LET YOUR MIND WONDER. 15—25 FEBRUARY 2018
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ONGOING EVENTS
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ONGOING EVENTS THU 15 FEB FRI 16 FEB SAT 17 FEB SUN 18 FEB MON 19 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
Director’s Foreword We are delighted to present to you the full public programme for the fourth NI Science Festival, an annual celebration of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. Thanks to the generous and continued support of our Principle Funders & Partners, we’ve been able to deliver our largest selection of events to date, championing great pioneers both locally and internationally, and expand our horizons to include more of Northern Ireland than ever before. During the day, the Festival offers a range of workshops, talks and interactive activities for young people and parents. In the evening, we will present a mix of scientific debate, talks, theatres, comedy, music and film for adults. 2018 will see the return of the Regional Roadshow - an eclectic selection of family friendly events across all disciplines across the province for the NISF Road Show, to get the mind buzzing with curiosity. We welcome you all to join us.
The Festival Team Festival Director: Chris McCreery Festival Manager: Jillian Thompson Marketing Manager: Andrew Moore
TUE 20 FEB
Regional Programme Manager: Susan Heaney North West Programme Manager: Rachel McDermott Events & Marketing Intern: Méabh Rooney Communications & PR: Gillian Grattan & Orry Robinson (J Comms)
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Graphic Design: Rinky | rinkydesign.com Website: Steven Henry | kingsteven.com
General Enquiries
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NI Science Festival 7 North Street, Belfast BT1 1NH Tel: 028 9162 9204 | info@nisciencefestival.com
circlefacebook niscifest circletwitterbird niscifest Booking information Most of our events are open to the public. Suitability, admission and booking information are indicated in the listings.
Concession rates apply to those aged 16 and under, over 65s, students, the unemployed, disabled persons and their personal assistants, unless otherwise stated. Proof of status may be required.
The Festival Board Claire Burgoyne, Tony Byrne, Liz Conlon, Bill Connor (Chair), Alan Fitzsimmons, Judith Harvey, Sarah Jones, Emma Leahy, Frances Morton, Jonathan Wallace, Victoria Simms.
Disabled Access All partnering venues aim to be as accessible as possible however a small number have restricted access. Should you or your group require information or assistance please contact info@nisciencefestival.com. Venue Information is also available through the Access400 online service at adaptni.org.
Programme Changes Please note that all events are subject to change. Be sure to check our website or social media forums for the most up to date information.
Ticketing links for events can be found via the festival website nisciencefestival.com. Please bring a printed or email copy of your ticket to the event.
11 DAYS. 180+ EVENTS. INFINITE IDEAS. NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM NI Science Festival is a not-for-profit charity organisation.2Company number NI 324114 | Charity Number NIC100332
5 Thursday 15 February
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Friday 16 February
Monday 19 February
Tuesday 20 February
Friday 23 February
Sunday 25 February
19 25
Saturday 17 February
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Sunday 18 February
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46 50
Wednesday 21 February
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Thursday 22 February
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Saturday 24 February
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102 80
15–25 FEBRUARY 2018
Ongoing Events
At A Glance
North West Events
Our Funders
Our Partners
Accommodation Partner
Featuring all this and more: • A Celestial Journey (3D show) • Superhero Science: First Class (Show) • Lego Technic workshops • ClayRazy workshops • Get your body MOT’d with the Institute of Public Health • Examine the minute world of veterinary nasties with AFBI • Investigate safewater with Ulster University • Make your own fossil with Marble Arch Caves
DATE | VENUE
Thursday 15 February | STEM Centre, South West College, Circular Road, Dungannon, BT71 6BQ Friday 16 February | Northern Regional College, Union Street, Coleraine, BT52 1QA Saturday 17 February | Crest Centre, South West College, Killyhevlin Industrial Estate, Enniskillen, BT74 4EJ Sunday 18 February | Southern Regional College (West), Patrick Street, Newry, BT35 8DN SUITABILITY
10.00am–1.00pm & 2.00–5.00pm
All Ages
ADMISSION & BOOKING
ONGOING EVENTS SAT 24 FEB
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
SUN 25 FEB
After the resounding success of the first NI Science Festival Roadshow, this free, familyfriendly event is returning with a range of activities, experiments and shows. We encourage you to come along and experience the wonders of science.
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TIME(S)
THU 22 FEB
NI Science Festival Roadshow
FRI 23 FEB
SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
WED 21 FEB
TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ONGOING EVENTS SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
AFBI Research Vessel Corystes Open House Tours DATE
TIME(S)
Thursday 15–Sunday 18 February
10.00am–4.00pm Tours take place every hour on the hour
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Queen’s Quay, Titanic Quarter, Belfast (Beside SSE Arena)
All Ages
Science Storytelling
NORTH WEST
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Various libraries across NI
4–8 Yrs & Parents/ Guardians
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. No Booking Required.
Join a STEM ambassador for a story time event in the library during the NI Science Festival. Children will be treated to a selection of stories to discover science in a fun way! The books chosen will spark excitement, teach something new and make STEM accessible to children. These readings will take place in the following libraries across Northern Ireland:
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
Back by popular demand, the Agri-Food and Bioscience Institute (AFBI) research ship, the RV Corystes, is again opening its doors to welcome aboard members of the public as part of the NI Science Festival. Climb on-board and join one of the hourly tours of the ship. Meet the crew and scientists and find out what they do when the go to sea!
Sat 17 Feb, 11am | Waterside Library, The Workhouse, 23 Glendermott Rd, Derry/ Londonderry BT47 6BG Sat 17 Feb, 2pm | Dungannon Library, Market Square, Dungannon BT70 1JD Sat 17 Feb, 3pm | Banbridge Library, 23 Scarva Road, Banbridge BT32 3AD Tue 20 Feb, 3.30pm | Ormeau Library, Ormeau Rd, Belfast BT7 3GG Sat 24 Feb, 11.30am | Portrush Library, 12 Causeway St, Portrush, BT56 8AB Sat 24 Feb, 2.30pm | Enniskillen Library, Halls Ln, Enniskillen, BT74 7DR Sat 24 Feb, 2.30pm | Newry Library, 79 Hill St, Newry BT34 1DG
Tours last 35-40 minutes and must be booked in advance. No high heels permitted on-board.
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NATURAL WORLD
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ONGOING EVENTS TIME(S)
Thursday 15 – Sunday 25 February
10.00am–5.00pm (Closed Mondays
VENUE
SUITABILITY
VENUE
SUITABILITY
W5, The Odyssey, 2 Queen’s Quay, Belfast BT3 9QQ
All Ages
Ulster Museum Botanic Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5AB
All Ages
ADMISSION & BOOKING
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free with admission into W5.
Free. Drop in event.
Museum of the Moon is an amazing new touring artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram. Measuring seven metres in diameter, the inflated moon features 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface. At an approximate scale of 1:500,000, each centimetre of the spherical sculpture represents 5km of the moon’s surface. This spectacular installation is internally lit and is accompanied by a musical composition which has been especially created by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award-winning composer Dan Jones.
Ever wondered why a light bulb brightens up a whole room while a laser produces only a very narrow beam of light? Lasers Live will demonstrate how light is a form of energy, how different colours interact differently, and how lasers can provide us with technologies that were the stuff of dreams just a decade ago. Experts from the Centre for Plasma Physics, Queen’s University Belfast, will be on hand to explain these topics and many more. A unique opportunity for adults and children alike to discover how research by laser and plasma physicists at Queen’s is playing a leading role in how our future world will look.
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This will be a unique opportunity, for young and old, to experience the moon close up in an exquisite, three-dimensional way!
MON 19 FEB
DATE
10.00am–5.00pm
TUE 20 FEB
TIME(S)
Thursday 15 – Sunday 25 February
WED 21 FEB
DATE
THU 22 FEB
Museum of the Moon Lasers Live
FRI 23 FEB
MATHS & PHYSICS
SAT 24 FEB
SPACE
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
IMAGE: LUKE JERRAM
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ONGOING EVENTS NORTH WEST
SUN 25 FEB
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THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
NATURAL WORLD
ART & SCIENCE
Operation Earth DATE
TIME(S)
Thursday 15–Sunday 18 February
10.00am–5.00pm (30 minute sessions)
VENUE
SUITABILITY
W5, The Odyssey, 2 Queen’s Quay, Belfast BT3 9QQ
5–12 Yrs
“It has been scientifically proven that Art makes you happy.” DATE
TIME(S)
10.00am–4.00pm
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Thursday 15 – Sunday 25 February
Free with admission into W5.
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Boom! Studios, 80a Main Street, Bangor, BT20 6AE
All Ages
Over half-term, W5 is launching Operation Earth, part of a two-year-long national programme that will engage, inspire and involve school-age children and their families with Natural Environment Research Council’s world-leading environmental science research. The programme will highlight the relevance of contemporary environmental science issues to everyone’s daily lives and to society’s future and will explore the importance of environmental science in helping us understand our changing world.
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Drop in.
An exhibition from the Boom! Studios collective of artists to provoke happiness. We will be measuring the impact of this exhibition to see whether you are happier after you have visited this exhibition.
The programme will highlight the relevance of contemporary environmental science to everyone’s daily lives and to society’s future, whilst exploring the importance of environmental science in helping us understand our changing world.
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ONGOING EVENTS
TIME(S)
DATE
TIME(S)
Thursday 15–Sunday 25 February Opening reception Thurs 15 February, 6.00–8.00pm
11.00am–4.00pm (Closed Mondays)
Thursday 15 – Saturday 24 February
11.00am–6.00pm (Closed Sundays & Mondays)
SUITABILITY
Naughton Gallery, Queen’s University Belfast, University Rd, Belfast BT7 1NN
All Ages
VENUE
SUITABILITY
ArtisAnn Gallery, 70 Bloomfield Avenue, Belfast, BT5 5AE
All Ages
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Drop in.
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Drop in.
