry show’. Get stuck in and see what colourful chemical creations we have in store. Organised by: International Centre for Life FAMILIES

SAT 7 SEPT, 10.00 - 17.00

TUES 10 SEPT, 09.30 - 16.00

FROM THE LAB BENCH TO THE PHONE SCREEN: A POTTED HISTORY OF LIQUID CRYSTALS

PRE-SCHOOL DAY BABY BANQUET

The molecules in liquid crystal displays were invented 40 years ago in Hull. Now they are everywhere, but what are they and how do they work? This hands-on activity explains all this and more. Organised by: University of Hull EVERYONE

This adaption of an International Centre for Life pre-school day offers activities for parents as well as toddlers, giving guidance on healthy child nutrition, with tasty food to try out for yourself! Venue: International Centre for Life

Organised by: International Centre for Life; Northumbria University FAMILIES (7 & UNDER) £5.50 PER ADULT: Accompanying children (4 and under) free. Pay on the day. Annual Pass holders free. Part of EAT! NewcastleGateshead. A festival of adventures in food. Produced by NewcastleGateshead Initiative. www.EATNewcastleGateshead.com

FAMILY TICKET: (1 Adult + 3 Children): £29.50

FAMILY TICKET: (2 Adults + 2 Children): £29.50

Adult: £10.85, Child (aged 2-17 inclusive): £7.50 Child (under 2): Free Concessions (OAP, student or unwaged): £8.75 To book, visit www.life.org.uk or call 0191 243 8223 International Centre for Life >

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FAMILY SATURDAY AT DISCOVERY MUSEUM

The Discovery Museum turns the spotlight onto life in Newcastle and Tyneside, from the area’s renowned maritime history and worldchanging science and technology right through to fashion through the ages and military history. As well as the usual array of fascinating interactive exhibitions, the Discovery Museum gets into the spirit of the British Science Festival with special events and activities. Entry is free of charge

SAT 7 SEPT, 10.00 - 17.00

WHAT MAKES A SUPERCOMPUTER SUPER? Supercomputers and computer simulation are vital to scientific discovery today in fields like microbiology, cosmology and even paleontology! Learn how a supercomputer works and find out what HECToR, the UK’s national supercomputer, is used for. Organised by: EPCC, The University of Edinburgh; PRACE, The Partnership for Advanced Computing in Europe EVERYONE

SAT 7 SEPT

SAT 7 SEPT, 10.00 - 17.00

SAT 7 SEPT, 12.45 -13.45 AND 16.15 - 17.15

SAT 7 SEPT, 11.00 - 12.00 AND 14.30 - 15.30

IT’S ALL DONE WITH MIRRORS

THE MATHS AND COMPUTING MAGIC SHOW

See Dr Ken blend spectacular magic tricks, illusions and stunts with extraordinary science and engineering. Trapped doors, mirrors, or camera effects? What do you think? Organised by: Inspirational Science Theatre Company FAMILIES (12 & UNDER)

@BritishSciFest #bsf13 /BritishScienceFestival

Mathematics and computer science are behind today’s technological wizardry! Let Peter McOwan and Matt Parker, both scientists and magicians, be your guides to the secret world where science meets conjuring. www.cs4fn.org/magic. Organised by: Mathematical Science Section, British Science Association, Supported by: British Computer Society; Queen Mary, University of London FAMILIES (12+)

CHEMISTRY, COATINGS AND BARNACLES: THE SOLUTION TO A SELF-CLEANING BOTTOM Blistering barnacles! These pesky crustaceans just love to hitch a ride on the hulls of ships causing no end of problems. Come and explore the chemistry of super non-stick high performance coatings and drop in for feeding time at the Barnacle Boat! Organised by: AkzoNobel EVERYONE

Find The Discovery Museum at L on page 45

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FAMILY EVENTS AT GREAT NORTH MUSEUM: HANCOCK

Journey through 350 million years of evolution to discover the story of our planet and its people. From the pretty to the poisonous, the terrifying Find Great to the tiny, explore the wonder and diversity North Museum: of our world at the award-winning Great Hancock at 16 North Museum: Hancock. Entry is free of charge for all events except ‘Night at the Museum’.

SPECIAL EVENT: SAT 7 SEPT SAT 7 SEPT, 18.00 - SUN 8 SEPT, 10.00

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM Looking at the science behind, around and in between bedtime and getting-up time, find out why we need sleep and why we dream. Discover what goes on in the natural world at night and enjoy exploring the museum long after everyone else has left. Venue: Great North Museum: Hancock 16

SUN 8 SEPT SUN 8 SEPT, VARIOUS TIMES

SUN 8 SEPT, VARIOUS TIMES

THE IMPROBABLE ZOO

ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS

Join TV’s Simon Watt for an introduction to and a meander through the field of evolution for children and other childish people. It features highly unlikely creatures that don’t exist in order to highlight the unlikelihood and brilliance of those that do.

Join Jay Gunn as he brings the zoo to you! This interactive show gives you the opportunity to have a close animal encounter so you can truly appreciate each animal’s colour, texture, behaviour, personality, beauty and much, much more.

Organised by: Ready, Steady, Science

Organised by: Jay Gunn; Great North Museum: Hancock

FAMILIES (12 & UNDER) NO BOOKING REQUIRED

EVERYONE NO BOOKING REQUIRED

Organised by: Newcastle University; Great North Museum: Hancock £5.00: This event is suitable for children aged 7-12. There must be 1 adult present to accompany every 2 children. For full details and to book, please visit: www.bsf2013nightatmuseum.eventbrite.co.uk

on page 44

SUN 8 SEPT, VARIOUS TIMES

CREATURE FEATURES Enjoy this fun, rewarding and educational experience and get up close and personal with the likes of reptiles, mammals, birds and minibeasts including a tarantula. Organised by: Animals In-Tuition EVERYONE NO BOOKING REQUIRED

SUN 8 SEPT, VARIOUS TIMES

BODIES OF EVIDENCE Fossils may be long-dead, but they are bodies of evidence; evidence revealing the origins of life, of animals, of us. With the earliest jaws, weirdos from the Arctic, and amazing reconstructions, you will uncover a hidden world. Organised by: Palaeontological Association; Durham University EVERYONE NO BOOKING REQUIRED

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FAMILY SUNDAY AT NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY

University family challenge There’s loads to get stuck into and learn about: Bacteria, electronics, ageing... and even why your fingers go wrinkly in the bath!

Try out Dr Maths’ giant logic puzzles around campus and help put together a special Festival edition of student science magazine {react}. Entry is free of charge

SUN 8 SEPT SUN 8 SEPT, 10.00 - 11.00

SUN 8 SEPT, 12.30 - 13.30

SUN 8 SEPT, 13.00 - 14.00

THE BIRDS AND THE TREES

ANATOMISE ME

Join Newcastle University’s sustainability team for a tree trail around the Great North Museum: Hancock. Learn to identify some common trees, find out which trees are favoured by different native bird species and build your own bird box to take home.

Did you know the acid in your stomach is strong enough to dissolve razorblades? Learn weird and wacky facts about the human body as you race to locate your organs and try out physiology experiments. You’ll see just how remarkable your body really is.

GREAT THINKERS AND DO-ER’S TREASURE HUNT

Venue: Meeting point, Newcastle University

Venue: King’s Hall, Armstrong Building, Newcastle University 6

Be inspired and have fun as you explore the personal history behind Newcastle landmarks. Think about what mattered in the past and what matters to us today – what could be done now to create improvements for future generations? What would you do?

Organised by: Rachael Allen; Newcastle University

Venue: Meeting point, Newcastle University

Organised by: Newcastle University FAMILIES (12 & UNDER)

EVERYONE

FAMILIES (12 & UNDER)

FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

SUN 8 SEPT, 11.30 - 12.30

SUN 8 SEPT, 16.00 - 17.00

THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF HUMAN BONES

EPIFECTION: BUILD THE BUG

Examine skeletal remains at first hand, and discover how human remains provide information on the age, sex, diet and health of populations in the past. Venue: Meeting point, Newcastle University

Organised by: Newcastle University

Using pictures of real bacteria for inspiration you will be challenged to design and name your own model superbug.

Organised by: Newcastle University

Venue: Room 1.04, Armstrong Building, Newcastle University 6

FAMILIES (12 +)

Organised by: Newcastle University

FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED. Please note that this session involves human skeletal material and will require consent forms to be signed by parents in advance.

Supported by: Society for General Microbiology; Society for Applied Microbiology

Anatomise me

FAMILIES (12+) FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED This event is part of a series of talks and workshops that feeds into EpiFECTION: a new interactive simulation developed by researchers at Newcastle University that will play out over the Festival and explore an infection outbreak scenario. Visit www.epifection.org for more information and look out for events with the EpiFECTION logo.

The archaeology of human bones >

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FAMILY SUNDAY SUN 8 SEPT SUN 8 SEPT, 15.00 - 16.00

SUN 8 SEPT, 16.00 - 17.00

SUN 8 SEPT, 10.00 - 16.00

THE POISON PROJECT

SAVE OUR WILD FISH STOCKS

MAKE YOUR OWN HOMUNCULUS

How are toxins in our environment changing the behaviour of our bees? Using data collected from research taking place in Newcastle University’s Bee Lab, join a scientist, choreographer and composer to creatively interpret and devise a performance. Venue: King’s Hall, Armstrong Building, Newcastle University 6 Organised by: Newcastle University FAMILIES (12+) FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

A short debate about the pros and cons of sustainable fishing will be followed by the preparation and tasting of some exciting fish dishes at Newcastle University’s NU Food venue. A family recipe booklet will accompany the workshop.

A homunculus is a distorted model of the human body which demonstrates how much brain tissue and sensory and motor connections are devoted to each particular body part. Use clay to make your own homunculus, before comparing it to a real model!

Venue: Meeting point, Newcastle University

Venue: Culture Lab, Newcastle University 5

Organised by: Newcastle University

FAMILIES (12+)

EVERYONE

FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED Part of EAT! NewcastleGateshead. A festival of adventures in food. Produced by NewcastleGateshead Initiative. www.EATNewcastleGateshead.com

FREE: DROP IN

SUN 8 SEPT, 10.00 - 16.00

SUN 8 SEPT, 16.30 - 17.30

A TOUR OF THE IMAGINARY MUSEUM OF SIGHT AND SOUND

Look out for Newcastle University Street Scientists bringing science to life on the streets of Newcastle.

Get a guided tour around this imaginative and experimental exploration of sound, looking at waves as they travel through air and water, magnetic fields, and electromagnetic phenomena. Venue: Culture Lab, Newcastle University 5 Organised by: Newcastle University

SUN 8 SEPT, 13.00 - 14.00

Supported by: Arts and Humanities Reseach Council

LIGHTS, SCALPEL, ACTION: A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO SURGERY

EVERYONE

Peek behind the scenes of a surgical career, with a real-life surgeon and the help of some teddy bear patients. Find out what makes surgery exhilarating, from the art of surgical stitching to the challenge of stopping an internal bleed! Venue: Room 1.04, Armstrong Building, Newcastle University 6 Organised by: Newcastle University FAMILIES (12 & UNDER) FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED This event includes demonstrations of surgical procedures and will contain synthetic blood, so is not advisable for children (or adults!) of a nervous disposition.

FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

IDEAS TAKE FLIGHT TO THE EDGE OF SPACE Newcastle University’s School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering is working with local pupils, building satellites to answer their questions about the edge of space. Find out more and try out some of the engineering techniques they used. Venue: Culture Lab, Newcastle University 5 Organised by: Newcastle University EVERYONE FREE: DROP IN

SUN 8 SEPT, 10.00 - 16.00

SCIENCE NEWSDESK SUN 8 SEPT, 10.00 - 16.00

HOW THE BRAIN AGES Test your brain’s function and reaction times, from computer-based activities and brain-training games to ‘Bop-it’ for the younger ones. Look under a microscope to see the structure of healthy and diseased brains, and how the brain changes with age. Venue: Culture Lab, Newcastle University 5

The Newcastle University science magazine needs contributions, written, drawn, photographed or filmed, as we race to make a magazine in a week. Learn about science journalism with the magazine {react} team and see your work featured in our Festival special edition. Venue: Culture Lab, Newcastle University 5 Organised by: Newcastle University EVERYONE FREE: DROP IN

Organised by: Newcastle University EVERYONE FREE: DROP IN

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FAMILY SUNDAY AT NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY Cosmic origins >

SUN 8 SEPT SUN 8 SEPT, 10.00 - 16.00

SUN 8 SEPT, 10.00 - 16.00

THE PUZZLE OF INFECTIONS

COSMIC ORIGINS

Did you know that proteins come in different shapes and can fit together like jigsaw pieces? Get up close with a family of proteins and see how understanding their structure helps researchers design drugs to fight fungal infections.

Why do astronomers think the Universe is filled with exotic dark matter and how has this shaped the appearance of our own galaxy, the Milky Way?

Venue: Culture Lab, Newcastle University 5 Organised by: Newcastle University EVERYONE FREE: DROP IN

Venue: Culture Lab, Newcastle University 5 Organised by: Institute for Computational Cosmology, Durham University Supported by: Science and Technology Facilities Council EVERYONE FREE: DROP IN

SUN 8 SEPT, 10.00 - 16.00

WHAT’S HIDING IN YOUR MOUTH?! Get up close to the millions of bugs lurking on your teeth and view your own cells under a microscope. With the help of Newcastle University scientists and dental students, find out how your body tries to fight the bacteria that hide in your mouth.

SUN 8 SEPT, 10.00 - 16.00

TIME TRAVELLING TO PAST ENVIRONMENTS: WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM EARTHWORM POO

Supported by: Glaxosmithkline; Phillips Oral Health Care

We love to talk about tomorrow’s weather but what about climate long ago? Luckily we can investigate it with surprising evidence, like earthworm poo. Visit the exhibition to explore how scientists take the temperature of the ancient planet.