An exhibition of art and science celebrating astronomy, the planets and the stars. Since the dawn of time, artists and scientists have been inspired by the heavens. Scientists strive to understand the nature of the cosmos while artists wrestle to capture the majesty of the endless sky.
Curated in collaboration with Rachel Steinberg, Director of SOHO20 Gallery, Brooklyn, the Naughton Gallery at Queen’s University Belfast presents an international group exhibition by contemporary artists interested in how Science Fiction relates to the body. Where does a body end and a piece of technology begin? What does it mean to have a body as it relates to consciousness? Can we synthesise the metrics of experiencing a body? All of these questions are challenged through artworks which explore cyborgs, artificial intelligence and alien life. This exhibition has been generously supported by British Council Northern Ireland.
MON 19 FEB SUN 25 FEB
This exhibition brings together great art that captures the awe of the celestial bodies alongside scientific artefacts and photographs by leading astronomers.
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VENUE
TUE 20 FEB
DATE
WED 21 FEB
The View from Earth, the View from Space
THU 22 FEB
Science Fiction and the Body
FRI 23 FEB
ART & SCIENCE
SAT 24 FEB
ART & SCIENCE
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
IMAGE: KATIE TORN, #BATHROOMSELFIE (2016)
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ONGOING EVENTS
ART & SCIENCE
TECH & DIGITAL
The Cabinet of Myths The Great QR Hunt and Curiosities DATE
Thursday 15 – Sunday 25 February
DATE
TIME(S)
Thursday 15 – Saturday 24 February
11.00am–6.00pm (Closed Sundays & Mondays)
VENUE
SUITABILITY
ArtisAnn Gallery, 70 Bloomfield Avenue, Belfast, BT5 5AE
All Ages
NORTH WEST
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Across Northern Ireland
All Ages
ADMISSION & BOOKING
For more information contact wwcyouthlead@gmail.com
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Drop in.
This year at the NI Science Festival comes the first ever Great QR Hunt! Open to all, the aim of the game is simple. Hidden across several Festival venues are a number of QR codes. When a code is scanned, using a phone or tablet, players will receive a hint and a clue
Inspired by ‘Fake News’ and over-hyped advertising, this exhibition turns all the mad, unfounded claims plaguing modern society into unique works of art such as curing baldness, attracting the perfect partner and losing weight without trying!
Encouraging computational thinking: following instructions (algorithms), breaking tasks down (decomposition), deciphering what matters (abstraction) and using logic, once all QR codes are collected, the final riddle will revealed! Winner will be announced on Friday 23 February.
You will be amazed! You won’t believe your eyes! Buy into our fake science (and buy some genuine art)! Come to the Greatest Show on Earth – The Cabinet of Myths and Curiosities.
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NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
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THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ART & SCIENCE
W5, The Odyssey, 2 Queen’s Quay, Belfast BT3 9QQ
5–12 Yrs
MON 19 FEB
10.30am–6.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Framewerk, 10 Upper Newtownards Rd, Belfast BT4 3EL
All Ages
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free with admission into W5.
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Drop In.
Take part in W5’s new Lecture Theatre show ‘The Secret World of Gases’ and discover how gases will be used in the future. Find out how cold liquid nitrogen is and how air can become a liquid. Explore how hydrogen could power our future, heat our homes and run our buses.
The academic and writer Brené Brown suggests that we are “hardwired for struggle.” As human beings, we recognise the all too familiar oscillations of success and failure Our worlds pivot around the demands of work, relationships, responsibilities and urgency, leaving us feeling off-kilter and longing for peace and stability. Is the holy grail of a holistic and finelytuned equilibrium a myth? Or is the notion of balance a tangible possibility?
This programme has been developed with the UK Association for Science and Discovery Centres and is delivered with support from BOC and The Royal Society of Chemistry.
Artist Heather Dornan Wilson joins Ulster University psychologist, Dr Victoria Simms, actor and theatre maker Stephen Beggs & writer Jan Carson to explore issues around balance, tension, calibration and equilibrium, relating to our emotional wellbeing.
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TUE 20 FEB
SUITABILITY
TIME(S)
Monday 19–Sunday 25 February
WED 21 FEB
VENUE
DATE
THU 22 FEB
Various times. Check w5online.com for info.
FRI 23 FEB
TIME(S)
Thursday 15 – Sunday 25 February
SAT 24 FEB
DATE
The Notion of Balance
SUN 25 FEB
The Secret World of Gases
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EARTH & ELEMENTS
ONGOING EVENTS
TECH & DIGITAL
NATURAL WORLD
Arduino Workshops
Forest School
DATE
TIME(S)
DATE
TIME(S)
Thursday 15 February
10.00am–1.00pm 2.00pm–5.00pm
Thursday 15 February
10.00am, 1.00pm & 3.00pm (90 mins)
VENUE
SUITABILITY
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Ormeau Baths, 18 Ormeau Ave, Belfast BT2 8HS
12+
The Jungle NI, 60 Desertmartin Road, Moneymore, BT45 7RB
3–14 Yrs
ADMISSION & BOOKING
ADMISSION & BOOKING
£5. Book via nisciencefestival.com
£5. Book via nisciencefestival.com
Get to grips with the basics of coding and learn how you can use an Arduino to make just about anything! This workshop will focus on creating code that enables you to get input and output devices to do the things you want using basic coding language. If you are interested in getting into coding or simply want to have a go this is the workshop for you. No prior experience necessary.
Forest School is a unique natural classroom experience. The outdoor environment is an amazing classroom. Children learn best when challenged and interested; their self-esteem grows and they interact better with others. At the Jungle Forest School, our highly trained and skilled Forest School Leaders will work with children to allow them to explore the outdoors with appropriate support; giving children the time and space to develop a deep connection with nature. During the session participants will be getting hands-on experiences in a safe environment e.g. using tools, building dens, lighting fires, craft activities (making natural paints), tree climbing and much more.
NORTH WEST
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
WED 21 FEB
TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
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VENUE
SUITABILITY
Glengormley Library, 40 Carnmoney Rd, Glengormley, BT36 6HP & Ballymena Library, 5 Pat’s Brae, Ballymena BT43 5AX
10 Yrs + & Parents/ Guardians
ONGOING EVENTS
DATE
TIME(S)
Thursday 15–Friday 16 February
From 10.00am (90 mins, last admission 2.30pm)
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Ulster American Folk Park, Castletown, Omagh BT78 5QY
All Ages
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free with admission to Ulster American Folk Park
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
Hear the story of Irish emigration through our “History, Maths and Mystery” tour, incorporating history, magic tricks and mystery over the midterm break. Visit nine exhibits at the Folk Park, learning more about why people left Ireland, the hazardous Atlantic journey on the ship Brig Union and what awaited the emigrants in the New World. This unique, interactive adventure trail uses magic tricks and each visitor will receive a free booklet, explaining how to recreate the tricks at home.
MON 19 FEB SUN 25 FEB
The BBC micro:bit is a tiny computer that has been given to schools and selected libraries to help teach kids to code. In this workshop for beginners you will create Python programs that control the various components, with the help of our dedicated coach. Designed to teach you the fundamentals of programming, you will have the opportunity to create your own program and show us what you’ve done. Whether it be rock, paper, scissors, a banana keyboard or a milk carton robot, there’s an endless possibility of fun projects with the BBC micro:bit!
TUE 20 FEB
10.00am–12PM (Glengormley Library) 1.00–3.00pm (Ballymena Library)
WED 21 FEB
TIME(S)
Thursday 15 February (Glengormley Library) Saturday 24 February (Ballymena Library)
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NORTH WEST
DATE
THU 22 FEB
Micro:Bit Workshops History, Maths and Mystery
FRI 23 FEB
MATHS & PHYSICS
SAT 24 FEB
TECH & DIGITAL
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ONGOING EVENTS
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
MIND & BODY
Kitchen Science
Lead Exposure & Safe Motherhood
DATE
Thursday 15 February 10.00am–11.30am Holywood Arches 1.00–2.30pm Grove library Friday 16 February 10.00am–11.30am Finaghy 12.30–2.00pm Colin Glen Library VENUE
SUITABILITY
Libraries across Belfast Check Website For Details
3–14 Yrs
TIME(S)
Thursday 15 February
1.00–2.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Black Box, 18-22 Hill St, Belfast, BT1 2LA
16+
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
ADMISSION & BOOKING
What do you know about lead toxicity and its impact on your health and the health of your baby? There is a rising concern over the effect of products such as ceramics, solders, cosmetics, hair dye, aeroplanes and even water in lead pipes. This talk will explore new technology and techniques that could predict the toxicity levels of lead on the developing foetus and what care plan should be adopted for soon-to-be parents.
Free. Drop In Event.
Prepare to get messy with fizzy, hands-on, kitchen science fun with Science Starz. This mobile lab allows for children of all ages to carry out a variety of interactive science experiments using ingredients found in the kitchen.
SUN 25 FEB NORTH WEST
DATE
ADMISSION & BOOKING
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
WED 21 FEB
TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
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ONGOING EVENTS
DATE
TIME(S)
DATE
TIME(S)
Thursday 15 February
1.00pm
Thursday 15 February
2.00–3.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5AB
All Ages
Tropical Ravine, Botanic Gardens, Belfast BT7 1LP
14+
ADMISSION & BOOKING
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
£3. Book via nisciencefestival.com
Biological control is the use of natural enemies to control pests. In the home garden this can be done by introducing predators that eat the pests, parasitic wasps that parasitize the pests or pathogenic nematodes that enter into and infect the pest with a fatal bacterial disease. Join our expert among the plants on the ground floor of the newly refurbished Tropical Ravine to engage in live demonstrations and watch the world of pest and predator as they do battle.
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MON 19 FEB NORTH WEST
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
Have you ever wondered how beautiful the Earth looks from space? Join Dr Armando Marino for an interactive talk on the science of Earth Observation (EO), the skill of making sense of our Earth using satellite sensors. Come along to see what the satellites get to see!