EVERYONE

Venue: Culture Lab, Newcastle University 5

FREE: DROP IN

Organised by: Anthropology and Archaeology Section, British Science Association; University of York

Venue: Culture Lab, Newcastle University 5 Organised by: Newcastle University

EVERYONE SUN 8 SEPT, 10.00 - 16.00

FREE: DROP IN

WHY DO YOUR FINGERS GET WRINKLY IN THE BATH? Measure how your fingertips change as they wrinkle in water, and then see how this affects your ability to do certain tasks. Venue: Culture Lab, Newcastle University 5 Organised by: Newcastle University

Don’t forget our talks and debates on page 14

EVERYONE FREE: DROP IN

@BritishSciFest #bsf13 12

AN INTERVIEW WITH SIMON MAYO What superhero would you be and what powers would you have? The only power I would love to have is the power to make my kids do as they are told… get ready when I ask them, lay the table. That would be the best superpower for me.

If you could be invisible, where would you go and what would you do? Be on the pitch at every Tottenham Hotspur match and trip up and block the opposition. This is the only way I can think of that would mean Spurs would ever qualify for the Champions League!

You’re taking part in the Festival. What can people expect to see if they come? I’ll be talking all about Itch, his family and friends; where the idea came from; what Element Hunters do and why. Andrea Sella, a chemist, will also be there with some fantastic chemistry demonstrations, so there will be lots of flashes and bangs!

Is Itch a character you wish you could have been as a child? I identify with Itch feeling like an outsider and not quite fitting in as I was a bit of a loner at school. As a schoolboy I didn't realise how fascinating science, and the periodic table, could be. I'd have liked to have been as brave, loyal and virtuous as Itch. See p5 for Simon Mayo’s event.

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FAMILY SUNDAY AT NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY SCIENCE, BUT NOT AS WE KNOW IT! At Northumbria University Experience science in all of its forms. Join us in our state-of-the-art £30 million Sport Central to be immersed in a wide variety of scientific adventures, discoveries and hands-on activities. For a free and educational experience join us for an action-packed day for all the family.

SUN 8 SEPT SUN 8 SEPT, VARIOUS TIMES

SUN 8 SEPT, 11.00 – 12.00

SUN 8 SEPT, 13.00 – 14.00

EXPERIENCE OUR INTERACTIVE EXHIBITS AND DEMONSTRATIONS

EXPLORE THE HISTORY OF LIGHTING

EXPLORE THE EVOLUTIONARY HISTORY OF TEDDY BEARS

The next generation of light source, known as light-emitting-diode (LED), will be used increasingly for indoor illumination. Discover how LED-based visible light communications evolve and how that impacts on personal and mobile communications. Organised by: Northumbria University

Teddy bears are very familiar creatures. They have been with us for over a hundred years. Bring your teddy along to a teddy bears’ picnic to explore what their history can tell us about life on Earth, evolution and why teddies have evolved to be more human than bear.

Organised by: Northumbria University

EVERYONE

Organised by: Northumbria University

EVERYONE

BOOKING REQUIRED: please call 0191 227 4700

EVERYONE

Come and find out more about the latest developments around your health, forensic science, computer gaming, the environment, bugs and you. Experience ‘Elephants’ toothpaste’, and how barefoot running can affect injury risk and performance.

BOOKING REQUIRED: please call 0191 227 4700

FREE: NO BOOKING REQUIRED

SUN 8 SEPT, 12.00 – 13.00 SUN 8 SEPT, 10.00 – 12.00 AND 13.00 – 15.00

CPR MASTER CLASS

EXPERIENCE CLIMBING, SWIMMING AND OTHER MULTI-SPORTS

All the family can explore how to save lives in this CPR master class which will give you all the skills you need to ensure that your loved ones are safe.

Northumbria University Sport Academy provides young people aged 8 -18 with the chance to have fun through multisport activity. Come and try a range of sports from dodgeball and ultimate frisbee to parachute games, led by qualified student coaches.

Organised by: Northumbria University EVERYONE BOOKING REQUIRED: please call 0191 227 4700

EXCITING NEWCASTLE EAGLES BASKETBALL DEMONSTRATION Sport Central is the home of Newcastle Eagles, the British Basketball League’s most successful team of all time. Come and experience the excitement at this exhibition that combines skills and athleticism. Explore the science behind the sport and see if you can beat them at their own game! Organised by: Northumbria University EVERYONE

Organised by: Northumbria University EVERYONE BOOKING REQUIRED: please visit: http://nusportcentral.com/event/ sport-academy-multi-sport-day

SUN 8 SEPT, 14.30 – 16.00

Find Sport Central at B on page 45

FREE: NO BOOKING REQUIRED

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TALKS AND DEBATES Find out fascinating facts in our series of daily talks and debates and meet award-winning scientists and engineers with the gift of the gab. Introducing particle physics

Do I look good in these genes?

SAT 7 SEPT SAT 7 SEPT, 10.30 - 11.30

SAT 7 SEPT, 12.00 - 13.30

SAT 7 SEPT, 13.30 - 14.30

BABIES ARE LINGUISTIC GENIUSES

BEWARE - HEALTH CARE!

It is usually assumed that babies know hardly anything about language before their second or third birthday. In this presentation Cristina Dye shares recent discoveries which challenge such traditional views and received wisdom.

A tenth of patients are harmed by hospital care. Can you or should you protect yourself when in hospital, or is that the responsibility of the NHS? Come and listen to experts, including patients, argue from both sides and help us decide.

PRIMEGRID: JOIN IN THE SEARCH FOR A WORLD RECORD PRIME NUMBER

Venue: Fine Art Lecture Theatre, Fine Art Building, Newcastle University 11

Venue: Spence Watson Lecture Theatre, Armstrong Building, Newcastle University 6

Venue: Fine Art Lecture Theatre, Fine Art Building, Newcastle University 11

Organised by: Newcastle University

ALL ADULTS

Organised by: PrimeGrid; EPCC, The University of Edinburgh

FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED Tea and coffee will be provided from 11.30

SAT 7 SEPT, 12.00 - 13.00

TERRA RARA: THE STRANGE STORY OF SOME POLITICAL ELEMENTS Chemist Andrea Sella gives an introduction to the lanthanide elements, what made them a maddening puzzle for 19th century chemists, how they are a key example of turning swords into ploughshares, and how they brought words to your computer screen.

Learn some basic facts about prime numbers, the history of the search for large primes, and how you can use your computer to join PrimeGrid and find new primes of your own.

ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

SAT 7 SEPT, 13.30 - 14.30

INTRODUCING: PARTICLE PHYSICS What really happens at the most fundamental levels of nature? Join practising physicist and CERN contributor Tom Whyntie to explore the very frontiers of our knowledge and take a mindexpanding tour of cutting-edge science. Venue: City Library

Venue: Stage 2, Northern Stage 2

Organised by: Icon Books Ltd; Queen Mary, University of London

Organised by: University College London

ALL ADULTS

FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

SAT 7 SEPT, 14.00 - 15.30

DO I LOOK GOOD IN THESE GENES? PERSPECTIVES ON PERSONALISED NUTRITIONAL ADVICE The cost of genetic information is coming down. How can we best use our current understanding of DNA and nutrition to design healthier diets tailored for each individual? Should we? Do we really want to know what our DNA could reveal? Venue: Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hall, Armstrong Building, Newcastle University 6 Organised by: Newcastle University

FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

Booking Line:

08456 807 207 or visit

www.britishsciencefestival.org 14

/BritishScienceFestival

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For more information and to book visit www.britishsciencefestival.org

Title

The randomness show

Domestic science with Helen Arney & Rob Wells

SUN 8 SEPT SAT 7 SEPT, 14.00 - 15.00

SAT 7 SEPT, 16.00 - 17.30

SUN 8 SEPT, 10.30 - 12.00

LAB NOTES: SONGS OF SCIENCE

POLYGRAPH ON TRIAL

THE RANDOMNESS SHOW

Infinite Monkey Cage escapees Helen Arney and Andrew Pontzen combine music and science. Jonny Berliner and guests join them to perform a natural selection of their most statistically significant work. These songs are outliers you shouldn’t dismiss.

Our courts merely assume that polygraph evidence is inadmissible with little or no analysis, whereas other forms of forensic evidence have been admitted with relatively little scrutiny. Come and see a polygraph demo and learn about its reliability.

Explore randomness and ways in which maths can order the chaos around us. Delve into mathematical history and discover how maths can be used to predict the future. Uncover the hidden maths inside you.

Venue: Mckenna’s at Northern Stage 2

Venue: Fine Art Lecture Theatre, Fine Art Building, Newcastle University 11

Organised by: Northumbria University

Organised by: Maths Section, British Science Association; Newcastle University

ALL ADULTS

AGE 12+

FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

SAT 7 SEPT, 15.30 - 17.00

SAT 7 SEPT, 16.30 - 17.30

SUN 8 SEPT, 11.00 - 12.00

SCIENCE AND ISLAMIC CULTURES: WHAT DO MUSLIMS THINK?

DOMESTIC SCIENCE WITH HELEN ARNEY & ROB WELLS

In the Middle Ages, Islamic thinkers led the scientific world. Explore the history of Islamic science, the important contributions of some of its key thinkers, and explore whether modern science is considered compatible with Islamic practice.

Join the comedy couple for a homecooked DIY science party. Marvel as they explore the Universe whilst attempting to maintain their own domestic bliss. ‘Highly entertaining... surprisingly educational, relentlessly comedic’ **** (BroadwayBaby.com)

DARK KNIGHTS: WHAT COMIC BOOK CHARACTERS TELL US ABOUT THE WORLD

Venue: Spence Watson Lecture Theatre, Armstrong Building, Newcastle University 6

Venue: Mckenna’s at Northern Stage 2

Organised by: Anthropology and Archaeology Section, British Science Association; Bristol University

ALL ADULTS

Organised by: Andrew Pontzen ALL ADULTS FREE: NO BOOKING REQUIRED

Organised by: Helen Arney and Rob Wells FREE: NO BOOKING REQUIRED

ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

Batman and the Joker have battled since 1940. They represent good and evil but |do they mirror real life? Do comics influence our view of people and violence? Fictional crimefighters are popular, so why haven’t they inspired more real-life vigilantes? Venue: Spence Watson Lecture Theatre, Armstrong Building, Newcastle University 6 Organised by: Anthropology and Archaeology Section, British Science Association; Durham University; Goldsmiths, University of London ALL ADULTS

@BritishSciFest #bsf13

FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

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TALKS AND DEBATES

Booking Line: 08456 807 207 or visit www.britishsciencefestival.org

SUN 8 SEPT LORD KELVIN AWARD LECTURE: SUN 8 SEPT, 12.00 - 13.00

ROBOTS AND HUMANS: WHEN TWO SOCIETIES MEET Join roboticist Nick Hawes to hear cuttingedge science in artificial intelligence and robotics and find out how we can build intelligent robots that will improve our lives, and what they will be able to do for us.

MON 9 SEPT SUN 8 SEPT, 16.00 - 17.00

MON 9 SEPT, 10.00 - 11.00

EDGE

EPIFECTION: THE NEXT EPIDEMIC DECISIONS DECISIONS DECISIONS

This collaborative performance by Katrina Porteous and Peter Zinovieff uses sound data collected from the solar system. It explores themes of chaos and cosmos through science and art. Venue: International Centre for Life K

In an epidemic should we concentrate on protecting the uninfected by creating a vaccine or treatments to focus on reducing transmission in the infected? After hearing from our panel, where would you put your money?

Venue: Curtis Auditorium, Herschel Building, Newcastle University 9 Organised by: British Science Association

Organised by: International Centre for Life AGE 12+

Supported by: Aesica Pharmaceuticals

Venue: Fine Art Lecture Theatre, Fine Art Building, Newcastle University 11

£3.00 To book visit www.life.org.uk or call 0191 243 8223

Organised by: Newcastle University

AGE 12+

Supported by: Arts Council England

Supported by: Society for General Microbiology and Society for Applied Microbiology

FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED A W A R D

L E C T U R E

SUN 8 SEPT, 16.00 - 18.00

THE PEOPLE’S SCIENCE? SUN 8 SEPT, 13.00 - 14.30

A WAVE OF FEAR: SAILING THE SEAS OF ANXIETY Our life boat bobs on a tide of fear, but for some the waves of anxiety become insurmountable. Join us for a discussion exploring how anxiety develops, how to overcome it and the role that the media plays.

This Question Time-style debate with MP Chi Onwurah explores how science can strengthen a democratic society. Is science doomed to serve wealthy corporate interests or become simply popular entertainment? Can there be science with a social purpose? Venue: North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers J

Venue: Fine Art Lecture Theatre, Fine Art Building, Newcastle University 11

Organised by: Chi Onwurah MP; Workers’ Educational Association

Organised by: Psychology Section, British Science Association

ALL ADULTS

FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED SUN 8 SEPT, 16.00 - 17.30 SUN 8 SEPT, 13.30 - 15.00

EVEREST: GOING TO EXTREMES FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH From biopsies to bike tests, the ‘Xtreme Everest 2’ team braved the thin, freezing air to investigate how healthy bodies cope with low oxygen and re-write the medical rule book for how to treat patients in Intensive care. This is their story. Venue: Spence Watson Lecture Theatre, Armstrong Building, Newcastle University 6 Organised by: Daredevil Labs Ltd, Xtreme Everest 2 Supported by: The Wellcome Trust AGE 12+ FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

ARE WE STILL EVOLVING?

ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED. This event is part of a series of talks and workshops that feeds into EpiFECTION: a new interactive simulation developed by researchers at Newcastle University that will play out over the Festival and explore an infection outbreak scenario. Visit www.epifection.org for more information and look out for events with the EpiFECTION logo.

MON 9 SEPT, 10.00 - 11.30

STRANGER THAN FICTION? DINOSAURS, MONSTERS AND MYTHS As research continues to alter our view of dinosaurs, how can we be sure our reconstructions are correct? Palaeontologists, palaeoartists and filmmakers discuss their latest research, and how they collaborate to imagine dinosaurs back to life.

Daniel Nettle chairs a discussion between evolutionary biologists Tom Kirkwood and Virpi Lummaa around their recent research into what evolution means for us today followed by a discussion based on pre-submitted questions.

Venue: Spence Watson Lecture Theatre, Armstrong Building, Newcastle University 6

FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

Organised by: Newcastle University; Durham University Supported by: Genetics Society ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED Visit www.ncl.ac.uk/biology/study/sciencefestival to submit your question

Organised by: Geology Section, British Science Association ALL ADULTS

For more talks and debates in the evenings see pages 29-34

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For more information and to book visit www.britishsciencefestival.org

Robots and humans: When two societies meet

Stranger than fiction

The x-change

MON 9 SEPT MON 9 SEPT, 10.30 - 12.00

MON 9 SEPT, 12.00 - 13.15

MON 9 SEPT, 13.00 - 14.30

MAKING WAVES: ENERGY AND SOCIETY

THE X-CHANGE

LIFE WITHOUT AGEING?

Energy connects us and world politics. We face a global fuel crisis, so what are the cultural differences in energy supply and use? By talking to people round the world, anthropologists discover how shifting our behaviour may solve energy challenges.

Join the x-change – part chat-show, part science cabaret – for all the best bits from the Festival programme. Featuring inspiring speakers, biggest issues, fun science acts and perhaps some famous faces, the x-change is your Festival highlights show.

Can modern science really consign the ageing process to history? Aubrey de Grey suggests that a ‘cure’ for ageing is within reach, while Tom Kirkwood argues that such a goal distorts what the real research priorities should be in an ageing world.

Venue: Mckenna’s at Northern Stage 2

Venue: Fine Art Lecture Theatre, Fine Art Building, Newcastle University 11

Venue: Lecture Theatre 2.16, Armstrong Building, Newcastle University 6 Organised by: Anthropology and Archaeology Section, British Science Association; Durham University ALL ADULTS

Organised by: British Science Association ALL ADULTS FREE: NO BOOKING REQUIRED

Organised by: Newcastle University ADULTS WITH SOME KNOWLEDGE OF THE TOPIC FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED MON 9 SEPT, 12.30 - 13.30 MON 9 SEPT, 11.00 - 12.00

MYTHBUSTERS MEETS DFI: DIGITAL FORENSIC INVESTIGATIONS An interactive presentation giving you an introduction to the key principles of computer forensics, dealing with some of the myths seen on a number of well-known crime drama programmes. Venue: Lecture Theatre 1, Bedson Building, Newcastle University 7A

ENGINEERING THE CLIMATE Discover some of the viable technologies for controlling the climate – known as geoengineering. These include Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) by sequestering CO2 and Solar Radiation Management (SRM) by putting particles into the stratosphere. Venue: Spence Watson Lecture Theatre, Armstrong Building, Newcastle University 6 Organised by: University of Cambridge

Organised by: Northumbria University

ALL ADULTS

FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

MON 9 SEPT, 13.30 - 15.00

MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE: DEMONSTRATIONS IN HUMAN PERCEPTION Perception depends on more than your eyes and ears. You learn to ‘see’ the rich shapes, colours and sounds about you by fusing these senses. These interactive talks explore the many ways in which perception is more than what meets the eye. Venue: Lecture Theatre 2.16, Armstrong Building, Newcastle University 6 Organised by: Newcastle University Supported by: University of Hull ALL ADULTS

/BritishScienceFestival

@BritishSciFest #bsf13

FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

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TALKS AND DEBATES MON 9 SEPT CHARLES DARWIN AWARD LECTURE:

MON 9 SEPT, 15.30 - 17.30

MON 9 SEPT, 16.00 - 17.30

CORAL REEFS AND THE GRIM REAPER

FUKUSHIMA TWO YEARS ON: THE REAL STORY

HOW TO MAKE A HUMAN MIND FROM A CHIMPANZEE MIND

Coral reefs harbour hundreds of micro-organisms in their tissues and on their surface, including many species of bacteria, viruses, fungi and ciliates. Join marine biologist Michael Sweet to explore ways of identifying the good, the bad and the ugly.

The incident at Fukushima following the tsunami of March 2011 left behind it a trail of confusion and misinformation. Two years on, we now have the benefit of hindsight to evaluate exactly what happened and bring to you the real story of Fukushima.

We did not evolve from chimpanzees, of course. But the brain size of the ancestor we share with chimpanzees was similar to theirs. So what was needed to turn a chimp-like mind into a human mind? Four experts describe their latest discoveries.

Venue: Stage 2, Northern Stage 2

Venue: Fine Art Lecture Theatre, Fine Art Building, Newcastle University 11

Venue: Lecture Theatre 2.16, Armstrong Building, Newcastle University 6

Organised by: Physics and Astronomy Section, British Science Association

Organised by: Psychology Section, British Science Association

ALL ADULTS

FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

MON 9 SEPT, 14.30 - 15.30

MON 9 SEPT, 15.30 - 17.00

MON 9 SEPT, 16.30 - 17.30

A CYBER PEARL HARBOUR: FACT OR FICTION?

INVOLUNTARY STERILISATION: NOT JUST A THING OF THE PAST?

HOW MULTILINGUAL EDUCATION CHANGES THE BRAIN

The picture painted by the US Defense Secretary of successful cyber attacks is one of doom and destruction. Is this a picture of cold harsh realities or political hype?

In the first half of the twentieth century, sterilisation was used to stop “undesirables” reproducing. Did you know that today Roma, HIV+ and trans people are still being sterilised without proper consent? Join Tom Shakespeare in the global action to end this abuse.

Find out how language learning through an approach called content and language-integrated learning does more to pupils than just make them proficient in a particular language. It influences their brain organisation and their learning aptitude.

Venue: Mckenna’s at Northern Stage 2 Organised by: Café Culture North East

Venue: Spence Watson Lecture Theatre, Armstrong Building, Newcastle University 6

Supported by: Newcastle University

Organised by: Vrije Universiteit Brussels

ALL ADULTS

Supported by: Televic

FREE: NO BOOKING REQUIRED

ALL ADULTS

MON 9 SEPT, 14.00 - 15.00

Organised by: British Science Association AGE 14+ FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED A W A R D

L E C T U R E

Venue: Spence Watson Lecture Theatre, Armstrong Building, Newcastle University 6 Organised by: Northumbria University ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

MON 9 SEPT, 14.30 - 16.30

ACTION 2013: CHALLENGE NORTH EAST COMPETITION FINALE Newcastle University researchers were challenged to find cross-disciplinary solutions to tackle global problems in society that impact on the North East. Which teams made their ideas a reality? Venue: Great North Museum: Hancock 16

For more talks and debates in the evenings see pages 29-34

Organised by: Newcastle University Supported by: Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council ALL ADULTS FREE: NO BOOKING REQUIRED

Coral reefs and the grim reaper

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For more information and to book visit www.britishsciencefestival.org

TUES 10 SEPT TUES 10 SEPT, 10.30 - 11.30

TUES 10 SEPT, 12.00 - 13.00

TUES 10 SEPT, 13.30 - 15.30

SCIENCE AND COSMETICS: DOES THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE PRODUCT MATTER?

THREE PARENT BABIES: MYTH OR REALITY?

MOULD YOUR BRAIN: NEW STUDIES OF THE PLASTICITY OF THE MIND

Chaired by the Wellcome Trust’s Mark Henderson, a panel of experts examine the scientific, ethical, social and regulatory challenges behind this new research development, and what it means for families for whom these new techniques could be life-saving.

In this series of talks, leading neuroscientists share new data on how learning skills like music, dance and knot-tying changes the brain, and how differences in learning can help us understand conditions like autism and schizophrenia.

What is the current appetite for the ‘appliance of science’ in personal care? With miracle face creams claiming to make you younger, smoother and more beautiful, is the appetite for scientificallyproven skincare products growing? Venue: Fine Art Lecture Theatre, Fine Art Building, Newcastle University 11

Venue: Stage 2, Northern Stage 2

Organised by: University of Bradford

ALL ADULTS

FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

Organised by: Newcastle University

TUES 10 SEPT, 13.00 - 14.00

THE X-CHANGE Join the x-change – part chat-show, part science cabaret – for all the best bits from the Festival programme. Featuring inspiring speakers, biggest issues, fun science acts and perhaps some famous faces, the x-change is your Festival highlights show. Venue: Mckenna’s at Northern Stage 2 Organised by: British Science Association ALL ADULTS FREE: NO BOOKING REQUIRED

Organised by: Psychology Section, British Science Association ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

TUES 10 SEPT, 12.00 - 13.15

Venue: Lecture Theatre 2.16, Armstrong Building, Newcastle University 6

FROM INNOVATION TO COMMERCIALISATION Taking scientific discoveries to market. How do you take a research concept from proof of concept, prototyping, and scale it up into a robust, commercially viable product or process? Join us for an insight into NASA’s Technology Readiness Levels and explore how to navigate the notorious ‘Valley of Death’ where science and technology companies often fail. Venue: Spence Watson Lecture Theatre, Armstrong Building, Newcastle University 6 Organised by: CPI and CATAPULT

CHARLES LYELL AWARD LECTURE: TUES 10 SEPT, 14.00 - 15.00

BLUE SEAS RESEARCH: PREDATORS AND PREY IN AN EVER-CHANGING SYSTEM Join oceanographer Jonathan Houghton to unravel the behaviour and threats faced by top predators at sea. Venue: Stage 2, Northern Stage 2 Organised by: British Science Association AGE 14+ FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED A W A R D

L E C T U R E

ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

TUES 10 SEPT, 13.00 - 15.00

ORIGINS: PLANETS, GALAXIES, THE UNIVERSE (AND EVERYTHING)

Three parent babies: Myth or reality

TUES 10 SEPT, 15.30 - 17.00

ATTITUDES TO MEN’S VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN: FROM THE CLASSROOM TO THE USE AND VALUE OF MEDICO-LEGAL EVIDENCE

Discover extra-solar planets and the possibility of life, how galaxies were formed in the early Universe, and how the Universe came to be.

Hear about research into what primary school children think about men’s violence against women. Learn more about the policing of rape and some of the research into the reasons for high attrition rates.

Venue: Fine Art Lecture Theatre, Fine Art Building, Newcastle University 11

Venue: Spence Watson Lecture Theatre, Armstrong Building, Newcastle University 6

Organised by: Physics and Astronomy section, British Science Association

Organised by: Glasgow Caledonian University

ALL ADULTS

ADULTS WITH SOME KNOWLEDGE OF THE TOPIC

FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

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TALKS AND DEBATES

For more talks and debates in the evenings see pages 29-34

TUES 10 SEPT TUES 10 SEPT, 15.30 - 17.30

TUES 10 SEPT, 16.30 - 17.30

WED 11 SEPT, 10.30 - 11.30

WHAT’S GOING ON IN HIS HEAD?

FROM BATTLEFIELD TO LAB: THE HISTORY AND SCIENCE OF WOUND CARE

THE LABOUR MARKET: AFTER THE GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS

In 2011 James Piercy suffered a traumatic brain injury. Hear about his journey to recovery and find out how much we understand about our brains. This performance will be followed by a panel discussion with leading experts in neuroscience and surgery. Venue: Stage 2, Northern Stage 2 Organised by: science made simple Supported by: Wellcome Trust

Wound care, from ancient civilisations, battlefields, backstreet surgeons to university labs. Explore the role of nursing and the ancient practices that have been revived. Hear about healing honey, the potential of the poultice and the mighty maggot.

ALL ADULTS

Venue: Lecture Theatre 2.16, Armstrong Building, Newcastle University 6

FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

Organised by: Northumbria University

Join eminent labour market researchers Steve Machin and Paul Gregg for an analysis of recent developments in the labour market. Venue: Fine Art Lecture Theatre, Fine Art Building, Newcastle University 11 Organised by: Economics Section, British Science Association ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

WED 11 SEPT WED 11 SEPT, 10.00 - 11.30

BRONZE AGE COMBAT: AN EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

TUES 10 SEPT, 16.00 - 17.00

NEUROSCIENCE IN THE CLASSROOM A panel of neuroscientists and educators debate what neuroscience can and cannot bring to education. Explore false beliefs about neuroscience in education and discuss how the two fields can work together to support learning.

WED 11 SEPT, 11.00 - 12.30

MONITORING THE ECONOMIC AND SCIENTIFIC RIPPLES OF LANDSLIDES The number of landslides in the UK increased dramatically after the exceptionally wet summer of 2012. Join the British Geological Survey, and fellow landslide experts, to find out why and how their work will help to protect us from future landslides.

Discover the results of a combat experiment carried out with custommade replicas of Bronze Age swords, spears, axes and shields to better understand prehistoric warfare, followed by a short live combat demo of a pre-historic punch-up.

Venue: Spence Watson Lecture Theatre, Armstrong Building, Newcastle University 6

Venue: Lecture Theatre 2.16, Armstrong Building, Newcastle University 6

FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

Organised by: British Geological Survey; Geology Section, British Science Association ALL ADULTS

Organised by: Newcastle University ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

WED 11 SEPT, 12.00 - 13.15

THE X-CHANGE

Organised by: Education Section, British Science Association; Nottingham University; CfBT Education Trust

ADULTS WITH SOME KNOWLEDGE OF THE TOPIC

Venue: Mckenna’s at Northern Stage 2

FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

Organised by: British Science Association

Venue: Fine Art Lecture Theatre, Fine Art Building, Newcastle University 11

ALL ADULTS FREE: NO BOOKING REQUIRED Monitoring the economic and scientific ripples of landslides

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For more information and to book visit www.britishsciencefestival.org

Be a maths millionaire

What is happening to our weather?

A brilliant future

WED 11 SEPT WED 11 SEPT, 12.30 - 14.00

WED 11 SEPT, 13.30 - 15.00

WED 11 SEPT, 15.30 - 17.30

TIPPING POINTS IN NATURE AND SOCIETY

VICTORIAN SCIENCE SPECTACULAR

TECHNO CHANCES

Critical transitions or ‘tipping points’ influence science, society and the planet, from climate change to financial crises. This event explores tipping points studied in nature and society by researchers from multiple disciplines.

What futuristic marvels amused the Victorians? We bring you the phonograph, magic lantern and ‘animated photographs’, and chemical and electrical experiments from the 1800s. How have attitudes to innovation and the future changed since then?

This theatre performance shows how learning-disabled people can effectively incorporate new technologies into their creative lives. It is followed by a workshop exploring how the digital age has the potential to both include and exclude.