TUE 20 FEB
The Battle of Predator and Pest
WED 21 FEB
Curious Eyes in the Sky
THU 22 FEB
NATURAL WORLD
FRI 23 FEB
SPACE
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ONGOING EVENTS NORTH WEST
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
WED 21 FEB
TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
MATHS & PHYSICS
Entangled: John Bell Lecture & Concert Performance DATE
TIME(S)
Thursday 15 February
6.00–10.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Sonic Arts Research Centre, Queen’s University Belfast, Cloreen Park, Belfast BT9 5HN
14+
ADMISSION & BOOKING
£8. Book via nisciencefestival.com
Electro-acoustic composer, Matthew Whiteside, has been commissioned by the Institute of Physics to write Entangled a new piece for string quartet, electronics and film. Exploring the work of renowned quantum physicist, John Bell from Tates Avenue Belfast, who is also Matthew’s great uncle, the piece will be performed by the Aurea Quartet with a film by Marisa Zanotti. John Bell proved that in the quantum realm, particles are entangled in a ‘spooky’ way. Quantum entanglement was first visualised by the Anton Zeilinger group in Vienna using a camera developed by Belfast-based Andor. Following the annual John Bell Lecture, which will look at at the applications of quantum entanglement, the evening will conclude with the Aurea Quartet performing a concert of music inspired by physics. This unique Institute of Physics-sponsored event brings music and quantum physics together and celebrates an inspirational role model from Belfast.
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TIME(S)
Thursday 15 February
7.00–8.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5AB
14+
ONGOING EVENTS
DATE
TIME(S)
Thursday 15 February
7.00–10.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Taylor & Clay Restaurant, Bullitt Hotel, 40A Church Lane, Belfast, BT1 4QN
18+
ADMISSION & BOOKING
£44. Book via events@bullitthotel.com or call on 028 95 900600
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
Enjoy an intimate dining experience at Taylor & Clay. The focus of ingredients will be based around fermented, preserved and good bacteria based foods, served alongside our flax fed wagyu beef cooked over ash wood on our signature Asador Grill.
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
The island of Ireland possesses extraordinary beauty and diversity in its geological heritage and has played a crucial role in the history of geology itself. In this talk, based on his book of the same title, Dr Patrick Roycroft will showcase this heritage with a special emphasis on Northern Ireland. In addition, there will be a demonstration of how everyone, young and old, can see for themselves spectacularly colourful zoning patterns in the common mineral muscovite mica.
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NORTH WEST
DATE
MON 19 FEB
What’s Your Beef?
A Geological Miscellany of Ireland
TUE 20 FEB
648 Billion Sunrises
WED 21 FEB
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
THU 22 FEB
EARTH & ELEMENTS
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ONGOING EVENTS WED 21 FEB
TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
SPACE
An Evening with Colonel Chris Hadfield DATE
TIME(S)
Thursday 15 February
7.30–9.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
The SSE Arena, 2 Queen’s Quay, BT3 9QQ Belfast, United Kingdom
All Ages
ADMISSION & BOOKING
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
£22.50 Student / £38.00 / £48.00 / £95.00 VIP
Since his retirement from active duty, Colonel Chris Hadfield has appeared worldwide onstage and television. Last year he returned to the BBC to host Astronauts: Do you Have What it Takes? The series took 12 applicants through a process of challenges, devised by Chris, to test their suitability to become an astronaut. During his five month stay on the International Space Station (ISS), Chris Hadfield became something of an extra-planetary media star. He not only shared extraordinary photos, he talked to schoolchildren, strummed his guitar and provided demonstration videos about daily life. On his last day on the ISS, he posted a farewell music video online – his version of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity”. It instantly went viral and has since been viewed more than 38 million times.
NORTH WEST
SUN 25 FEB
An evening with Chris Hadfield will open your eyes to dream the impossible!
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Thought Police
ONGOING EVENTS
Rainforest Feasts
DATE
TIME(S)
DATE
TIME(S)
Friday 16 February
10.00am–3.00pm
Friday 16 February
11.00–11.45am
VENUE
SUITABILITY
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5AB
All Ages
Tropical Ravine, Botanic Gardens, College Park E, Belfast BT7 1LP
All Ages
ADMISSION & BOOKING
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Drop in.
MON 19 FEB
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
TUE 20 FEB
SCIENCE IN SOCIETY
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
wCome and join us in the lower canopy of the newly refurbished Tropical Ravine. Like the Victorian Plant Hunters of the past, we’ll explore the history of a now very familiar fruit and delve into a world of tasting and identifying exotic fruits and spices.
FRI 23 FEB
Participants will be asked a short, psychological questionnaire, which explores their hypothetical moral standpoints, loosely based on themes of surveillance and thought crime. By the end of the questionnaire we will reveal whether you are part of the Thought Police or part of the resistance!
THU 22 FEB
The Thought Police is an interactive, immersive performance using screen print imagery to invite the public to consider the question - Are you in the Thought Police?
WED 21 FEB
£2. Book via nisciencefestival.com
19
NORTH WEST
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
You will be given a screen-printed poster to reflect your group before being sent off with some ideas to consider and play with during the rest of the day.
ONGOING EVENTS
SPACE
SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
Mission to Mars with Maddie Moate
Science Books Activity Day
DATE
TIME(S)
DATE
TIME(S)
Friday 16 February
12.00pm & 2.00pm
Friday 16 February
12.00–4.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5AB
6 Yrs +
Lisburn City Library, 23 Linenhall Street, BT28 1FJ
6–14 Yrs
ADMISSION & BOOKING
ADMISSION & BOOKING
£6 / £20 for Family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children). Book via nisciencefestival.com.
Free. Booking via nisciencefestival.com
Get creative at this hands-on, family friendly event inspired by some incredible science books. Join us for an exciting afternoon of arts and crafts and surprising science experiments all revolving around the books shortlisted for The Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize 2017.
Maddie is looking for new recruits to join her Astronaut Academy for a one of a kind Mission to Mars! Have you ever wondered how rockets work? Or how space suits are made? Find out with children’s television presenter Maddie Moate as she takes you on a journey through the solar system, equipped with special cameras and science demos!
Browse these fantastic books and find out how you and your school can help us decide next year’s winner.
NORTH WEST
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
WED 21 FEB
TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
20
ONGOING EVENTS
DATE
TIME(S)
DATE
TIME(S)
Friday 16 February
1.00–2.00pm
Friday 16 February
3.00–4.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Crescent Arts Centre, 2-4 University Rd, Belfast, BT7 1NH
14 Yrs+
Belfast Central Library, Royal Ave, Belfast BT1 1EA
0-6 Yrs
ADMISSION & BOOKING
ADMISSION & BOOKING
£6/£3. Book via nisciencefestival.com
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
Do you know a little scientist? Come and join four real-life scientists as they read some science storybooks! An informal story-time session designed to ignite little scientists’ passion for the subject.
21
NORTH WEST
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
You may think science is perfectly objective, but in the study of people, it’s all too easy for bias and prejudice to creep in. For centuries, many scientists have told us that women are biologically inferior to men, that they are intellectually less capable, sexually more chaste, and naturally designed to be homemakers and caregivers. Science journalist Angela Saini, author of the critically-acclaimed book, Inferior: How Science Got Women Wrong and the New Research That’s Rewriting the Story, has investigated the science behind the stereotypes and asks whether we need a radical overhaul of the way we think about women.
MON 19 FEB
Storytime for Little Scientists
TUE 20 FEB
How Science Got Women Wrong
WED 21 FEB
SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
THU 22 FEB
SCIENCE IN SOCIETY
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ONGOING EVENTS
TECH & DIGITAL
NATURAL WORLD
The Ethical Hacker DATE
TIME(S)
Friday 16 February
6.30–7.30pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Black Box, 18-22 Hill St, Belfast, BT1 2LA
18+
The Earth Beneath Our Oceans How Do We Listen To See What’s There?
ADMISSION & BOOKING
£5. Book via nisciencefestival.com
Jamie Woodruff is one of the world’s leading authorities on hacking and cyber security. He first entered the public eye when he successfully hacked Facebook as part of a student competition at Bangor University, where he was studying computer information systems. Jamie, who’s still only in his early 20s, has since uncovered security holes in numerous high-profile operations, including Kim Kardashian’s website, which he hacked to reveal that it was putting her fans’ data at serious risk.
NORTH WEST
DATE
TIME(S)
Friday 16 February
6.30–7.30pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
David Keir Building, Queen’s University, University Rd, Belfast BT7 1NN
All Ages
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
Over 65% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water and in some places more than 10km deep! Most of the Earth’s plate building processes operate here: generated heat is dissipated, economic resources are formed, life exists in environments as hostile as the surface of other planets and islands soar to elevations higher than Everest above the surrounding seabed. We need to see through the seabed to know what forms the Earth beneath. Now remote sounding is enabling us to see by listening. Professor Christine Peirce will reveal how this is done with equipment deployed from state-of-theart research vessels and examples drawn from current Discovery Science projects.
Join Jamie as he discusses hacking tools, techniques and how even seemingly secure organisations can be laid bare.
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
WED 21 FEB
TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
22
SUITABILITY
Queen’s Film Theatre, 20 University Square, Belfast BT7 1PA
10 Yrs +
ADMISSION & BOOKING
£6/£3 concession. Book via nisciencefestival.com
The universe is vast, complex and sometimes overwhelming. Our very existence is instantly crushed into perspective once we try to fathom the breadth of our expanding universe. There is a huge timeline behind us and, in this context, we are nothing more than a micro blip in the universe’s history.
ONGOING EVENTS
DATE
TIME(S)
Friday 16 February
7.00–8.30pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
National Football Stadium at Windsor Park, Donegall Ave, Belfast BT12 6LU
14 Yrs+
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Booking via nisciencefestival.com
The science behind sporting performance is vital for success. This seminar will feature expert contributions focusing on video and performance analysis, sports psychology and reflective practice in elite coaching.