Venue: Fine Art Lecture Theatre, Fine Art Building, Newcastle University 11

Venue: Lecture Theatre 1, Bedson Building, Newcastle University 7A

Organised by: Institute of Hazard, Risk and Resilience, Durham University

Organised by: History of Science Section, British Science Association

Supported by: Leverhulme Trust ALL ADULTS

Supported by: Arts and Humanities Research Council

FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

AGE 12+

JOSEPH LISTER AWARD LECTURE:

BE A MATHS MILLIONAIRE Who hasn’t heard of Google? But did you know the secret behind their fortune lies in carefully crafted equations? In this event we discuss famous mathematical equations and the adventures of the mathematicians working on them. Venue: Spence Watson Lecture Theatre, Armstrong Building, Newcastle University 6 Organised by: European Mathematical Society Raising Public Awareness Committee Supported by: Munich RE; European Mathematical Society ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

Organised by: Northumbria University ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

WED 11 SEPT, 15.30 - 17.00

FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

WED 11 SEPT, 13.30 - 14.30

Venue: Fine Art Lecture Theatre, Fine Art Building, Newcastle University 11

WED 11 SEPT, 14.00 - 15.00

WHAT IS HAPPENING TO OUR WEATHER? We’re all interested in extreme weather and the perceived recent increase in heavy rainfall and flooding which the media has blamed on global warming. Climate researcher Hayley Fowler explores what’s happening now and what to expect in the future. Venue: Stage 2, Northern Stage 2 Organised by: British Science Association

A BRILLIANT FUTURE: HOW SUNLIGHT WILL WAVE GOODBYE TO OUR FOSSILISED PAST The modern world runs on sunlight stored in fossil fuels but resource and climate issues demand an alternative. This interactive talk explores how brass and brimstone can produce electricity from light waves in sunlight. Venue: Lecture Theatre 1, Bedson Building, Newcastle University 7A Organised by: Northumbria University ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

AGE 14+ FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED A W A R D

L E C T U R E

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TALKS AND DEBATES

Booking Line: 08456 807 207 or visit www.britishsciencefestival.org

WED 11 SEPT

THURS 12 SEPT

WED 11 SEPT, 16.00 - 17.30

THURS 12 SEPT, 10.00 - 12.00

THURS 12 SEPT, 10.30 - 11.30

AGEING: THE CHALLENGE OF OUR TIME

CHEMICAL INNOVATION IN THE NORTH EAST

MOVING FORWARD IN TRANSPORT RESEARCH: THE FUTURE FOR OLDER DRIVERS

One in four children born today will celebrate their 100th birthday. Tom Kirkwood leads a panel of experts in exercise, technology and brain health to explore how science is addressing the challenges and opportunities that living longer presents. Venue: Stage 2, Northern Stage 2 Organised by: Newcastle University ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

The North East is a hotbed of industries applying chemistry to achieve a cleaner, greener and more prosperous world. Learn about the painstaking research, development and testing that are behind the successful launch of products which matter to you. Venue: Lecture Theatre 1, Bedson Building, Newcastle University 7A Organised by: Chemistry Section, British Science Association ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

The number of older drivers is predicted to double by 2030. When older people stop driving, their well-being and mobility can decrease significantly. How can new technologies help them drive safely for longer? Explore emerging issues in this area. Venue: Lecture Theatre 2.16, Armstrong Building, Newcastle University 6 Organised by: Newcastle University; Research Councils UK Digital Economy programme

WED 11 SEPT, 16.00 - 17.00

ALL ADULTS

BROKEN TRUST AND DAMAGED MINDS

FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

In the light of the Jimmy Savile scandal we explore how some abuse victims suffer long-term changes to the brain, which appear to provoke psychotic symptoms. Are victims more susceptible to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and more hypnotisable? Venue: Lecture Theatre 2.16, Armstrong Building, Newcastle University 6 Organised by: Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

THURS 12 SEPT, 10.30 - 11.30

CLIMATE CHANGE: DOES IT ALL ADD UP? The climate debate relies on models with complex formulae, solved on computers. How reliable are these models and what is the science behind them? In this event climate scientists discuss the models and invite you to debate with them. Venue: Spence Watson Lecture Theatre, Armstrong Building, Newcastle University 6 Organised by: Mathmatical Sciences Section, British Science Association; CliMathNet, IMA Supported by: EPSRC

WED 11 SEPT, 16.30 - 17.30

DO THE MATHS

ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

There are pros and cons to using computers to teach and learn maths. See some examples of how certain digital technologies have been shown to enhance learning and teaching mathematics.

THURS 12 SEPT, 11.00 - 12.00

TSUNAMIS IN THE BRAIN: THE SCIENCE AND SOCIOLOGY OF EPILEPSY An open discussion about epilepsy with videos, interactive activities and opportunities to participate in the research yourself. Join our team of scientists, neurologists, and people with epilepsy to learn about the condition and the latest research. Venue: Fine Art Lecture Theatre, Fine Art Building, Newcastle University 11 Organised by: Newcastle University; Epilepsy Action ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

Venue: Spence Watson Lecture Theatre, Armstrong Building, Newcastle University 6 Organised by: Mathematical Sciences Section, British Science Association Broken trust and damaged minds >

Supported by: Institute of Mathematics and its Applications ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

Ageing: The challenge of our time

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THURS 12 SEPT THURS 12 SEPT, 12.00 - 13.15

THURS 12 SEPT, 12.30 - 14.30

THURS 12 SEPT, 13.00 - 14.00

THE X-CHANGE

DIALOGUE LIVE! PRESENTS EXTREME WEATHER

PLAGUE AND PESTILENCE: WHICH WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT DISEASE TO HAVE AFFECTED PEOPLE IN BRITAIN IN THE PAST?

The weather has taken many areas of the UK by surprise – the North East knows only too well what devastating impact weather can cause. Join us for a handson live dialogue, the results will feed into a current government public dialogue project.

ALL ADULTS

Venue: Space 4 and 5, Culture Lab, Newcastle University 5

FREE: NO BOOKING REQUIRED

Organised by: Sciencewise ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

THURS 12 SEPT, 13.00 - 14.00

MINERAL SOLUTIONS TO GLOBAL PROBLEMS

Venue: Fine Art Lecture Theatre, Fine Art Building, Newcastle University 11 Organised by: British Association for Biological Anthropology and Osteoarchaeology ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

Minerals have an important role to play in carbon capture, and they are also vital as crop nutrients. Can we feed 10 billion people, and distribute food to where it is needed whilst keeping carbon emissions down when living standards are rising?

ISAMBARD KINGDOM BRUNEL AWARD LECTURE: THURS 12 SEPT, 14.00 - 15.00

PROSTHESIS, DISABILITY AND THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY IN ELITE SPORT

Venue: Lecture Theatre 2.16, Armstrong Building, Newcastle University 6 Organised by: Geology Section, British Science Association

Infectious diseases were an ever-present scourge for our ancestors in Britain. This debate will help us to understand how diseases affected our ancestors, and why they were so important in creating the culture and attitudes to health we have today.

Meet the British Science Association

ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED THURS 12 SEPT, 12.00 - 14.00

MEET THE BRITISH SCIENCE ASSOCIATION Join the British Science Association to discuss the role and activities of the Association at our annual open forum. Find out more about our programmes, meet staff and hear a summary of the past year and plans for the year ahead. Open to all. Venue: King’s Hall, Armstrong Building, Newcastle University 6 Organised by: British Science Association EVERYONE FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

Join Bryce Dyer to see how prosthetics technology has been engineered to allow athletes to compete at the Paralympic Games but also to create some controversy along the way. Venue: Stage 2, Northern Stage 2 Organised by: British Science Association AGE 14+ FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED A W A R D

L E C T U R E

For more talks and debates in the evenings see pages 29-34

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TALKS AND DEBATES THURS 12 SEPT THURS 12 SEPT, 14.00 - 15.30

BIG BEN MEETS BIG BANG: HOW PARLIAMENT IMPACTS ON SCIENCE Science is political, and Parliament plays a key role in examining the big scientific challenges facing our society. Find out how it does this, and debate some of the big issues facing scientists and politicians at this interactive event. Venue: Spence Watson Lecture Theatre, Armstrong Building, Newcastle University 6 Organised by: Houses of Parliament Outreach Service; Newcastle Science City

THURS 12 SEPT, 16.00 - 17.30

FROM BENCH TO BEDSIDE: HOW CLINICAL RESEARCH IS MAKING WAVES IN PATIENT CARE Gain an insight into how research and creative medical science is working hand-in-hand to change the lives of patients and their families. Learn how you could play your part and discover some of the changes you can expect to see in the future. Venue: Stage 2, Northern Stage 2

ALL ADULTS

Organised by: National Institute for Health Research

FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

THURS 12 SEPT, 14.30 - 16.30

PROTONS TO PATIENTS: HOW A ‘MINI-CYCLOTRON’ WILL MAKE A BIG IMPACT ON CANCER RESEARCH Newcastle is internationally renowned for excellence in the field of cancer research, a reputation set to be furthered by new and exciting technology. Join world-leading researchers as they share the science behind cancer research at Newcastle. Venue: Lecture Theatre 1, Bedson Building, Newcastle University 7A Organised by: Newcastle University; Royal Society of Chemistry; Chemistry Section, British Science Association ALL ADULTS

THURS 12 SEPT, 16.00 - 17.00

BRITISH SCIENCE ASSOCIATION PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: LISA JARDINE Lisa Jardine explores issues around the future of science communication, asking what its function is in society. What lessons can we learn from the past and how can we position science at the heart of a democratic society? Venue: The Civic Hall, Newcastle Civic Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne A Organised by: British Science Association ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED THURS 12 SEPT, 16.30 - 17.30 THURS 12 SEPT, 15.30 - 17.00

NEWCASTLE: THE SMART FUTURE CITY Newcastle is a city of science with a vision to be a future city where smart systems, science and innovation lead to social and economic prosperity. Join us to debate the role of science and Science Central in the growth of a future city. Venue: Newcastle University Business School O

WHY WE DIE Death might not be certain, though taxes probably are. In this lecture, featuring immortal jellyfish, the world’s slowest bacteria and the trip Darwin took to a séance, biologist Simon Watt delves into the surprising science behind why we die. Venue: Fine Art Lecture Theatre, Fine Art Building, Newcastle University 11 Organised by: Ready, Steady, Science

Organised by: Newcastle Science City

ALL ADULTS

FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

AN INTERVIEW WITH SIMON WATT Firstly are you obsessed with animals? I have always loved the natural world. The intricacy and complexity of life is awe inspiring. The variety is incomprehensible and yet wild-life documentaries and books seem to only focus on the same familiar faces again and again. Some of the most interesting animals out there don’t even have faces. I set up the, ‘Ugly Animal Preservation Society’ (p33) to give us the chance to use comedy to talk about some oft-overlooked but fascinating organisms.

How about death? My ‘Why we die’ lecture (p24) was inspired by a friend of mine called Richard. He has a knack for asking good questions. One day he asked me why we die. I told him all about ageing and how it works and then when I got home that night, realised that that wasn’t really the answer as there are plenty of creatures out there, such as hydra, planarians and a recently discovered jelly fish, that don’t age. Every time I saw Richard in the following months, I had changed my mind as to why we die and had come across something new in my reading.

You obviously spend a lot of time dreaming up weird and wonderful ways to pass on your passion for science. Why? The Universe is a wonderful place and I think it only natural that we should be fascinated by it. I have always had a passion for art, theatre and the like and given that I find science so inspiring, it was only a matter of time before my interests started to cross pollinate. This year at the Festival I will be trying a bit of theatre, comedy, art and storytelling as well as more traditional lecturing. I hope to use them as a means to explore the marvels of biology.

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BRITISH SCIENCE ASSOCIATION The British Science Association provides opportunities for people of all ages to discuss, investigate, explore and challenge science.

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 time at the Festival, and maybe you have even been inspired to learn more about what we do.

SECTIONS’ RECEPTION

AWARD LECTURES meet THE NEXT SCIENCE STARS Each year the British Science Association honours five professional scientists or engineers, in the early stages of their career, with the opportunity to give an Award Lecture at the Festival. This year’s Award Lectures cover a wide range of topics. On Sunday, the Award Lecture is at 12.00 in the Curtis Auditorium, Herschel Building, Newcastle University. From Monday to Thursday they will be at 14.00 in Northern Stage. Don’t miss out on seeing the next stars of science.

THE HUXLEY DEBATE and YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST In 1860, the British Science Association 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 contested scientific issue, and inspired arguments and debate for years after. Join us, 153 years later, as we reignite that spirit of excitement with the first in a series of annual Huxley Debates (p31) showcasing an issue of real and current scientific debate

that’s also of relevance to society at large with two experts in a serious but energising disagreement. A first for this year is ‘You heard it here first’ (p30). This is your chance to futuregaze with some of the brightest new researchers. Hear from scientists in the early stages of their careers talking about their ground-breaking research. Hear what the next big thing in science and technology will be in five or ten years’ time. Go up against a team of journalists to vote for your favourite researcher and new scientific topic. Don’t forget, you heard it here first!

The British Science Association is grateful to the volunteers who produce events for the Festival programme and advise the team to ensure that all our events are of the highest scientific standard. You can find out more about the Sections, meet the volunteers and find out how, you can become involved at the Sections’ reception on Tuesday (p32).

THE BRITISH SCIENCE ASSOCIATION SCIENCE IN SOCIETY TEAM The Science in Society team is committed to bringing scientists and the public together. They and their band of helpers will be in search of the best of the fest to feature in the x-change, bringing you a bitesized piece of Festival each weekday lunchtime in the Northern Stage café.

MEET THE BRITISH SCIENCE ASSOCIATION We are always interested in hearing what you think so join us at the open forum on Thursday (p23) to find out what we do, what we are planning to do and to feedback your thoughts about the Festival and other Association activities.

COME AND CHAT… At the British Science Association stand in the Box Office marquee, you will find a friendly face willing to tell you all about what we do, from award schemes for schools, to training for scientists. Join up as a member and receive our range of newsletters and have a say in the future of the British Science Association.

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FOLLOW THE TRAIL OF RELATED EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE WEEK

The British Science Festival gives the people of the North East the opportunity to show off to the rest of the country as the rich scientific and industrial heritage and bright future prospects of the region fall under the spotlight. Newcastle’s most celebrated son William George Armstrong is Britain’s forgotten genius. During the Festival we are celebrating the great man with a visit to the Swing Bridge he built (p36), a re-enactment of what Darwin called ‘Armstrong’s admirable speech’ (p30) and a trip to what was at the time a house of the future, Cragside (p37). Bring the kids along to find out about cutting-edge science in which local companies are leading the world,

EPIFECTION EpiFECTION is a new interactive simulation developed by researchers at Newcastle University. Playing out over the Festival, your decisions will impact the control and spread of a mock outbreak. Players will receive regular updates and warnings as the infection spreads. Get involved, have fun and also learn a thing or two along the way. Organised by: Newcastle University You can register to take part in epiFECTION at www.epifection.org Teasers and information will be released over the coming months, and the game will go live on Sat 7 Sept at 12.00.