The evening includes a panel discussion from leading experts about the potential role of immersive technologies in space exploration and education, a series of short films curated by Belfast Film Festival and a first look at a Virtual Reality experience brought to you by Boom Clap Play, Northern Ireland Screen and the NI Science Festival.
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
This interactive session will use case study examples from elite sport to demonstrate how sports science can be introduced at a club level.
MON 19 FEB
6:00 pm–8:45pm
VENUE
TUE 20 FEB
TIME(S)
Friday 16 February
23
NORTH WEST
DATE
Science Behind Sporting Performance
WED 21 FEB
Immersed In Space
THU 22 FEB
MIND & BODY
FRI 23 FEB
SPACE
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ONGOING EVENTS WED 21 FEB
TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
MIND & BODY
Evolution & Sex DATE
TIME(S)
Friday 16 February
7.45–9.15pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Lecture Theatre 1, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL
14 Yrs +
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Why did sex evolve? How has sex shaped human psychology? Is there really a biological necessity for sex? Showcasing three unique viewpoints. Social psychologist Dr. Holly Parker (Harvard University) will discuss how evolutionary forces still impact how human beings relate to each other. Dr. Edel Hyland (QUB) will take a broad perspective – asking, why does sexual reproduction hold many advantages to the success of all life? Finally, science communicator Emer Maguire (UK Famelab Winner and host of BBC Radio Ulster’s Science & Stuff) will give her very unique perspective! Our presenters highlight the prominent role women have in science following the recent award of a Gold Athena Swan award to the School of Biological Sciences at QUB.
NORTH WEST
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
£3. Book via nisciencefestival.com
24
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Belfast Zoo, Antrim Road, Belfast, BT36 7PN
15–18 Yrs
ONGOING EVENTS
VENUE
SUITABILITY
W5 at Odyssey, 2 Queen’s Quay, Belfast, BT3 9QQ
6 Yrs +
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free with admission into W5. Places must be prebooked by phoning 028 90467790
ADMISSION & BOOKING
£15. Book via nisciencefestival.com
Why not come to W5 over half-term and celebrate the night skies with our exciting programme of astronomy events? Explore the wonder and the discoveries made by astronomers throughout the last 400 years in our mobile, Fulldome planetarium. Discover mesmerising celestial objects hidden to the naked eye through images from the Hubble Space Telescope. Learn about the future of astronomy, space telescopes and the upcoming James Webb Space Telescope mission. You can also make your own planisphere to take home and explore the skies in your own time!
Zookeeping is not just shovelling poo and seeing magnificent animals every day. Over 90% of our keepers are qualified in the science behind animal care, health, behaviour, nutrition, and much more to enable them to care for endangered animals. Would you like a little taster of all of that? During our half day learning experience, you will be talking to keepers, curators, educators, researchers, the vet and getting some hands-on experience. You will learn the importance of caring for elephants’ feet and see up close how it’s done. Use your imagination and create an enrichment item to support the mental well-being of one of our animals.
SUN 25 FEB
This programme has been developed with support from the Science and Technology Facilities Council.
MON 19 FEB
9.15am–2.30pm
10.00am–2.00pm
TUE 20 FEB
Saturday 17 & Saturday 24 February
TIME(S)
Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 February
WED 21 FEB
TIME(S)
DATE
25
NORTH WEST
DATE
Life Through A Lens
THU 22 FEB
Science Behind the Zoo
FRI 23 FEB
SPACE
SAT 24 FEB
NATURAL WORLD
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ONGOING EVENTS NORTH WEST
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
WED 21 FEB
TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
TECH & DIGITAL
MIND & BODY
Dye Tracing CCRCB Open Day a Decade of Advances Experiment in Marble Celebrating in Cancer Research Arch Caves DATE
TIME(S)
Saturday 17 February
10.00am–12.30pm 1.30–3.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Marble Arch Caves, UNESCO Global Geopark, 43 Marlbank Rd, Florencecourt, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, BT92 1EW
10 Yrs +
DATE
TIME(S)
Saturday 17 February
10.30am & 12.30pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Centre for Cancer Research & Cell Biology, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AE
All Ages
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Registration is advised.
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
The Centre for Cancer Research & Cell Biology (CCRCB) Public Open Day on Saturday 17 February 2018 celebrates a decade of advances in Cancer Research in Belfast. There will be two sessions - one starting at 10.30am and the second at 12.30pm. Our leading researchers will present an overview of the Centre and explain what is needed to develop new cancer treatments - from basic biology to clinical trials. ‘Behind the scenes’ tours will provide an opportunity to view our laboratories and meet our research teams. Information stands will include clinical trials, the NI Biobank, cancer prevention and our local charity funders. A range of interactive activities will ensure that all the family can engage in this exciting and informative event.
The world famous Marble Arch Caves provide a glimpse into a fascinating, natural underworld of rivers, winding passages and lofty chambers and are a key site within the wider UNESCO Global Geopark. Join GSNI, Arup and Geopark staff to hear about the hydrology of these fascinating caves while watching the Owenbrean River turn a luminous shade of green! Dye tracing is a method used by hydrologists to track and trace the flow of underground streams and rivers. Learn about the importance of dye tracing in the field of Geology and the various equipment used to carry out these exciting experiments. Find out more about the tracing experiments that have been carried out in the wonderfully wet counties of Fermanagh and Cavan.
26
ONGOING EVENTS
Sounds From Beyond The Joy of Toys DATE
TIME(S)
DATE
TIME(S)
Saturday 17 February
10.30am–5.30pm
Saturday 17 February
10.30–11.15am 11.30am–12.15pm
All Ages
VENUE
SUITABILITY
The MAC, 10 Exchange Street West, Belfast, BT1 2NJ
6 mths–2 Yrs & Parents/ Guardians
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. No booking required.
ADMISSION & BOOKING
£5. Book via nisciencefestival.com
The School of Arts, English and Languages is opening its doors through the Sonic Arts Research Centre to showcase amazing work around the theme of “Sounds from Beyond”. Join us for several showcase events where you’ll experience anything from hands-on workshops on sound synthesis and sound editing, to talks and demos on themes such as ‘The Science of Victorian Ghosts’ or ‘Sounds from Space’. If you are really game you can even get a virtual haircut using binaural sound. We will showcase instruments of some of our students, and there will be a listening hour where you can play your own track in our gigantic 3D Sonic Space – a top professional, industry standard sound diffusion system – unique on this planet!
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
Psychologists Caspar Addyman and Victoria Simms reveal the science inside the toy box in this interactive play session with your baby. Let your little one enjoy the colours, textures, sounds and movements and discover how toys are helping their brains develop.
WED 21 FEB
Sonic Arts Research Centre, Queen’s University, Cloreen Park, Belfast BT9 5HN
THU 22 FEB
SUITABILITY
27
NORTH WEST
VENUE
MON 19 FEB
MIND & BODY
TUE 20 FEB
TECH & DIGITAL
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ONGOING EVENTS TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ENGINEERING AND ROBOTICS
SCIENCE IN SOCIETY
The TQ Giants Trail DATE
TIME(S)
Saturday 17 February
10.30am (90 minutes)
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Titanic Foundation, Titanic House, 6 Queens Road, Belfast, BT3 9DT
All Ages
Who Stole The Car? A Crime Scene Investigation
WED 21 FEB THU 22 FEB
11.00am–12.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Open University, 110 Victoria St, Belfast BT1 3GN
All Ages
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
A family friendly trail where you will be provided with a treasure map & lots of clues. Spend the morning exploring the Titanic Quarter (TQ) searching for industrial giants. Discover how these ‘Giants’ have played a huge role in TQ’s maritime history, and the one thing that links them all. There are prizes to be won!
Three people have been arrested on suspicion of car theft, but all three say that they are innocent. There are no witnesses, but crime scene investigators have found fibres on the car seats. Using well-known forensic techniques, join members of The Open University’s School of Life, Health and Chemical Sciences, and let’s work out who stole the car!
The Wee Tram will ferry everyone around the area, accompanied by a guide and TQ heritage helpers.
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
TIME(S)
Saturday 17 February
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
NORTH WEST
DATE
28
11am–1.00pm Workshop 1.30pm–4.00pm Masterclass
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Black Box, 18-22 Hill St, Belfast, BT1 2LA
12+
ONGOING EVENTS TIME(S)
Saturday 17 February
11.00am–12.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Emeleus Lecture Hall, Queen’s University Belfast, University Rd, BT7 1NN
14 Yrs +
ADMISSION & BOOKING
£2. Book via nisciencefestival.com
The first Frisbees came free with the purchase of the “invisible string” that they appeared to be attached to when they flew. Their magical flight paths have fascinated many since. They go round corners and twist and turn when thrown upside down. Controlling the route taken by the flying disk is of particular interest to aficionados of “ultimate”, a high-speed sport in which passing to team-mates doesn’t have to involve straight lines. Dr Trevor Agus introduces the physics of Frisbee flight with demonstrations from Belfast Ultimate and Queen’s Ultimate sports clubs.
ADMISSION & BOOKING
£5. Book via nisciencefestival.com
In partnership with Explosion Sound System and Black Box, Bounce Culture will lead a workshop exploring beat making techniques using cutting edge software in contrast to wiring analogue speaker systems used in sound clashes from Jamaican music culture.
MON 19 FEB SUN 25 FEB
Beats created during the workshop will be used during the masterclass to truely test out the Explosion Soundsystem. The best loops will also be used during an improvised loop jam session that afternoon and within the Neo Neo #6 night time event.
TUE 20 FEB
Saturday 17 February
DATE
WED 21 FEB
TIME(S)
(Well, Frisbees!)