SUN 8 SEPT, 16.00 – 17.00 EPIFECTION: BUILD A BUG p10 MON 9 SEPT, 10.00 – 11.00 EPIFECTION: THE NEXT EPIDEMIC – DECISIONS, DECISIONS, DECISIONS p16 THURS 12 SEPT, 18.00 – 20.00 EPIFECTION: SURVIVORS’ PARTY p33

EAT! NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD NewcastleGateshead Initiative’s festival of adventures in food, EAT! NewcastleGateshead is back to shake things up with a bigger than ever platter of adventures in food. This year’s festival brings 16 days of innovative and eclectic events designed to help you discover the best food and drink produced and served in the North East. The new early autumn slot presents a fresh palette of seasonal produce and a sunset backdrop for outdoor dining. So grab a fork and get stuck in to the very best North East food and drink.

Looking to the future, find out why Newcastle will be a smart city of the future (p24) and vote for your favourite solution to global problems that affect the North East (p18). And of course, don’t forget the range of trips and tours around the beautiful North East region, from Whitley Bay to Upper Teesdale (p35-37).

YOUR HEALTH Newcastle is a hot bed of talent in medical research. Here are just some of the events you can attend, for medicinal purposes only.

SAT 7 SEPT, 12.00 – 13.30 BEWARE – HEALTH CARE! p14 SUN 8 SEPT, 13.30 – 15.00 EVEREST: GOING TO EXTREMES FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH p16 MON 9 SEPT, 13.00 – 14.30 LIFE WITHOUT AGEING? p17

Sat 24 Aug - Sun 8 Sept Visit www.EATNewcastleGateshead.com for the full programme and to book tickets

TUES 10 SEPT, 12.00 – 13.00 THREE PARENT BABIES: MYTH OR REALITY? p19

SAT 7 SEPT, 12.00 – 15.00 FESTIVAL LAUNCH p5

WED 11 SEPT, 16.00 – 17.30 AGEING: THE CHALLENGE OF OUR TIME p22

SUN 8 SEPT, 14.30 – 17.00 COME DISSECT WITH ME p27

THURS 12 SEPT, 16.00 – 17.30 FROM BENCH TO BEDSIDE: HOW CLINICAL RESEARCH IS MAKING WAVES IN PATIENT CARE p24

SUN 8 SEPT, 16.00 – 17.00 SAVE OUR WILD FISH STOCKS p11 SUN 8 SEPT, 19.30 ONWARDS DK2: A CEREBRAL CELEBRATION OF FOOD AND SCIENCE p30 TUES 10 SEPT, 09.30 – 16.00 BABY BANQUET p7 WED 11 SEPT, 15.30 – 16.30 HOW MACROBIOTIC IS YOUR YOGHURT p28

with AkzoNobel (p8) and Northumbrian Water (p27) showing off what they do.

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ADULT WORKSHOPS

For more information and to book visit www.britishsciencefestival.org

Getting ‘hands-on’ doesn’t have to just be for the kids, in these adult workshops you can get your hands dirty with some practical science, so come on, muck in. Come dissect with me

How old is the Universe

SUN 8 SEPT

MON 9 SEPT

TUES 10 SEPT

SUN 8 SEPT, 14.30 - 17.00

MON 9 SEPT, 15.30 - 17.30

TUES 10 SEPT, 15.30 - 17.30

COME DISSECT WITH ME

MAMMOTH DNA

HOW OLD IS THE UNIVERSE?

In this workshop you can undertake a guided dissection of a freshly-landed octopus. Learn about octopus ecology and discuss the way we eat ceophalopods. You can also sample Farida Koheeallee’s famous octopus curry, a Mauritian speciality.

This workshop uses modern techniques to uncover how mammoths fit into the elephant family tree. It’s your chance to handle real mammoth fossils and have a go at DNA fingerprinting. This workshop includes a visit to the exhibition, Age of the Dinosaur.

This hands-on workshop puts you in the shoes of real astronomers, using real astronomical data to work out how old the Universe actually is. The workshop includes a visit to the International Centre for Life planetarium.

Venue: International Centre for Life

Organised by: International Centre for Life

ALL ADULTS

£10.00 Price includes octopus curry and a glass of wine/beer or soft drink. To book, visit www.life.org.uk or call 0191 243 8223. Part of EAT! NewcastleGateshead. A festival of adventures in food produced by NewcastleGateshead Initiative. www.EATNewcastleGateshead.com

£5.00 To book visit www.life.org.uk or call 0191 243 8223

Venue: International Centre for Life

Organised by: International Centre for Life ALL ADULTS £5.00 To book visit www.life.org.uk or call 0191 243 8223

@BritishSciFest #bsf13 /BritishScienceFestival

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ADULT WORKSHOPS WED 11 SEPT

THURS 12 SEPT

WED 11 SEPT, 11.00 - 12.00

WED 11 SEPT, 15.30 - 16.30

THURS 12 SEPT, 15.30 - 17.30

AN INSIGHT INTO FINANCIAL MARKETS AND TRADING

HOW MACROBIOTIC IS YOUR YOGHURT?

BAREFOOT RUNNING: SCIENCE AND PRACTICE

Come along to a real-time interactive workshop exploring financial markets and get to grips with data, charts and financial information in our exciting trading room powered by Bloomberg.

Yoghurt companies claim their yoghurt is wonderful because it contains lactobacilus bifidus, but is this true? Learn some basic microbiological techniques and use research microscopes to discover if these products live up to manufacturers’ claims.

Join us to dispel myths and misunderstanding about the science of running barefoot. See the effect of footwear and footstrike on impact forces and loading rates. Get tips on technique and transitioning from shoe to barefoot.

Venue: Room CCE1- 220a, Newcastle Business School Trading Room, Northumbria University C Organised by: Northumbria University ADULTS WITH SOME KNOWLEDGE OF THE TOPIC £4.00

WED 11 SEPT, 13.00 - 14.00

Venue: International Centre for Life

Venue: Sport Central, Northumbria University B

Organised by: International Centre for Life ALL ADULTS

Organised by: Northumbria University

£5.00 To book, visit www.life.org.uk or call 0191 243 8223. Part of EAT! NewcastleGateshead a festival of adventures in food produced by NewcastleGateshead Initiative. www.EATNewcastleGateshead.com

FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

ALL ADULTS

THURS 12 SEPT, 15.30 - 16.30

HEARING VOICES

DRUGS AND SPORT

This introduction to the patient’s experience of hearing voices explores how this affects thinking and interactions with others. You can uncover the science behind the condition and get the chance to experience what it is like to hear voices.

Drug use in sport has never been far from the headlines. In this workshop, you can explore the science behind the headlines and find out how athletes are tested for drugs by carrying out some of the tests yourself on simulated samples. Venue: International Centre for Life K

Venue: Space 4 and 5 Culture Lab, Newcastle University 5 Organised by: Newcastle University ALL ADULTS £4.00

How macrobiotic is your yoghurt?

THURS 12 SEPT

Organised by: International Centre for Life ALL ADULTS £5.00 To book, visit www.life.org.uk or call 0191 243 8223

THURS 12 SEPT, 08.30 - 16.30

INNOVATE NORTH EAST This one day event brings together businesses, researchers and investors to connect, innovate and grow new ideas with a mix of inspirational speakers, workshops and 1:1 business support focussed on creating the business solutions of tomorrow. Venue: The Civic Hall, Newcastle Civic Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne A Organised by: Newcastle Science City Supported by: Technology Strategy Board PROFESSIONALS

Barefoot running: Science and practice

FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED Visit www.innovatene.co.uk to register

Drugs and sport

@BritishSciFest #bsf13 /BritishScienceFestival

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EVENING EVENTS Something for the sci-curious? Join us after dark for a varied programme of shows, film screenings, performances and debates.

For more information and to book visit www.britishsciencefestival.org

Star speaker: Maggie Aderin-Pocock

What’s the point?

SAT 7 SEPT SAT 7 SEPT, 18.00 - 19.00

SAT 7 SEPT, 19.30 - 22.00

STAR SPEAKER: MAGGIE ADERIN-POCOCK

WHAT’S THE POINT?

Where are we with space exploration? What is the next big thing that we hope to find out? What is still a mystery? Space scientist Maggie Aderin-Pocock takes you on a journey of discovery. Venue: Curtis Auditorium, Herschel Building, Newcastle University 9 Organised by: British Science Association AGE 12+

Timandra Harkness and Andrew Pontzen challenge some of the Festival’s highest profile scientists to battle through spectacular but pointless demonstrations to the land of remarkable but fruitless science to ask the ultimate question: what’s the point? Venue: Stage 1, Northern Stage 2 Organised by: British Science Association; Andrew Pontzen; Timandra Harkness £6.00 To book, visit www.northernstage.co.uk or call 0191 230 5151

SAT 7 SEPT, 19.30 - 23.30

ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSE PARTY Taking place over three floors at Globe Gallery (a disused bank, complete with vaults), interact with audio-visual installations and make your own glowing artwork. Expect warped sounds from live music (saws and theremins) so bring your dancing shoes. M

Organised by: ProjectRobot ALL ADULTS FREE BEFORE 20.30, £6.00 AFTER

SCISCREEN ALL NIGHTER

ALL ADULTS

£11.00, CONCS £9.00

Venue: The Globe Gallery

SAT 7 SEPT TO SUN 8TH SEPT, 22.00 - 10.00

Don’t miss our special evening trip to Kielder Observatory on Sat 7 Sept. See page 36

Think you can stay up all night? Join us not only as part of the audience but as part of the experiment! In between screenings, explore how the lack of sleep affects your sense of vision, time and rhythm, as well as your memory and reactions. Venue: Tyneside Cinema

Organised by: Newcastle University; Tyneside Cinema ALL ADULTS £1.00 PER FILM: To book, please visit: www.tynesidecinema.co.uk or call 0845 217 9909 Free introductory talk by Kirstie Anderson, Consultant Neurologist at the RVI Hospital, and drop-in activity led by Quoc Vuong and Manon Grube, Newcastle University

@BritishSciFest #bsf13 /BritishScienceFestival 29

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EVENING EVENTS

DK2: A cerebral celebration of food and science

We advise that you pre-book your tickets, even where events are free. Visit the website www.britishsciencefestival.org

Robert WInston

Armstrong’s admirable speech

SUN 8 SEPT SUN 8 SEPT, 18.00 - 19.00

STAR SPEAKER: IAIN STEWART Iain Stewart tells us all about the adventures he had and discoveries he made about how each continent evolved differently whilst filming his latest documentary ‘Rise of the Continents’. Venue: Curtis Auditorium, Herschel Building, Newcastle University 9 Organised by: British Science Association AGE 12+ £11.00, CONCS £9.00

MON 9 SEPT SUN 8 SEPT, 19.30 ONWARDS 2

MON 9 SEPT, 18.00 - 19.00

DK : A CEREBRAL CELEBRATION OF FOOD AND SCIENCE

YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST

Why do we need to consume Vitamin C when our pets don’t? What nutritional magic happens when beetroot touches our tongue? And is it a coincidence that the herb sage also means wisdom? Enjoy five-courses packed with fantastic flavours and facts. Venue: NE2 Social, The Biscuit Factory

Organised by: Northumbria University

Meet some of the UK’s brightest early career researchers to find out the next big thing in science and technology. Vote for your favourite researcher as we future-gaze to see what will be huge in ten years time. Don’t forget, you heard it here first. Venue: Stage 2, Northern Stage 2 Organised by: British Science Association ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

ALL ADULTS SUN 8 SEPT, 19.30 - 21.00

ARMSTRONG’S ADMIRABLE SPEECH: A 150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Armstrong’s admirable speech of 1863 is a spellbinding account of the industrial revolution and human ingenuity here re-enacted by Chris Connel. Join Chi Onwurah MP and Andy Kerr to discuss its relevance to today’s carbon debate. Venue: King’s Hall, Armstrong Building, Newcastle University 6 Organised by: King’s Hall, Armstrong Building, Newcastle University Supported by: Barbour ALL ADULTS £6.00

£35.00 TO BOOK, PLEASE VISIT www.EATNewcastleGateshead.com. Part of EAT! NewcastleGateshead a festival of adventures in food produced by NewcastleGateshead Initiative.

SUN 8 SEPT, 20.00 - 21.00

STAR SPEAKER: ROBERT WINSTON Having tabled a Bill in the House of Lords designed to produce transparency, making it clear that it is almost impossible to receive any licensed pharmaceutical without stringent tests using animals first, Robert Winston tells Adam Rutherford why and what happened. Venue: Curtis Auditorium, Herschel Building, Newcastle University 9 Organised by: British Science Assocation ALL ADULTS £11.00, CONCS £9.00

Discover more talks and debates from page 14

Booking Line:

08456 807 207 or visit

www.britishsciencefestival.org 30

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Matt Ridley: Coal, steam, slavery and the greening of the planet: Fossil fuels 1713-2013

Festival of the Spoken Nerd

What killed your ancestors

MON 9 SEPT

TUES 10 SEPT

MON 9 SEPT, 18.00 - 19.00

MON 9 SEPT, 19.30 - 22.00

TUES 10 SEPT, 17.30 - 18.30

COAL, STEAM, SLAVERY AND THE GREENING OF THE PLANET: FOSSIL FUELS 1713-2013

FESTIVAL OF THE SPOKEN NERD

THE HUXLEY DEBATE

The Spoken Nerds bring you a brand new show packed with science, comedy, songs, live experiments and unashamed nerdity, hosted by the trio-mendous geeky songstress Helen Arney, stand-up mathematician Matt Parker and BBC1 experiments guy Steve Mould. Venue: Stage 1, Northern Stage 2

Join Tim Spector and George DaveySmith to debate the science of epigenetics. Does it challenge traditional ideas of what the genome explains? And does it impact on how we should think about our own genetic fate?