29
NORTH WEST
DATE
The Science of Flying Saucers
THU 22 FEB
Found Soundsystems Workshop & Masterclass
FRI 23 FEB
SPORT SCIENCE
SAT 24 FEB
TECH & DIGITAL
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ONGOING EVENTS TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
SPACE
NATURAL WORLD
Life as an Astronaut DATE
TIME(S)
Saturday 17 & Saturday 24 February
11.15am – 12.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, College Hill, Armagh, BT61 9DB
All Ages
ParkLife Saturday Clubs
Free with admission into Armagh Observatory and Planetarium
NORTH WEST
TIME(S)
Saturday 17 February
11.30am–1.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Bowling Pavilion, Botanic Gardens, College Park E, Belfast BT7 1LP
0–14 Yrs & Parents/ Guardians
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Book via parklife@belfastcity.gov.uk
Do you know what it takes to become an astronaut? How has life changed from the early Apollo missions to the current missions to the International Space Station? How do you eat in space? What does space food taste like? Can you have a bath in space? What will happen to the future explorers, will it be possible to actually live on Mars?
Come along to our Saturday club and heart your park. Find out all about your health and heart by playing games with a natural twist and showing your park how much you love it!
Find out the answers to these questions and more at the Armagh Planetarium’s ‘Life as an Astronaut’ workshop, suitable for all the family.
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
WED 21 FEB
ADMISSION & BOOKING
DATE
30
Earth
ONGOING EVENTS
The Science of Harry Potter
(2007, Documentary, PG)
SUITABILITY
Strand Arts Centre, 156 Holywood Road, Belfast BT4 1NY
All Ages
ADMISSION & BOOKING
DATE
TIME(S)
Saturday 17 February
1pm–2pm & 3pm–4pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Black Box, 18-22 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LA
All Ages
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
£6/£20 for family of four (2 Parents, 2 Children). Book via nisciencefestival.com
Be transported across planet Earth, from the icy plains of the Arctic to the sweltering African savannah. Narrated by Patrick Stewart and set to beautiful music, this documentary shows the diversity of habitats on Earth and the incredible animals, big and small, that inhabit them. Following the stories of various animal mothers, learn how precarious raising young in the wild really is and how these animals overcome it! After the film come join us for our creative workshop for kids, inspired by the film.
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
Did you ever wonder if science has any explanation for the fantastic feats found in the Potter series? Join Jon Chase, co-author of The Science of Harry Potter, on a journey through some of the man-made versions of wizarding wonders.
WED 21 FEB
12.00–1.30pm
VENUE
THU 22 FEB
TIME(S)
Saturday 17 February
31
NORTH WEST
DATE
MON 19 FEB
SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
TUE 20 FEB
NATURAL WORLD
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ONGOING EVENTS NORTH WEST
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
WED 21 FEB
TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
TECH & DIGITAL
MIND & BODY
Northern Ireland Raspberry Jam NISF Special DATE
TIME(S)
Saturday 17 February
1.00–5.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
School of Maths and Physics Teaching Centre Queen’s University 7-9 College Park E Belfast BT7 1PS
6+
Know Your Enemy Disease-Focussed Research at Queen’s University DATE
TIME(S)
Saturday 17 February
1.00–5.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Centre for Experimental Medicine, Wellcome Wolfson Building, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL
All Ages
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Drop in event.
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
Join scientists from the Centre for Experimental Medicine at Queen’s to explore how the human body works and how we are leading the fight against disease. You will hear about the work of local scientists who are committed to improving the lives of patients, and who focus their efforts around three disease themes: eye disease, diabetes/vascular disease and respiratory/infectious disease. Come explore our exciting research and let us inspire you through a range of short talks, demonstrations and interactive stands, all led by the Centre’s staff and students. The whole family can experience research up close and tours of our stateof-the-art building will allow visitors to appreciate our commitment to disease-focused research.
Come one, come all to the Northern Ireland Raspberry Jam! In collaboration with the School of Physics and Mathematics at Queens, Farset Labs and the Northern Ireland Raspberry Jam team, these free monthly events involve tinkering, coding, electronics and generally just having a stack of fun making stuff! Whether you want to try out computer programming for the first time, hack some electronics or just generally have some fun inventing, we have something for everyone! All equipment is provided and we have activities for complete beginners right up to seasoned Pi experts.
32
The Dating Game 16 Yrs +
ADMISSION & BOOKING
ONGOING EVENTS
DATE
TIME(S)
Saturday 17 February
2.00–3.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
The MAC, 10 Exchange Street West, Belfast BT1 2NJ
All Ages
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
£5. Book via nisciencefestival.com
Have you ever wondered how radiocarbon dating is used to produce dates for archaeologists and geoscientists? This event will introduce you to radiocarbon dating through a short lecture followed by a tour of the 14CHRONO Centre – QUB’s Accelerator Mass Spectrometer (AMS) radiocarbon dating facility – the only one on the island of Ireland.
Join Developmental Psychologists Caspar Addyman and Victoria Simms as they explore the latest infant research attempting to understand what is really going on inside the brain of a baby! This session will explore our current understanding of infant development, something which parents and non-parents will find intriguing!
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
This event is intended for adults, but children are welcome.
WED 21 FEB
SUITABILITY
School of Natural & Built Environment, Queen’s University Belfast, 6AZ, Elmwood Ave, Belfast BT9
THU 22 FEB
2.00–4.00pm
VENUE
FRI 23 FEB
TIME(S)
Saturday 17 February
33
NORTH WEST
DATE
What Do Babies Think?
MON 19 FEB
MIND & BODY
TUE 20 FEB
SCIENCE IN SOCIETY
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ONGOING EVENTS NORTH WEST
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
WED 21 FEB
TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The Hans Sloane The Rot or Not Show Chocolate Experience Bacteria, Fungus & Food DATE
TIME(S)
Saturday 17 February
2.00–2.45pm & 3.15–4.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Dufferin Coaching Inn Hall, 35 High Street, Killyleagh, Co. Down BT30 9QF
6 Yrs +
DATE
TIME(S)
Saturday 17 February
2.00–3.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Medical Biology Centre, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL
All Ages
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Book nisciencefestival.com
ADMISSION & BOOKING
£2.50. Book via nisciencefestival.com
Over one third of all food produced globally is lost or wasted; that’s the equivalent of 1.3 billion tonnes of food. In 2015, UK households alone wasted an estimated 7.3 million tonnes of food and most of this was avoidable. Join us to find out about the microorganisms that cause our food to rot, how wasting food damages our environment and discover some interesting ways we can put wasted food to good use.
Meet Sir Hans Sloane who discovered drinking chocolate and hear his amazing story. Find out about his life as a small boy in Killyleagh village and how he learned to read and write in the library of Killyleagh Castle. Hear about his adventures and how he became the King’s very own doctor, sent on a special mission to Jamaica. After an epic journey home to London, he found fame and fortune and promoted drinking chocolate for good health. Discover all about chocolate and where it comes from. Taste different types of chocolate and decide which one you like best. Finally after all your hard work enjoy a cup of delicious hot chocolate and a choc chip cookie or brownie.
34
10 Yrs +
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
ONGOING EVENTS
DATE
TIME(S)
Saturday 17 February
2.15–3.15pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
The Old Museum Building, 7 College Square North, Belfast BT1 6AR
18 +
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
Bogs today are mainly seen as little more than a source of fuel and peat moss. But bogs have stories to tell... Since the end of the last ice age, bogs have been capturing snapshots of the environment. From rain patterns, pollen levels, evidence of flora & fauna (including humans!) and even ash from far-flung volcanoes, bogs provide a window into the history of the environment.
Born and educated in Belfast, John Stewart Bell FRS (1928-1990) was one of the most original theoretical physicists of recent times. Working on a range of topics across quantum mechanics, particle physics and relativity, Bell asked profound questions and made lasting contributions. Recognition has grown since his death, and the lecture will take place just across the street from ‘John Bell House’, the former Technical College. It will be given by Professor Andrew Whitaker of Queen’s University, the leading expert on Bell’s life and work and his biographer. Although Bell’s work may seem challenging to the nonspecialist, the lecture will be of general interest, covering Bell’s life and an outline appreciation of his achievements.
This workshop will introduce you to the types of information archaeologists and palaeoecologists can recover from bogs, with hands-on displays of some of the evidence that we recover to reconstruct the past environment, past climate and past human activity.
35
MON 19 FEB TUE 20 FEB
SUITABILITY
School of Natural & Built Environment, Queen’s University Belfast, 6AZ, Elmwood Ave, Belfast BT9
WED 21 FEB
2.00–3.30pm
VENUE
THU 22 FEB
TIME(S)
Saturday 17 February
FRI 23 FEB
DATE
John Stewart Bell: A Great Belfast Physicist of our Time
SAT 24 FEB
The Hidden Secrets of Irish Bogs
SUN 25 FEB
MATHS & PHYSICS
NORTH WEST
NATURAL WORLD
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ONGOING EVENTS NORTH WEST
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
WED 21 FEB
TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
MIND AND BODY
ART & SCIENCE
Neo Neo #6
Mind over Money
DATE
TIME(S)
DATE
TIME(S)
Saturday 17 February
9.30pm–Late
Sunday 18 February
12:00–1.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Black Box, 18-22 Hill St, Belfast, BT1 2LA
18+
Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5AB
14 Yrs +
ADMISSION & BOOKING
ADMISSION & BOOKING
£6. Book via nisciencefestival.com
Pay what you think it’s worth! Book via nisciencefestival.com
Neo Neo is an event series that showcases the finest in experimental music and contemporary visual art, providing opportunity for collaborative practices. Neo Neo events are live and immersive where audiences are part of a unique experience. Previous Neo Neo artists include The Host, Kaidi Tatham, Sina, Stephen Henry, Ken & Ryu, TONN Recordings, Touch Sensitive Records, DEFCON, Shammen Delly, Black Mountain Transmitter, Aideen Doran, Ben Craig, Helena Hamilton.
Most of us think we’re good at spotting deals, but as award-winning broadcaster and writer Claudia Hammond reveals in this talk on the psychology of money, this is far from the truth. In a whistlestop tour of the world’s best psychological and neuroscientific research on money, the author of “Mind Over Money” highlights the mistakes we all have a tendency to make and shares her evidence-based tips for a healthier relationship with money.
For the sixth iteration of Neo Neo we are delighted to announce BLOOM, whose latest remixing credits include Bjork, headlines an evening with some of Belfast’s most exciting artist and music creators. All will be playing through the Explosion Soundsystem with a surprise collaboration on offer. Heavy weight vibrations will surrounded visuals curated by Rachael Campbell Palmer. Organised in partnership with Bounce Culture and Black Box Belfast. 36
TIME(S)
Sunday 18 February
1.00–4.30pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5AB
10 Yrs +
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. No booking required.
ONGOING EVENTS
DATE
TIME(S)
Sunday 18 February
1.00–2.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Black Box, 18-22 Hill St, Belfast, BT1 2LA
18+
ADMISSION & BOOKING
£5. Book via nisciencefestival.com
Five years ago, on 15th February 2013, a 10,000 tonne meteorite exploded over the Russian city of Chelyabinsk. Some pieces of this giant rock from Space, and other meteorites, are on display in the Ulster Museum but curator and meteorite expert Dr Mike Simms will bring out some others from the museum’s collections for you to handle and admire. If you have a meteorite yourself, or think you have found one, then bring it along for Mike to take a look at.
MON 19 FEB SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
What’s that? A non-trivial zero not on the critical line? An infinity of them? And a new type of spiral? Musician Colin Reid has another go at cracking the uncrackable and shows us how to tune a guitar with the zeta landscape.
37
NORTH WEST
DATE
TUE 20 FEB
Chelyabinsk Day: How to Almost Meet the Meteorites (Un)Solve the Riemann Hypothesis
WED 21 FEB
MATHS & PHYSICS
THU 22 FEB
SPACE
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ONGOING EVENTS TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
IMAGE: @jackf
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
NATURAL WORLD
MIND & BODY
Resilient Oceans in a Morbid Anatomy: Changing World Life & Death Inside The Mortuary DATE
TIME(S)
Sunday 18 February
2.00–3.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5AB
14 Yrs +
£3. Book via nisciencefestival.com
1.00–2.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Black Box, 18-22 Hill St, Belfast, BT1 2LA
16+
£6. Book via nisciencefestival.com
Journey into the deep to discover how our oceans are adapting to a changing world.
Join Carla Valentine, curator of the world-famous Barts Pathology Museum in London and queen of the specimen jar, as she talks all things autopsy and anatomy. Drawing upon her experience as a mortician, she sheds light on what the living can learn from investigations into death, considers how our cultural attitudes to mortality have changed throughout history, and provides fascinating insight into what happens when the mortuary doors swing shut.
Whether from overfishing, our growing population or a rapidly changing climate, the oceans and the abundance of life within them are under threat. Join our expert panel to discuss the impact of humanity on our blue planet and discover how we can build resilience in this rich and fascinating ecosystem.
SUN 25 FEB NORTH WEST
TIME(S)
Sunday 18 February
ADMISSION & BOOKING
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
WED 21 FEB
ADMISSION & BOOKING
DATE
38
ONGOING EVENTS
TIME(S)
DATE
TIME(S)
Sunday 18 February
3.00–4.00pm
Sunday 18 February
3.00–4.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Black Box, 18 – 22 Hill St, Belfast, BT1 2LA
All Ages
Sonic Arts Research Centre, Cloreen Park, Belfast, BT9 5HN
14 Yrs+
ADMISSION & BOOKING
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
£3. Book via nisciencefestival.com
Why does the position of the trombone’s slide affect the notes the player’s lips can make? Why does over-blowing make the flute, recorder and oboe go up an octave—but not the clarinet? Is there any logic behind the different fingerings for different instruments? What makes wind instruments sound different? Why do reeds vibrate at all?! Dr Trevor Agus is joined by Colin Stark and other wind players from the Ulster Orchestra for some music, demonstrations, and the science behind the sounds. The talk will be followed by a Q&A session and the chance to play some instruments yourself.
39
MON 19 FEB NORTH WEST
SUN 25 FEB
Join Dr Rachel McMullan from The Open University as we explore the origins of disgust. Using live demonstrations and audience experiments let’s find out together how the behaviour of humans, macaques and even worms protects them from disease and why the things that make you feel disgusted could actually be protecting you.
TUE 20 FEB
DATE
WED 21 FEB
Science of Wind Instruments
THU 22 FEB
Yuck, That’s Disgusting!
FRI 23 FEB
ART & SCIENCE
SAT 24 FEB
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ONGOING EVENTS NORTH WEST
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
WED 21 FEB
TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ART & SCIENCE
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Wed-Lough: A Cycle Urban Bee Keeping of Duets from Nature A Faculty Lecture DATE
TIME(S)
Sunday 18 February
3.00–3.45pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Artspace, Oxford Island National Nature Reserve, Craigavon, BT66 6NJ
All Ages
DATE
TIME(S)
Sunday 18 February
3.00–4.30pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Black Box, 18-22 Hill St, Belfast, BT1 2LA
All Ages
ADMISSION & BOOKING
£6. Book via nisciencefestival.com
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
Tonya McMullan, co-founder of Infinity Farm, presents a lecture on the subject of Urban Beekeeping. Infinity Farm CIC is an urban agriculture and art project in Belfast, which aims to connect people, herbs and bees through urban agriculture, art and educational workshops.
From October 2017 to January 2018, writer and composer, Reggie Chamberlain-King, is artist-in-residence at Oxford Island National Nature Reserve at Lough Neagh. He can trace his family back to a shotgun wedding on the shores of the lough in the 18th century and, in this, the year of his own marriage, he aims to compare and contrast those human experiences with the bonding behaviours, mating rituals, and survival instincts of the unique flora and fauna of the reserve: the themes of life itself. This performance will be the premier of Wed-Lough, the work produced during the residency, a new cycle of duets for a mix of instruments, spokenword, and field recordings.
Tonya is a visual artist and Infinity Farm is an extension of an art practice that is concerned with public space. She has been a bee keeper for three years and has recently set up an urban apiary on the roof of an artist run space, “Bank”, in East Belfast.
40
ONGOING EVENTS
DATE
TIME(S)
4.00–5.00pm
Sunday 18 February
7.30–10.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5AB
14 Yrs +
Sunflower Public House, 65 Union Street, Belfast, BT1 2JG
18+
ADMISSION & BOOKING
ADMISSION & BOOKING
£3. Book via niscienfestival.com
£6. Book via nisciencefestival.com
Discover the thought-provoking world of transhumanism with author and journalist Mark O’Connell.
Participants are invited to join the “Electronica Ensemble” in this unique opportunity to provide a new live score for the iconic 1927 sci-fi film Metropolis. This unique evening will involve the musical collaboration of the Ensemble alongside the melodious participation from those in the room – not by simply ringing the triangle but through the latest app technology, downloaded. IPads will be dispersed throughout the room and contributors can tinker away on the programme whilst watching the movie and sounds will be blended and mixed together to create a one-off immersive experience.
From individuals who are enhancing their bodies with technology to immortalists trying to ‘solve’ the problem of death, we uncover the futuristic movement that questions what next for humankind. To Be A Machine was shortlisted for the 2017 Royal Society Insight Investment Science Book Prize.
41
NORTH WEST
SUN 25 FEB
Event hosted by Claudia Hammond.
MON 19 FEB
TIME(S)
Sunday 18 February
TUE 20 FEB
DATE
WED 21 FEB
TAP
THU 22 FEB
To Be A Machine
FRI 23 FEB
ART & SCIENCE
SAT 24 FEB
ENGINEERING & ROBOTICS
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ONGOING EVENTS
NATURAL WORLD
ART & SCIENCE
Winter Tree Trail in Botanic Gardens
The Science of Photography
DATE
TIME(S)
DATE
TIME(S)
Monday 19 & Tuesday 20 February
11.00am–12.30pm
Monday 19 February
6.00–9.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Bowling Green, Botanic Gardens, College Park E, Belfast BT7 1LP
16 Yrs +
NORTH WEST
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Belfast Exposed, 23 Donegal Street,Belfast, BT1 2FF
18+
ADMISSION & BOOKING
£30. Book via m.smyth@belfastexposed.org
ADMISSION & BOOKING
£3. Book via nisciencefestival.com
The importance of light in a photographic portrait, travelling in waves and particles, offers both measurable and dramatic compositions. In a portrait, we use light to create atmosphere and mood. Measuring the light correctly helps to achieve different effects. This workshop looks at creative portrait lighting and the science used to obtain the perfect measured balance of mood and composition. We will learn 5 different lighting set-ups: High Key; Low Key; Rembrandt; Butterfly and Split lighting.
Winter Tree Trail gives the public a chance to visit some of the 500+ trees in the Botanic Gardens and learn to recognise them in their winter clothes. This features a guided walk through the tree collections starting with the conifers – the sequoias, the pines, the recently discovered Wollemia and many others from around the world. We will then look at a number of deciduous trees that can be identified from their winter twigs, followed by a short workshop in the warmth of the Bowling Pavilion where we can look at specimens collected and make use of tree identification books.
We will look at the science behind light being reflected in the spectrum to let us see the colour of an object and how other light in the spectrum is absorbed enhancing this.
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
WED 21 FEB
TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
42
ONGOING EVENTS TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
MIND & BODY
Sport Insight
THU 22 FEB
All Ages
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
Sports Correspondent, Denise Watson will be joined by an expert panel featuring coaches, sport scientists and sport medicine providers will share their insights on ‘Pursuing Performance Improvement’ in this Q&A style event. This session will challenge thinking and provide take home messages for all interested in sports improvement at an individual or team level. Lessons in profiling, monitoring and prescribing training in order to gain performance improvement and the importance of high performance behaviours in the journey to success will all be discussed.