Organised by: Noel Gay for Festival of the Spoken Nerd

ALL ADULTS

It’s exactly 300 years since steam engines started pumping water from mines on Tyneside. On this anniversary, join scientist and popular author Matt Ridley to remember to celebrate the good things fossil fuels have done, as well as bemoaning the bad. Venue: The Literary and Philosophical Society J Organised by: The Literary and Philosophical Society

ALL ADULTS

Venue: Stage 1, Northern Stage 2 Organised by: British Science Association £4.00: To book, visit www.northernstage.co.uk or call 0191 230 5151

£6.00 To book, visit www.northernstage.co.uk or call 0191 230 5151

ALL ADULTS TUES 10 SEPT, 18.00 - 19.30

£6.00

WHAT KILLED YOUR ANCESTORS?

MON 9 SEPT, 20.00 - 21.00 MON 9 SEPT, 19.00 - 20.30

THE BIG SOCIETY? INTERACTIVE PSYCHOLOGY GAMES How much will you give to the public good? How will you react to the generosity of others? Play games over a drink: choose a service for your ‘local community’. How much will your imaginary donation be? Learn how scientists study our social motives. Venue: Tyneside Cinema

Organised by: Newcastle University ALL ADULTS

MARK HENDERSON: JBS HALDANE LECTURE Join Mark Henderson, author of ‘The Geek Manifesto’ and winner of the JBS Haldane Lecture, to discuss the miscommunication of genetics as a deterministic science, especially through the media. What’s the future for the uptake of genomic technologies? Venue: International Centre for Life

Organised by: British Science Association

Definitions of disease are constantly shifting: new conditions are appearing all the time, while others like smallpox have vanished altogether. How did people live and die in centuries gone by? Join us to find out and bring along your questions! Venue: City Library

Organised by: History of Science Section, British Science Association ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

ALL ADULTS £5.00: To book visit www.life.org.uk or call 0191 243 8223

£4.00

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image: bcud14

EVENING EVENTS

Designer vaginas

Anatomy life drawing

Sugata Mitra

TUES 10 SEPT

WED 11 SEPT

TUES 10 SEPT, 18.00 - 20.00

TUES 10 SEPT, 19.30 - 21.30

WED 11 SEPT, 18.00 - 19.00

DESIGNER VAGINAS: THE ETHICS OF LABIA SURGERY

BRAIN OF NEWCASTLE (PUB QUIZ)

STAR SPEAKER: SUGATA MITRA

The hugely successful British Science Festival pub quiz returns for another year. Test your general knowledge with a slice of science – you don’t need to be Stephen Hawking to win.

Meet the man who inspired the movie ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ and the winner of the TED Prize 2013, Sugata Mitra. Hear the story of how, in 1999, he installed a PC with internet in a wall near a New Delhi urban slum, and how local children intuitively used it to learn on their own and from each other. Be inspired by his new vision to build a school in the Cloud.

A documentary film presenting the personal accounts of women who have had labiaplasty. A second film ‘What the experts say’ gives the medical and psychological viewpoint, followed by a panel discussion with director Ellie Land.

Venue: The Bridge Hotel

Organised by: Northumbria University

Organised by: Medical Sciences Section, British Science Association ALL ADULTS

ALL ADULTS

FREE: NO BOOKING REQUIRED

Venue: Tyneside Cinema

Venue: Curtis Auditorium, Herschel Building, Newcastle University 9 Organised by: Newcastle University

£4.00: To book, please visit: www.tynesidecinema.co.uk or call 0845 217 9909

ALL ADULTS TUES 10 SEPT, 19.30 - 21.30

FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

ANATOMY LIFE DRAWING TUES 10 SEPT, 19.00 - 21.00

SECTIONS’ RECEPTION 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: King’s Hall, Armstrong Building, Newcastle University 6

Anatomy life drawing will exercise both your artistic skills and your scientific mind by observing and sketching a live human body, using anatomy teaching materials with the help of the anatomy demonstrators at Newcastle University Medical School. Venue: Ernest

WED 11 SEPT, 19.30 - 21.00

CHEMISTRY SECTION DINNER Enjoy a relaxed dinner with some of the movers and shakers in the Chemistry Section. Venue to be confirmed. Please contact Nick Walker to register interest. Venue: TBC

Organised by: British Science Association

Organised by: Rachael Allen; Newcastle University ALL ADULTS

ALL ADULTS

FREE: NO BOOKING REQUIRED

ALL ADULTS

FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

@BritishSciFest #bsf13 /BritishScienceFestival 32

Don’t miss our special Victoria Tunnel tour on Tues 10 Sept. See page 37

Organised by: Chemistry Section, British Science Association LOCATION AND COST TO BE CONFIRMED Register interest with nick.walker@newcastle.ac.uk

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The ugly animal preservation society

Lumen

WED 11 SEPT

Michael Mosley

THURS 12 SEPT

WED 11 SEPT, 19.30 - 22.00

WED 11 SEPT, 20.00 - 21.00

THURS 12 SEPT, 17.30 - 18.30

THE UGLY ANIMAL PRESERVATION SOCIETY

LUMEN

CHEMISTRY SECTION MIXER

In the very space where Joseph Swan first demonstrated his light bulb in 1879, this drama follows the battle between Edison and Swan, who both claimed to have invented the incandescent light bulb.

Mix practising chemists, a relaxed atmosphere and some light refreshments and see the reaction.

A night of stand-up comedy with a conservation twist! Take part in an evening dedicated to raising the profile of some of Mother Nature’s more aesthetically challenged children. Vote for the species that will become Newcastle’s ugly mascot.

Venue: The Literary and Philosophical Society J

Venue: Stage 1, Northern Stage 2

Organised by: Teresa Threadgall

Organised by: Ready, Steady, Science

ALL ADULTS

£6.00

Venue: Room 2.51, Bedson Building, Newcastle University 7A Organised by: Chemistry Section, British Science Association Supported by: Royal Society of Chemistry ALL ADULTS FREE: NO BOOKING REQUIRED

£6.00: To book, visit www.northernstage.co.uk or call 0191 230 5151 WED 11 SEPT, 20.00 - 21.00

STAR SPEAKER: MICHAEL MOSLEY

Discover more talks and debates from page 14

Michael Mosley has spent 25 years producing and presenting documentaries on science and medicine. What have been the journalistic challenges he has faced? He tells us how to find the stories, how to choose the stories and how to tell the stories.

THURS 12 SEPT, 18.00 - 20.00

EPIFECTION: SURVIVORS’ PARTY Did you survive the EpiFECTION? Meet the researchers who developed the game, and find out how different scenarios could have panned out. Were the right decisions made? The event will finish with a screening of ‘Twelve Monkeys in the Tyneside’.

Venue: Curtis Auditorium, Herschel Building, Newcastle University 9

Venue: Tyneside Cinema

Organised by: British Science Association

Supported by: Society for General Microbiology; Society for Applied Microbiology

AGE 12+ £11.00 CONCS £9.00

Organised by: Newcastle University

ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED This event is part of a series of talks and workshops that feeds into EpiFECTION: a new interactive simulation developed by researchers at Newcastle University that will play out over the Festival and explore an infection outbreak scenario. Visit www.epifection.org for more information and look out for events with the EpiFECTION logo.

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EVENING EVENTS THURS 12 SEPT THURS 12 SEPT, 18.00 - 19.00

THURS 12 SEPT, 19.30 - 22.00

STAR SPEAKER: MARTIN REES

BRITISH SCIENCE FESTIVAL DINNER

Join the Astronomer Royal, Martin Rees, to explore what the future will look like in 2050 and beyond. Organised by: British Science Association

Join us for dinner in the beautiful surroundings of the Discovery Museum. Find out who has been awarded a British Science Association Honorary Fellowship and celebrate the Association’s work and achievments throughout the year.

ALL ADULTS

Venue: Discovery Museum

£11.00 CONCS, £9.00: To book, visit www.northernstage.co.uk or call 0191 230 5151

Organised by: British Science Association

Venue: Stage 1, Northern Stage 2

ALL ADULTS £50.00

AN INTERVIEW WITH MAGGIE ADERIN – POCOCK What inspired your career as a scientist? As a kid, I loved a TV programme called the Clangers. From the first time I saw them, I knew there and then I wanted to go into space and visit them. My Father was also very supportive of me. I found it difficult at school but he always gave me the confidence to try my best.

What advice would you give to a budding young scientist? THURS 12 SEPT, 19.30 - 23.00

LATES AT LIFE Don your scrubs and get stuck in for a night of cocktails, games, and hands-on opportunities to explore some of the cutting edge medical and biomedical science from the North East. Venue: International Centre for Life

Organised by: International Centre for Life ALL ADULTS £4.00 To book, visit www.life.org.uk or call 0191 243 8223

We live in a very exciting scientific time and scientists are very thin on the ground creating a large and varied demand. There are some great opportunities to travel the world, see amazing things and actually make a real difference to people’s lives.

University or apprenticeship? This is a difficult one to answer as it really depends on what kind of person you are. If you are more academic then definitely university but if you are more hands-on then I would say apprenticeship. There are many great career opportunities through the apprenticeship programme in space science.

What will you be talking about at the Festival Space travel. I have always dreamed of going into space as I always wanted to reach the stars. As this is not viable at the moment, I want to see if it will be at all viable in my life time and if space tourism will really take off. I want to see if the technology is out there to help me with my quest.

What does the future hold for Maggie? I want to set up a small space project. I want to get a Raspberry Pi into space and that’s not the edible kind!

See page 29 for more details on Maggie’s event.

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TRIPS AND TOURS

For more information and to book visit www.britishsciencefestival.org

Get out and about with our programme of excursions and walking tours The Kielder Observatory astronomy bus

SAT 7 SEPT

SUN 8 SEPT

SAT 7 SEPT AND SUN 8 SEPT, 11.00 - 12.00

BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR LIFE Giving unique access to areas the public don’t usually see (including the NHS Fertility Centre at Life and Newcastle University’s labs), the tours will include a chance to meet some of the people working at Life on ground-breaking research. Venue: International Centre for Life

Behind the scenes at the International Centre for Life

SAT 7 SEPT, 18.00 - 23.30

SUN 8 SEPT, 11.00 - 13.30

THE ASTRONOMY BUS TO THE DARKEST SKIES IN ENGLAND (EVENING EVENT)

CLOTBUSTERS: 21ST CENTURY ACUTE STROKE THERAPY

Take a trip to the Kielder Observatory, the UK’s leading public observatory under England’s darkest skies. Explore the wonders of the Universe, see superb telescopes and, weather permitting, get a unique view of the stars, planets and galaxies.

Organised by: International Centre for Life

Venue: Meeting point, Newcastle University

ALL ADULTS

Organised by: Kielder Observatory

FREE: BOOKING ESSENTIAL. To book, call 0191 243 8223 or visit www.life.org.uk

AGE 12+

Booking Line:

08456 807 207 or visit

www.britishsciencefestival.org

See 21st century treatment options for acute stroke and get a behind the scenes tour of some scanner suites to gain handson exposure to the equipment used. Venue: MediCinema, New Victoria Wing, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle T Organised by: Newcastle University; Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust, The Stroke Association ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING REQUIRED

£14.00, CONCS £11.00. Bring a packed supper and wrap up warm

@BritishSciFest #bsf13

Don’t miss the bus! Arrive 15 minutes before start times at the pick up point

/BritishScienceFestival 35

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TRIPS AND TOURS

For more information and to book visit www.britishsciencefestival.org

SUN 8 SEPT

MON 9 SEPT

TUES 10 SEPT

SUN 8 SEPT, 13.00 - 18.00

MON 9 SEPT, 10.00 - 16.00

TUES 10 SEPT, 10.00 - 17.00

THE ASTRONOMY BUS TO THE DARKEST SKIES IN ENGLAND (DAYTIME)

SQUIRREL WARS: GREYS VS REDS

ROMAN WALL: A NEW LOOK AT OLD STONES

Jump onboard the astronomy bus for a trip to Kielder Observatory, the UK’s leading observatory. Using amazing solar telescopes you can safely view solar prominences and swirling sun spots (cloud cover permitting).

Since the introduction of the grey squirrel in 1876 the population of native reds has crashed to below 140,000 (vs 2.5m greys). This session explores reasons for the decline and the ways reds are fighting back. There is also an opportunity to squirrel-watch in Kielder – a red squirrel stronghold.

Join us on a trip to Hadrian’s Wall, visiting its first fort, Chesters, and the temple dedicated to Mithras the bull-slaying god, site of secret Roman Army ritual. Also handle archaeological finds and see how the Romans altered Iron Age landscapes.

Venue: Meeting point, Newcastle University

Organised by: Kielder Observatory

Organised by: General Section, British Science Association

AGE 12+

ALL ADULTS

Organised by: Anthropology and Archaeology Section, British Science Association

£14.00, CONCS £11.00 Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before start time

£6.00 PRICE INCLUDES COACH FROM NEWCASTLE. £3.50 For those who wish to turn up without coach travel, please call 08456 807 207 for information on arrival time.

Venue: Meeting point, Newcastle University

ALL ADULTS £6.00: Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before start time

TUES 10 SEPT, 11.00 - 12.00 MON 9 SEPT, 13.00 - 13.45, 14.00 - 14.45, 15.00 - 15.45

SWING BRIDGE TOUR See the Pump Room and Engine Room at the Grade I listed Swing Bridge, built between 1875 and 1876 by WG Armstrong. Meet at the Pump Room at the bottom of the stairs halfway along the Swing Bridge. Venue: Swing Bridge, Newcastle Gateshead Quays H Organised by: Port of Tyne AGE 12+

Swing Bridge tour

FREE: BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Please call 08456 807 207 for a licence to enter form. No children under the age of 12, appropriate footwear must be worn.

THE SHIPPING FORECAST: BEHIND THE SCENES AT NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY’S SCHOOL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY A chance for you to tour, and gain an insight into the research that goes on at some of the School of Marine Science and Technology’s specialist research facilities, especially the Towing Tank and the unique Wind Wave and Current Tank. Venue: Spence Watson Room, Armstrong Building, Newcastle University 6 Organised by: Newcastle University ALL ADULTS FREE: BOOKING ESSENTIAL Please note that sensible shoes are required.

Booking Line:

08456 807 207 or visit

www.britishsciencefestival.org

/BritishScienceFestival 36

@BritishSciFest #bsf13

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Victoria tunnel tour

Coastal treasures: Life amongst the waves

Powering the globe from Walker riverside

TUES 10 SEPT

WED 11 SEPT

THURS 12 SEPT

TUES 10 SEPT, 12.30 - 15.30

WED 11 SEPT, 09.30 - 12.00 AND 13.00 - 15.30

THURS 12 SEPT, 10.00 - 17.00

COASTAL TREASURES: LIFE AMONGST THE WAVES Join in a rockpooling and touch tank session to learn fun facts from the wardens, followed by the chance to discover the marine mammals of the North East and how British Divers Marine Life Rescue work to help stranded animals.