43
FRI 23 FEB
SUITABILITY
Crescent Arts Centre, 2-4 University Rd, Belfast BT7 1NH
SAT 24 FEB
7.00–8.00pm
VENUE
SUN 25 FEB
TIME(S)
Monday 19 February
NORTH WEST
DATE
WED 21 FEB
Pursuing Performance Improvement
ONGOING EVENTS TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ENGINEERING & ROBOTICS
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Robochallenge DATE
TIME(S)
Monday 19 February
7.00–9.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
South Dining Hall, Queen’s University Belfast, University Rd, Belfast BT7 1NN
10–14 Yrs
Wine, Whisky & Beer The Role of Geology
WED 21 FEB
7.30–8.30pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5AB
18+
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
It’s alive! Well, kind of… In this fun, engaging, hands-on workshop, you will be introduced to the basics of programming and robotics by the engineering team from Sentinus. Put your robot to the test as you work together to program it to follow commands, navigate its way around a course and complete challenges. May the best robot win!
We read that the rocks and stones in vineyards affect the taste of wine and that whisky is influenced by the rocks the water encountered on its way to the distillery. With beer, in contrast, geology is rarely mentioned. In his talk, Professor Alex Maltman will review this situation and present evidence that leads to perhaps surprising conclusions. It may even prompt you to think about your favourite tipples in a new light!
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
TIME(S)
Monday 19 February
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
NORTH WEST
DATE
44
Black Box, 18-22 Hill St, Belfast BT1 2LA
18+
ADMISSION & BOOKING
£2 per person. No booking required.
ONGOING EVENTS
DATE
TIME(S)
Monday 19 February
8.00–8.45pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Queen’s University, Belfast, David Kier Building, University Rd, Belfast BT7 1NN (confirm this with School of Chemistry)
14+
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
Make the most of your Monday! Drop in to The Black Box for a light-hearted team quiz devised by Mensa. No football, no soaps – just science, technology, engineering and a bit of general knowledge. Even if your quizzing is less than impressive, grab a few friends and come on down for the craic! You might even win a prize. Teams of up to six people welcome.
The search for alternative fuel is a challenge but what if we only had to look as far as the contents of our bins? Over the course of a lifetime, a person throws away the equivalent of 14.5 school buses of rubbish. In the UK, around 7.3 million tonnes of food are wasted each year, costing £13 billion. Most of this is put in landfill or incinerated, usually contaminated by grease and oils, which can damage recycling equipment. Dr Ahmed Osman of Queen’s University Belfast has discovered a pioneering way to convert your rubbish into a biofuel catalyst, which could help to solve global waste and energy problems.
45
MON 19 FEB TUE 20 FEB
SUITABILITY
WED 21 FEB
7.30–10.30pm
VENUE
THU 22 FEB
TIME(S)
Monday 19 February
FRI 23 FEB
DATE
How To Fill Your Car From Your Bin
SAT 24 FEB
Mensa Magnificent Monday Quiz
SUN 25 FEB
SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
NORTH WEST
SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ONGOING EVENTS WED 21 FEB
TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ENGINEERING AND ROBOTICS
ENGINEERING AND ROBOTICS
Sir Bernard Crossland Annual Lecture
Exploring the New World of Self-Driving Vehicles
Responsibility amidst a Revolution in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics DATE
TIME(S)
Tuesday 20 February
6.00–7.30pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Riddel Hall, Queen’s University, 185 Stranmillis Rd, Belfast BT9 5EE
18+
THU 22 FEB FRI 23 FEB SAT 24 FEB SUN 25 FEB
TIME(S)
Tuesday 20 February
6.30–8.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
The Metropolitan Arts Centre, 10 Exchange Street West, Belfast BT1 2NJ
14+
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
ADMISSION & BOOKING
NORTH WEST
DATE
The self-driving cars, trucks and vans of the future are already here. How will these new forms of transport affect the towns and countryside we live in? How will this new technology change the way in which we carry out our everyday activities? How might patterns of working and shopping change? Improved road safety and increased mobility may be the upside of these changes but will we need new rules of the road, new cyber safety standards and new models of vehicle ownership? This presentation from the Institution of Engineering and Technology will look at some of these issues.
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
This year, Engineers Ireland and the Chief Executives Club at Queen’s University, with support from the Institution of Engineering and Technology, are delighted to welcome Professor Noel Sharkey (Judge on Robot Wars). Noel will be discussing the fascinating topic of robotics and artificial intelligence in his lecture. He will address how we might be responsible in an ever-changing world of engineering and technology for these fields of study. Professor David Jones, Pro-ViceChancellor for Education and Students, will give the welcome address at this event.
46
ONGOING EVENTS SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
SUITABILITY
Queen’s Film Theatre, 20 University Square, Belfast BT7 1PA
16+
ADMISSION & BOOKING
ADMISSION & BOOKING
£3. Book via nisciencefestival.com
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
Food Evolution shows how easily misinformation, confusion and fear can overwhelm objective analysis. How do we ensure that our food supply is safe, and that everyone has enough to eat? How do we feed the world while also protecting the planet? Has genetic engineering increased or decreased pesticide use? Are GMO foods bad for your health? And, most importantly, what data, evidence and sources are we using to approach these important questions?
Around 10% of the Northern Irish population are redheads, but how much do we know about the science behind this wonderful fiery feature? In this illuminating seminar, scientist and proud redhead Dr Declan McKenna discusses the ginger gene, explaining how it affects hair colour and why it is so common in this part of the world. Along the way he will explore the cultural significance of red hair throughout human history, discuss gingerism and explain why red hair is the new object of desire. This event will be run in conjunction with the Belfast Science Cafe and is suitable for all ages. Gingernuts and carrot-tops are especially welcome!
Where do ethical and political questions lie in this issue? Who controls genetic engineering and in whose interests, is it developed? What are the grounds upon which it is being opposed? Does being opposed to GMOs reflect an ‘antiscience’ and ‘Luddite’ perspective? A panel discussion will take place after the film focusing on issues relating to GMO foods with Johnathan J. Dalzell and Professor John Barry from Queen’s University Belfast.
47
MON 19 FEB
18+
6.30–8.30pm
VENUE
TUE 20 FEB
SUITABILITY
Black Box, 18-22 Hill St, Belfast BT1 2LA
TIME(S)
Tuesday 20 February
WED 21 FEB
VENUE
DATE
THU 22 FEB
6.30–7.30pm
FRI 23 FEB
TIME(S)
Tuesday 20 February
SAT 24 FEB
DATE
SUN 25 FEB
Belfast Science Cafe: Food Evolution Screening and Panel Discussion Ginger Genetics
SUN 18 FEB
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
NORTH WEST
MIND & BODY
ONGOING EVENTS
SPACE
ENGINEERING AND ROBOTICS
Stargazing Open Night
Superdomes
DATE
TIME(S)
Tuesday 20 February
7.00–9.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, College Hill, Armagh BT619DB
All Ages
NORTH WEST
DATE
TIME(S)
Tuesday 20 February
7.00–9.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Queens University, Whitla Hall University Road, Belfast BT7 1NN
10-14 Yrs. with guardians
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
ADMISSION & BOOKING
£2.50 per child, £3 per adult, £10 per family (2 Adults + 3 Children). Pre-booking is essential for digital theatre show. Telephone 028 3752 3689 or email reception@armaghplanet.com
Come and learn how to build “nature’s perfect structure”. Using minimal materials and having the potential to cover enormous spaces, not only are geodesic domes environmentally friendly and incredibly strong, they are an incredible mathematical feat! This hands-on construction based workshop gives children and their parents a chance to build a superdome of their own. This is a fantastic free event, perfect for any budding engineer or architect.
Marvel at the wonders of the cosmos on this very special evening at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium. Visitors are invited to travel to the stars through a Digital Theatre show and find more about our astronomers’ ground-breaking research during interactive talks. You will also have an opportunity to peek through our public telescope during this late opening session but make sure to wrap up as it will definitely be chilly! Telescope viewing is weather dependent.
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
WED 21 FEB
TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
48
8.00–9.30pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Strand Arts Centre, 156 Holywood Road, Belfast BT4 1NY
All Ages
ADMISSION & BOOKING
£4. Book via nisciencefestival.com
ONGOING EVENTS
DATE
TIME(S)
Tuesday 20 February
6.30–8.30pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Sixteen South Television, 1 Clarence Street, Belfast BT2 8DX
14+
ADMISSION & BOOKING
£6. Book via nisciencefestival.com
When Apollo astronaut, Eugene Cernan, stepped off the moon in 1972, he left his footprints and his daughter’s initials in the lunar dust. Only now, forty years later, is he ready to share his epic but deeply personal story. Cernan’s burning ambition carried him to the spectacular and hazardous environment of space and to the moon, but there was a heavy price to pay for the fame and privilege that followed. As his wife famously remarked, ‘If you think going to the moon is hard, try staying at home.’ This documentary combines rare archive material, compelling visual effects and unprecedented access to present an iconic historical character on the big screen.
MON 19 FEB SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
Join some of the very talented creators and digital animators from Sixteen South for a talk and introductory workshop and hear about the process of creating quality television, with a heart, for children across the globe. The team includes James Law Art, Director of the Pinkalicious production; Ash O’Brien, Animator for the Claude production and Daniel Lazenby, Senior Designer for the Claude production.
TUE 20 FEB
TIME(S)
Tuesday 20 February
49
NORTH WEST
DATE
Sixteen South Animation Masterclass
WED 21 FEB
The Last Man on the Moon (PG)
THU 22 FEB
TECH & DIGITAL
FRI 23 FEB
SPACE
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ONGOING EVENTS SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ENGINEERING AND ROBOTICS
TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SCIENCE IN SOCIETY
Mapathon: The Missing Maps Project DATE
TIME(S)
Wednesday 21 February
6.00–7.30pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Medical Biology Centre Room 01/110, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL
14 Yrs + (Minors must be accompanied by an adult)
Pitch200
WED 21 FEB THU 22 FEB FRI 23 FEB
6.30–8.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Black Box, 18-22 Hill St, Belfast BT1 2LA
18+
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
Civil Engineers make modern life possible. A bold statement you may say, but after this 90-minute event, we think you’ll agree! Pitch200 is a quickfire event designed to transform your thinking in 200 seconds or less! Civil engineers will compete to give the best demonstration of what they do in just 200 seconds (or less). With talks ranging from transport systems, the creation of spaces for human habitation, energy, water supply and much more! Join in the fun, grab some free grub and learn how civil engineers build our quality of life.