POWERING THE GLOBE FROM WALKER RIVERSIDE Take a tour round our innovative engineering and manufacturing facility in Newcastle to get up close to our subsea flexible pipelines and discover that there's more to these 'energy arteries' than meets the eye.

Venue: Meeting point, Newcastle University

Organised by: North Tyneside Council; British Divers Marine Life Rescue

ALL ADULTS

FAMILIES (12 & UNDER)

Organised by: GE Oil & Gas £6.00 Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before start time

£6.00: Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before start time

BUILDING A DREAM: LORD ARMSTRONG’S HOME Tour Lord Armstrong’s home and meet the engineers who care for the hydroelectric systems that drive the lighting and other mod cons Armstrong fitted. From showers to electric light, this house was a showhome for engineering talent! Venue: Meeting point, Newcastle University Organised by: Engineering Section, British Science Association; National Trust ALL ADULTS £6.00: Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before start time

WED 11 SEPT, 10.00 - 17.00 TUES 10 SEPT, 18.00, 19.00, 20.00, 21.00

VICTORIA TUNNEL TOUR Step back in time to war-torn Newcastle to follow in the footsteps of people who spent nights sheltering from bombing raids on the city. Listen to air-raid sirens, planes dropping bombs and accounts from people who lived through this dreadful time. Venue: Victoria Tunnel F Organised by: Ouseburn Trust ALL ADULTS £8.00: Meet at the tunnel entrance on Ouse Street behind Hotel Du Vin

LAND OF THE MINER-FARMERS: THE GEOLOGY, GEOGRAPHY AND ARCHAEOLOGY OF UPPER TEESDALE Join us on a trip to Upper Teesdale, previously dominated by lead mining and now an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. See varied geology, learn how ice sheets shaped the landscape and hear how people through the ages exploited the area’s resources. Venue: Meeting point, Newcastle University Organised by: Anthropology and Archaeology Section, Geology Section, Geography Section, British Science Association ALL ADULTS

THURS 12 SEPT, 09.30 - 12.30 AND 13.00 - 15.30

GENERATING POWER FROM POO! Bright sparks at Northumbrian Water are using the methane produced by loads of hungry bugs to create power from poo, through advanced anaerobic digestion, at its major Tyneside sewage treatment works. See the science behind the process on a tour of the works. Venue: Meeting point, Newcastle University Organised by: Northumbrian Water ALL ADULTS £6.00: Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before start time

£6.00: Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before start time

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For more information and to book visit www.britishsciencefestival.org

EXHIBITIONS

An imaginary museum of sight and sound

Heavenly solar music: The sound of the Sun

There’s an array of exhibitions to enjoy in a whole host of locations across the city.

SAT 7 SEPT TO THURS 12 SEPT, MON TO THURS: 08.30 - 20.00 FRI: 08.30 - 17.30 SAT: 09.30 - 17.30 SUN: 11.00 - 17.00

THE SONIC COSMOS: A MUSICAL EXPLORATION INTO OUR GALACTIC NEIGHBOURHOOD Our purpose-built walk-in enclosure will provide an insight into the structure and movement of our solar system. Alongside this, specialised software will interpret planetary motion and actual solar data to provide an ever-changing musical narrative. Venue: City Library

Organised by: Tim Shaw; Ryan Collins; Guy Schofield

The sonic cosmos

From photography to physics, music to maths and comics to the cosmos there really is something for everyone.

SAT 7 SEPT TO THURS 12 SEPT, 10.00 - 17.00

SAT 7 SEPT TO THURS 12 SEPT, VARIOUS TIMES

SLIDE INTO THE MATHS MUSEUM

THE HELIOSCILLATOR

What shape is the slide that allows a body to slide the fastest from top to bottom? Come and discuss the brachistochrone problem with us. The UK’s first museum entirely dedicated to mathematics wants to know what you would like at the museum.

The exhibition takes real data of magnetic waves observed in the Sun’s atmosphere and transforms them into a haunting audio and visual experience, allowing you to experience the dynamics of the Sun in a whole new light.

Venue: International Centre for Life

Organised by: Northumbria University

Organised by: Maths World UK

EVERYONE

Supported by: London Mathematical Society; Institute of Mathematics and its Applications EVERYONE

MON 9 SEPT TO THURS 12 SEPT,

Visit www.life.org.uk for entry charges

SECOND MOON

SAT 7 SEPT TO THURS 12 SEPT, VARIOUS TIMES

Watch out for news of artist Katie Paterson's Second Moon, an ambitious year-long project that will track a lunar meteorite as it circles the Earth by air freight in a man-made orbit.

Supported by: Arts Council England EVERYONE

INVISIBLE Check out the Festival website to find out the location of the artworks made by artists including Adam Chodzko working with scientists. Venue: Various locations Organised by: Invisible Dust; Great North Run Culture EVERYONE

Venue: The Globe Gallery

Venue: Various locations including the Great North Museum: Hancock Planetarium, or download the Second Moon free app Organised by: Newcastle University, Locus+, Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums Supported by: Arts Council England EVERYONE For more information visit www.ncl.ac.uk/nicap/secondmoon

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EXHIBITIONS SAT 7 SEPT TO THURS 12 SEPT, 10.00 - 17.00

CROSS SECTION THROUGH NATURE Designed by 3rd Year BA students at Newcastle University, this temporary structure uses recycled materials to create an environment inspired by, and in tune with the natural world. Located outside the Great North Museum: Hancock, why not come and explore. Venue: Great North Museum: Hancock 16 Organised by: Newcastle University EVERYONE

SAT 7 SEPT TO THURS 12 SEPT,

SAT 7 SEPT TO THURS 12 SEPT, 09.00 - 18.00

WINDOW SHOPPING IN THE DIGITAL AGE Based on research taking place at Newcastle University’s Culture Lab, this shop window installation explores how developing ambient and virtual reality technology might one day be used in a real-world context, transforming the way we shop. Venue: Quilliam Brothers Tea House

Organised by: Newcastle University EVERYONE

BXNU POSTGRADUATE STUDENT EXHIBITIONS, EXPERIMENTS AND EVENTS AT BALTIC 39 Explore how the digital world influences the traditionally slow process of painting. Take part in an experiment to record your psychological and emotional responses to works in the exhibition and enjoy a programme of talks by artists and scientists. Venue: BALTIC 39

Organised by: Northumbria University EVERYONE: For more information visit www.baltic39.com

SAT 7 SEPT TO THURS 12 SEPT, 10.00 - 17.00

INTERNATIONAL IMAGES FOR SCIENCE: AN EXHIBITION OF THE WORLD’S BEST SCIENTIFIC PHOTOGRAPHY The exhibition showcases 100 of the world’s best science images created by scientists, using a wide-range of techniques. Featuring our Universe from sub-atomic structures to galaxies, from human medical subjects to the Earth’s weather.

SAT 7 SEPT TO THURS 12 SEPT, 10.00 - 17.00

DR MATHS’ GIANT LOGIC PUZZLES Dr Maths’ giant collection of logic puzzles can be found all over campus, especially for the British Science Festival. How many can you find and complete?

SAT 7 SEPT TO THURS 12 SEPT, MON TO THURS: 08.30 - 20.00 FRI: 08.30 - 17.30 SAT: 09.30 - 17.30 SUN: 11.00 - 17.00

Venue: Various locations around Newcastle University

SCIENCE AND COMICS

Organised by: Newcastle University EVERYONE

Venue: Great North Museum: Hancock 16 Organised by: The Royal Photographic Society; Science and Technology Facilities Council

SAT 7 SEPT TO THURS 12 SEPT, 10.00 - 16.00

Science is awesome and so are comics. Comics are a fantastically accessible way of telling a story, and science is full of fantastic stories that really need to be told: a perfect partnership! Join us for a day of workshops on Sat 7 Sept, suitable for all ages. Venue: City Library

EVERYONE

EXTRAORDINARY RENDITIONS: THE CULTURAL NEGOTIATION OF SCIENCE

Organised by: Newcastle Science Comic EVERYONE

SAT 7 SEPT TO THURS 12 SEPT, 10.00 - 16.00

New work by three artists involved in the cultural negotiation of science, bringing together scientific partners and the resulting interpretive artworks to explore the spectrum of biomedical and fundamental science in North East England today.

AN IMAGINARY MUSEUM OF SIGHT AND SOUND Since the 18th century scientists have worked with electromagnetic forces to understand sound and light. The imaginary museum exhibits different devices that might have been used in the past to make strange forms of music and art... but never were! Venue: Culture Lab, Newcastle University 5

Supported by: Newcastle University FREE: DROP IN. Exhibition closed at various times throughout the week. Call 0191 277 4100 for more information.

Venue: BALTIC, Centre for Contemporary Arts G Organised by: Northumbria University EVERYONE FREE: DROP IN. A networking session will be held on Mon 9 Sept from 10.00 - 16.00. For more information, email events@balticmill.com or call 0191 478 1810.

Organised by: Newcastle University Supported by: Arts and Humanities Research Council EVERYONE

Science and comics

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EXHIBITIONS WHAT DO VISITORS TO THE BRITISH SCIENCE FESTIVAL THINK?

Identity management futures

SUN 8 SEPT TO THURS 12 SEPT, SUNDAY: MON TO THURS: 08.30 - 20.00 FRI: 08.30 - 17.30 SAT: 09.30 - 17.30 SUN: 11.00 - 17.00

IDENTITY MANAGEMENT FUTURES This interactive exhibition kiosk showcases futuristic identity technologies with responses to these technologies, including interactive posters, touch screens, films, prototypes, wearables and games plus a talk about the project at 12.00 each day. Venue: City Library

Hands-on exhibition

MON 10 SEPT TO THURS 12 SEPT, 09.30 - 15.30

“Too many good events to attend, wish I could split in two”

HANDS-ON EXHIBITION Drop in to the basement of the Students’ Union for a feast of handson fun. Discover how technology developed for astronomy is now being used to help answer complex biological questions, find out about electric cars, solar planes, pollution sensors and explore the cross-over between smartphone app coding, electronics and cicada ecology!

Organised by: Northumbria University

Venue: Students’ Union Basement, Newcastle University 3

EVERYONE

Organised by: Various organisations EVERYONE: This exhibition is part of the Young People’s Programme at the Festival and will at times be very busy. If you want some peace and space to play, we suggest you visit first thing or towards the end of the day.

“You could relate something in your life to it” “Excellent, value day out, very interesting” “Something for all age groups... funny, gory and educational”

@BritishSciFest #bsf13 /BritishScienceFestival

Booking Line:

08456 807 207 or visit

www.britishsciencefestival.org 40

We appreciate feedback and strive to make the British Science Festival the best it can be. If you are asked to complete a feedback form, we would really value your thoughts, and thank you for your time.

Next year the Festival will take place in Birmingham from 6 – 11 Sept 2014.

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OPENING UP THE PROGRAMME

The British Science Festival is committed to reaching out to people, and providing an exciting and accessible programme for all. As well as all the activity we have in this programme, some events will be travelling to various locations in the area, bringing more opportunities to more people. Keep your eyes peeled in your local libraries, community centres and youth groups to see if the Festival is visiting your neighbourhood or visit www.britishsciencefestival.org

British Sign Language A number of events in the Festival will be signed. Please check our website www.britishsciencefestival.org for details of which events will be interpreted into British Sign Language.

SPECIAL PERFORMANCES IN WHITLEY BAY AND MORPETH, 11 AND 12 SEPT

ALBERT EINSTEIN: RELATIVITIVELY SPEAKING Join Albert, the genius behind the über-coolest moustache in science, for a sehr entertaining hour of songs, silliness and the wurst sausage joke ever. Proving that Einstein = Musical Comedy Squared, this is a great new show from the team behind “The Origin of Species...” followed by the chance to chat to the actors and writers.

DO YOU WANT TO HOLD A SCIENCE EVENT? Are you trying to reach new audiences? Do you want to explore innovative ways of engaging the public with science? The Science in Society team at the British Science Association can help with your outreach activities. We use our expertise to develop activities that suit you and your organisation. Contact us: sis@britishscienceassociation.org

Organised by: North East England Branch, British Science Association Visit www.britishscienceassociation.org/ north-east for more details.

Booking Line:

08456 807 207 or visit

www.britishsciencefestival.org 41

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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: Academy of Medical Sciences Anglia Ruskin University Arts and Humanities Research Council Aston University Biochemical Society Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council BP International Ltd British Council British Psychological Society British Society for Immunology British Sociological Association Cardiff University Department for Business, Innovation & Skills Economic and Social Research Council Edinburgh Napier University Einsteinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Entertainers Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council Geological Society GlaxoSmithKline Goodrich Graphic Science Immersive Theatres International Centre for Life

Jaguar Land Rover John Innes Centre Keele University London Mathematical Society Loughborough University Marine Biological Association of the UK Medical Research Council National Museums Scotland Natural Environment Research Council Natural History Museum Network Rail Nutrition Society Our Dynamic Earth Oxford Trust Physiological Society Prospect Research Councils UK Robert Gordon University Royal Academy of Engineering Royal Holloway, University of London Royal Institution of Great Britain Saudi Aramco Science and Technology Facilities Council Science Museum Society for General Microbiology

Society of Biology Society of Professional Engineers The British Library The James Hutton Institute University College London University of Aberdeen University of Abertay Dundee University of Bath University of Birmingham University of Brighton University of Cambridge University of Durham University of Huddersfield University of Leeds University of Leicester University of Liverpool University of Newcastle University of Plymouth University of Portsmouth University of Reading University of Salford University of Surrey University of Westminster University of York Vex Robotics Wellcome Trust

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NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY MAP D

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Northern Stage

INTO Building

Fine Art Building

Students’ Union

Daysh Building

King’s Road Centre

Merz Court

Culture Lab

Stephenson Building

Armstrong Building

Cassie Building

Bedson Building King George VI Building

N DO

NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS VENUES

Haymarket Bus Station

City Centre

Eldon Garden

NORTH

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10:12

Page 43

OTHER VENUES Village

A1 North

CHESTER ST

SH IEL

BA NK

FALCON AR STREET

RR TE

KS ROAD

UR AT H

R AD

LR RO

LT M

Gateshead College

H IL

East Gateshead

IN B

G t

COU

LT HA

N LA

A LB

ANY ROAD

E UA

RD EW ASK

W HA

GA TE

BY KE

RE ET D ST

R EET N ST

SANDYFORD ROAD

M IL

H H IG

T EE

TR RS

E RO

SHOR

SOUTH

GIBSON STRE ET

ET ST RE

T R AFA LGAR

N ST

C LA Y TO

ET TRE RS GE A IN

BA RR A

YS T

QU AYSIDE

H AW

T YN E S T

Baltic Business Quarter

Hawks Road

EE T

Ball H

Mill Road

Gateshead Quays

ST R

Glasshouse Bridge Ouseburn Barrage

Baltic Square

Gateshead Central Gateshead

AY T CL

G’S

PER C

IA R

RE ST ON

AY T

LO W

S T WES T

LO O WA TER

E RO

FIE

ILW AY ST

Ouseburn FO Bridge RD

St Ann’s

Mariners Wharf

Hadrian’s Way

Lime Street

HIGH QU

REE T

RRY

R ID GE

D R OA RIA

I C TO

EN V

KIN

QUE

ES WGAT TREET NE

ET RE

S TO

ST JAM ES’ BO ULE VAR D

FOR D SQ

BREAMISH STREET

S T.

BLA ND

ST ANN’S CL

ST JAMES ’ BOUL EVARD

Ouseb

S ST

Cum Arms

Farm

The Cluny

36 Lime Street

AN FOUN D RY L

LIM E

NN’

Q UA

Seven Stories

AD CRAWHALL RO

Keelman’s Way

Coach Parking

ES T

Bars & restaurants

AR T DD

HOR

The Sage Gateshead Hillgate Gateshead Quay Heritage Centre

V IE

STO

D U TH

HIL L TER

EE T

SUM MER

YS RA

FOR D ST

TF RA

BLA ND

BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art

AL SW

Sculptures

EE T

TH S

River Cruises

Gateshead Millennium Bridge

Library, Riverside AD RO Park EL EV H HIG

Sandgate

Law Courts

SOU

Hadrian’s Way High Level Bridge

ROA

Tyne Bridge

Northern Print

CITY ROAD

Bars & restaurants

W NE

T ER S

Swing Bridge

Keelman’s Way

Y CIT

ID AYS QU

U TSP

STR EE

SA N

TRE

Theatre Bars & restaurants The Outsiders Gallery E

HOWAR D STREET

ST A

Law Courts

Coach Parking

Quayside

Bessie Surtee’s House Guildhall LL

e yn rT ve Ri

BA N

Quayside

S I DE

Battle Field

Gateshead Millennium Bridge

FO RS

Trinity E House Live

St Ann’s Church

Salvation Army D

FO R

Y ST LWA

R AI

H ST FORT

EE T

Steep hill

Side Gallery & Cinema

Central Square

E OS CL

Trinity C H Gardens AR

All Saints Church

STR

Old Newcastle

Digital

Stephenson Walls Works

Centre for Life

B IL

W IC

DGE R BRI BYKE Ouseburn

Stepney Bank Stables

Star & Shadow Cinema

EET N STR XTO

Ouseburn Viaduct

EY SL

St Nicholas Cathedral

Y LA

ROA D

OO GW LLIN CO

BRO

K T

Bars & restaurants

Town

Coach Station

TO W E R

CITY

Grey Street H

TERR ACE

E N C E S TR E E T

CL OT

The Biscuit Factory CLA R

IO L

Holy Jesus Hospital

COQ UET

PNE

EE STR RNE BOU MEL

K STR EET

STE

City Church

COP LAN D

Manors Station

Alderman Fenwick’s House

Castle Keep Black Gate & Moot Hall ET ST RE

Kings Manor Business & Technology Park

City Stadium

Manors

ARGYLE STREE T

C A RL

RIM

N ST

Manors

Shops

ST JOH

P I LG

FO RT

AD RO D OO

Bigg Market

St John the Baptist Church

Newcastle Central Station

Theatre Royal

Grainger Town

WAR WIC

NEW BRIDGE STREET

Grainger Central Market Arcade

T STREE ILLE NEV

St Mary’s RC Cathedral

WESTMORLAND RD

Bars

Laing Art Gallery

Station

PUDDIN G CHARE

Discovery Museum

Newcastle Business School

REET

Shops

ON ST DOBS JOHN

Waterloo Square

EE T

S’ S

tle

Newgate Street

City Campus East

NT RD

Monument ET Grey’s RK Monument Tyneside Vane MA N EL Cinema Gallery Police SO N

Shops

ST O2 RE Assembly Academy ET Rooms Tyne Theatre WESTG Thornton ATE RO Dance AD Black Swan Square City Yard

The Journal N

Globe Gallery

STR

K PA R

ZES

TH BA

R S STREET

WESTGA TE ROAD

Debenhams

Empire Cinema

Blackfriars

FR IA

R LA

L EA

The Gate

City Library

West Walls

Monument Mall

Eldon Square

Square Shopping Centre

DREW’S STREET

BLACK ETT STREET

St Andrew’s Church Eldon

E RO

Newcastle City Centre

R WA NE

St James

LL SAVI

Northumbria University Visitor Information PL AC EL LIS

DU RA

Shops

Fenwick

WGATE LLO GA

Chinatown

ET ORPORATION S T R E

HU M BE

John Lewis

Eldon Square Bus Station

Chinese Arch

Newcastle University Business School

ce al

B AW

John Dobson Street

ROA

STR

Y RR

(Shopmobility)

Marks & Spencer

AND

Eldon Garden Shopping Centre

NO RT

Haymarket Bus Station

ACK RO AD

BE RL

ST RE

BAR R

HUM

EG E

Newcastle United Football Club

N O RT

D IN

RID

City Hall & Pool

O AT F

AC LEY PL

STR

Haymarket

RT STODDA

PLACE

CO LL

’ ST

Northumbria University Sport Central

Civic Centre ST MARY’S

University Gallery

Church of St Thomas the Martyr

Northumbria University

Jesmond Dene

Newcastle University

Jesmond Vale

D RD ROA DYFO SAN

Northern Stage

King’s Gate

D OA

Leazes Park

R ND LA

R IC

Boating Lake

RT PO

NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS

7 (M) A16 AY RW OTO LM TR A CEN

AD RO

Hatton Gallery

JE S

Great North Museum: Hancock

BY RO

Robinson Library

Royal Victoria Infirmary Great North Children’s Hospital

CL AR EM ON T

Medical School

RR AC

Dental Hospital

International Ferry Terminal North Shields The Coast A19 North

RN E TE

GREAT NORTHWIND SOR TERR ACE MUSEUM: HANCOCK

FA LC O N A R STR EET

Skateboard park

OS BO

Newcastle International Airport A1 North

OTHER VENUES The Civic Hall, Newcastle Civic Centre, Barras Bridge NE1 8QH

Sport Central, Northumbria University, Northumberland Road NE1 8SG

Newcastle Business School Trading Room, Northumbria University, City Campus East NE1 8ST

NE2 Social, The Biscuit Factory, 16 Stoddart St NE2 1AN

Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle, 23 Westgate Rd NE1 1SE

Ernest, 1 Boyd Street NE2 1AP

International Centre for Life, Times Square NE1 4EP Discovery Museum, Blandford Square NE1 4JA

Victoria Tunnel, Ouseburn Farm, Ouseburn Road (off Lime Street) NE1 2PA

BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, South Shore Road, Gateshead NE8 3BA G Swing Bridge, NewcastleGateshead Quays

The Bridge Hotel, Castle Garth NE1 1RQ

BALTIC 39, 31–39 High Bridge NE1 1EW

Tyneside Cinema, 10 Pilgrim St NE1 6QG

Grey’s Monument, next to Monument Metro Station

City Library, 33 New Bridge Street West NE1 8AX

New Victoria Wing, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Queen Victoria Road NE1 4LP T

Quilliam Brothers Tea House, Barras Bridge NE1 7RG

The Globe Gallery, 53-57 Blandford Square NE1 4HZ

Jesmond Dene Visitor Centre, Red Walk, Jesmond Dene NE7 7BQ

Dance City, Temple St NE1 4BR

Newcastle University Business School, 5 Barrack Road NE1 4SE

North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers, Neville Hall, Westgate Road NE1 1SE

(NOT ON MAP - TO NORTH)

Gateshead Central Library, Prince Consort Road NE8 4LN (NOT ON MAP - TO SOUTH)

BSF prog 13

8/7/13

10:12

Page 44

bsfprog13-6pcover

8/7/13

14:43

Page 7

To book, visit www.britishsciencefestival.org or call 08456 807 207

Contents 3

Don’t miss

4 – 13

Family events

14 – 24 Talks and debates 25

British Science Association

Themes

27 – 28 Adult workshops 29 – 34 Evening events 35 – 37 Trips and tours 38 – 40 Exhibitions 41

Outreach

44 – 45 Festival Maps 46 – 48 Festival at a glance 49

Booking

KEY /BritishScienceFestival 2

@BritishSciFest #bsf13

Talks & debates Trips and tours

Adult workshops Evening events

Family events

bsfprog13-6pcover

8/7/13

14:43

Page 7

To book, visit www.britishsciencefestival.org or call 08456 807 207

Contents 3

Don’t miss

4 – 13

Family events

14 – 24 Talks and debates 25

British Science Association

Themes

27 – 28 Adult workshops 29 – 34 Evening events 35 – 37 Trips and tours 38 – 40 Exhibitions 41

Outreach

44 – 45 Festival Maps 46 – 48 Festival at a glance 49

Booking

KEY /BritishScienceFestival 2

@BritishSciFest #bsf13

Talks & debates Trips and tours

Adult workshops Evening events

Family events

bsfprog13-6pcover

8/7/13

14:42

Page 1

FESTIVAL SUPPORTERS

BOOKING AND VENUE INFORMATION

We would like to thank our sponsors and supporters.

PRINCIPAL PARTNERS

FESTIVAL PROGRAMME

BOX OFFICE OPENING TIMES FRI 6 SEPT 17.00 – 19.00 SAT 7 – THURS 12 SEPT 09.00 – 20.00 (20.30 on Thursday)

ASSOCIATE PARTNERS

Although many of the events during the Festival are free, we recommend that you book to ensure your place.

MAJOR FESTIVAL SPONSORS

VENUES

REFRESHMENTS

Events at the British Science Festival take place in various venues.

Choose from a wide range of quick healthy eating options at Newcastle University

PARKING There will be no parking available at Newcastle University or Northumbria University. The map on p45 shows public parking areas close to the venues.

FRI

SAT

EAT@ BISTRO

Closed

08.00 – 08.00 – 14.00 15.00

EAT@THE BUTTERY

09.30 – Closed 16.00

EAT@CAMPUS COFFEE

07.30 – 09.00 – 09.00 – 16.00 17.00 17.00

07.30 – 18.00

King’s Walk

Barista coffee, light snacks and drinks

EAT@ COURTYARD

08.30 – Closed 16.00

Closed

08.30 – 16.00

Old Library Building

Hot and cold meals, snacks and drinks

EAT@INTO

08.30 – Closed 17.00

Closed

08.30 – 17.00

INTO Building

Hot and cold meals, snacks and drinks

17.00 – 17.00 – 19.00 19.00

11.00 – 19.00

EAT@ MENS BAR

SUN

Closed

MON - THURS

LOCATION

FOOD OFFER

08.00 – 20.00

King’s Road Centre 4

Hot and cold meals, snacks and drinks

09.30 – 16.00

Merz Court

Light snacks and drinks

11.00 – 19.00

Students’ Union 3

Hot and cold light meals

CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS

PHOTOGRAPHY AND FILMING

In the event of a cancellation, tickets will be refunded.

FESTIVAL SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS

WE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING FOR THEIR SUPPORT

MEDIA, PUBLICITY AND SUPPORTING PARTNERS

For local travel information visit www.nexus.org.uk Brochure design: www.savageandgray.co.uk

Hosted by

bsfprog13-6pcover

8/7/13

14:42

Page 1

FESTIVAL SUPPORTERS

BOOKING AND VENUE INFORMATION

We would like to thank our sponsors and supporters.

PRINCIPAL PARTNERS

FESTIVAL PROGRAMME

BOX OFFICE OPENING TIMES FRI 6 SEPT 17.00 – 19.00 SAT 7 – THURS 12 SEPT 09.00 – 20.00 (20.30 on Thursday)

ASSOCIATE PARTNERS

Although many of the events during the Festival are free, we recommend that you book to ensure your place.

MAJOR FESTIVAL SPONSORS

VENUES

REFRESHMENTS

Events at the British Science Festival take place in various venues.

Choose from a wide range of quick healthy eating options at Newcastle University

PARKING There will be no parking available at Newcastle University or Northumbria University. The map on p45 shows public parking areas close to the venues.

FRI

SAT

EAT@ BISTRO

Closed

08.00 – 08.00 – 14.00 15.00

EAT@THE BUTTERY

09.30 – Closed 16.00

EAT@CAMPUS COFFEE

07.30 – 09.00 – 09.00 – 16.00 17.00 17.00

07.30 – 18.00

King’s Walk

Barista coffee, light snacks and drinks

EAT@ COURTYARD

08.30 – Closed 16.00

Closed

08.30 – 16.00

Old Library Building

Hot and cold meals, snacks and drinks

EAT@INTO

08.30 – Closed 17.00

Closed

08.30 – 17.00

INTO Building

Hot and cold meals, snacks and drinks

17.00 – 17.00 – 19.00 19.00

11.00 – 19.00

EAT@ MENS BAR

SUN

Closed

MON - THURS

LOCATION

FOOD OFFER

08.00 – 20.00

King’s Road Centre 4

Hot and cold meals, snacks and drinks

09.30 – 16.00

Merz Court

Light snacks and drinks

11.00 – 19.00

Students’ Union 3

Hot and cold light meals

CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS

PHOTOGRAPHY AND FILMING

In the event of a cancellation, tickets will be refunded.

FESTIVAL SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS

WE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING FOR THEIR SUPPORT

MEDIA, PUBLICITY AND SUPPORTING PARTNERS

For local travel information visit www.nexus.org.uk Brochure design: www.savageandgray.co.uk

Hosted by