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
Come and join us for an evening of humanitarian mapping using an open Geographical Information System (GIS). The Missing Maps Project maps the most crisis-prone parts of the world utilising satellite, aerial and drone images. Using web map tools, identify buildings and directly help humanitarian organisations improve the lives of some of the planet’s most vulnerable people. Whether you’re an experienced Humanitarian Mapper or have never mapped before, come along to learn more about the Missing Maps Project, OpenStreetMaps and GIS. This event is run in partnership with Geography at QUB and the Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland.
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
TIME(S)
Wednesday 21 February
ADMISSION & BOOKING
ADMISSION & BOOKING
NORTH WEST
DATE
50
The Antibiotic Apocalypse
ONGOING EVENTS
Sport Insight
Reloading for the next performance
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Conor Lecture Theatre, Ulster University, 25-51 York St, Belfast BT15 1ED
14+
7.00–8.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Crescent Arts Centre, 2-4 University Rd, Belfast BT7 1NH
14+
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
ADMISSION & BOOKING
£2. Book via nisciencefestival.com
As a follow up to Monday’s event, ‘Sport Insight - Pursuing Performance Improvement’, Sports Correspondent, Denise Watson will be joined by another expert panel at another Q&A style event, into why ‘smart recovery’ is critical for many athletes and the role of sport science has in aiding recovery. By challenging thinking and providing take home messages for all interested in sports improvement at an individual or team level this is a great opportunity to learn lessons from how the best athletes recover.
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
The development and spread of superbugs promises a terrible future, one which plunges medicine back into the dark-ages – a simple cut to your finger could leave you fighting for your life; getting your appendix removed, a hip replacement or childbirth could become deadly medical procedures. Bacterial pathogens have developed resistance to our miracle medicine “antibiotics“ and without swift action we could be facing The Antibiotic Apocalypse. Glimpse into this potential terrible future via the short-film “CATCH”, hear from experts in infection control and those developing new medical treatments to tackle antibiotic resistant bacteria, take part in hands-on agar art and infection control workshops and win prizes beating the Superbugs Game.
WED 21 FEB
7.00–9.00pm
TIME(S)
Wednesday 21 February
THU 22 FEB
Wednesday 21 February
DATE
FRI 23 FEB
TIME(S)
51
NORTH WEST
DATE
MON 19 FEB
SPORT SCIENCE
TUE 20 FEB
SCIENCE IN SOCIETY
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ONGOING EVENTS TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
SPACE
Coffee Culture Chemistry DATE
TIME(S)
Wednesday 21 February
7.00–8.30pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Bullitt Hotel, 40a Church Lane, Belfast BT1 4QN
18+
10 things you didn’t know about meteorites (but thought you did)
£10.00. To book, contact events@bullitthotel.com or call 02895900600
7.00–8.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5AB
18+
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
Meteor or meteorite? Did one, or the other, really kill the dinosaurs? Why you almost never see a meteorite as it falls. Was a dog really killed by a Martian? Rocks from the Moon and Mars: how do we know? And how do we know how long they took to get here? These and other intriguing questions will be answered by Ulster Museum’s meteorite expert Dr Mike Simms, or you can ask your own.
SUN 25 FEB NORTH WEST
TIME(S)
Wednesday 21 February
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Did you know there is a surprising amount of chemistry in that perfect cup of coffee? Back by popular demand, join us for an evening with Bailies Coffee Roasters, who will explain how the company’s own brand of coffee is specially sourced and perfectly prepared to create its famous aroma and rich flavour. Enjoy coffee samples throughout the evening, served to perfection by our experienced in-house baristas.
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
WED 21 FEB
ADMISSION & BOOKING
DATE
52
ONGOING EVENTS
TIME(S)
DATE
TIME(S)
Wednesday 21 February
7.30–9.00pm
Wednesday 21 February
8.30–10.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Belfast café TBC, check nisciencefestival.com for details.
14+
Black Box Green Room, 18-22 Hill St, Belfast BT1 2LA
18+
ADMISSION & BOOKING
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Drop in.
£6.50. Book via nisciencefestival.com
Enjoy a relaxed evening of scientific colouring with “Life under the lens” colouring book artist, Jennifer Delaney. Explore the hidden beauty of microscopic life through colouring with friends or family. Colour the photosynthetic strands of cyanobacteria or the thorasic limbs of marine barnacles. Allow yourself to escape to the world beneath the lens and marvel at the beauty of life in its smallest form. All colouring materials will be provided on the night.
The Half Bap is an old name for the Cathedral Quarter because the people who lived there could only afford half a Belfast Bap. The Half Bap Cabaret is not a high-end cabaret with top hats and velvet curtains. In the true spirit of cabaret, it is alternative, rowdy and of the people – this time with added science!
53
MON 19 FEB NORTH WEST
SUN 25 FEB
Joining regular host Leonie McDonagh will be four Belfast acts; Emer Maguire, Caolan McBride, Jan Carson and Robin Price, each of which would be worth the admission price on their own.
TUE 20 FEB
DATE
WED 21 FEB
The Half Bap Science Cabaret
THU 22 FEB
Scientific Colouring Evening Belfast
FRI 23 FEB
ART AND SCIENCE
SAT 24 FEB
ART AND SCIENCE
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ONGOING EVENTS
IMAGE: BRIAN FARRELL
NATURAL WORLD
ART AND SCIENCE
The Basics of Plant Identification
Make It Super Assembly
DATE
TIME(S)
DATE
TIME(S)
Thursday 22 February
11.00–12.30pm
Thursday 22 February
2.00–2.45pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Botanic Gardens Bowling Pavilion, College Park, Botanic Avenue, Belfast, BT7
18+
Live stream - bbc.co.uk/makeit
14+
ADMISSION & BOOKING
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
£5. Book via nisciencefestival.com
How do you identify a plant you have never seen before? Make a key of course! In this 90-minute workshop attendees are introduced to a variety of plant keys (e.g. Dichotomous keys, multi-entry keys etc.) and the terminology used in them. Work as a team to ID plants, make your own plant key to identify various flora within Botanic Gardens and see whether others can use it.
Artist, inventor and explorer Paddy Bloomer is the man behind crazy creations like the Whinbush Rocket, the Scary-go-round and the Binboat. Sometimes in science you have to break the rules. Paddy has lots of stories to tell about his unconventional journey, like the time he made a stair lift rollercoaster for older people! Join us for a Super Assembly with a difference as he races against the clock to invent something – extreme DIY style. Make It is the BBC’s campaign to make sense of the world of work and help you become the very best you can be.
NORTH WEST
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
WED 21 FEB
TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
54
Thursday 22 February
6.30–8.30pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Belfast City Hall, Donegal Square, Belfast BT1 5GS
14+
ONGOING EVENTS
DATE
TIME(S)
Thursday 22 February
6.30–8.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5AB
All Ages
ADMISSION & BOOKING
£5. Book via nisciencefestival.com
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
The idea that we’re in a post truth world has put politicians and researchers on the defensive. Should they be? Are we really in a world where the public doesn’t care about evidence? Join Jonathan McCrea and our panel of amazing speakers to discuss this and how we can all rally around to stand up for evidence!
Join Dr Andy Harter CBE FREng FIET FBCS for the 2018 Turing Lecture. In his talk, Dr Harter will examine the role of “art” in technology including not only form and beauty but also craft, design, skill, invention and intuition. Can we do more to appreciate and promote the importance of “art” as a feature on the interdisciplinary landscape?
Organised in partnership with Sense About Science and the Instiutute of Physics.
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
Dr Andy Harter is a distinguished innovator and entrepreneur. He was Director of Research and Engineering at the influential AT&T Cambridge Laboratory where he led many hardware and software projects through to commercial exploitation. He was responsible for VNC software and its seminal role in establishing the remote access market. The technology is on over a billion devices, is on more different kinds of computer than any other application and is an official part of the internet.
MON 19 FEB
TIME(S)
55
NORTH WEST
DATE
TUE 20 FEB
“Post Truth” & Science
Innovation & Technology Art or Science?
WED 21 FEB
Turing Lecture 2018
THU 22 FEB
SCIENCE IN SOCIETY
FRI 23 FEB
TECH AND DIGITAL
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ONGOING EVENTS
MIND & BODY
ART AND SCIENCE
Health Technology Futures
The Art and Science of Linen
DATE
TIME(S)
DATE
TIME(S)
Thursday 22 February
6.00–8.00pm
Thursday 22 February
7.00–8.30pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
VENUE
SUITABILITY
NIBEC, Ulster University, Jordanstown, Newtownabbey BT37 OQB
All Ages
PRONI, 2 Titanic Boulevard, Titanic Quarter, Belfast BT3 9HQ
14+
ADMISSION & BOOKING
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but as health technologies become increasingly more advanced, it’s more likely that your “doctor” will be made by Apple (or android for that matter). Come along and learn all about the new health technologies heading our way in the very near future. With an exciting mix of workshops and live demonstrations this event will explore a range topics such as diagnostic technologies, assisted living and biodevices.
Join artists Anna Dumitriu and Alex May in conversation following a showing of the video artwork “The Art and Science of Linen”. This video artwork was created by Anna, Alex, and microbiologist Dr John Paul, with sound by Martin A. Smith. It looks at the whole ecology of linen production from the bacteria used to break down the flax in retting tanks, to the industrial production of linen and its cultural importance. Hear about heritage crafts, such as natural dyeing, and how they link to modern microbiology. Alex will highlight the manual processes filmed in Northern Ireland and the editing, from his background in VJing, which is the creation or manipulation of imagery in real-time through technological mediation.
NORTH WEST
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
WED 21 FEB
TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
56
MIND & BODY
The Genius Within DATE
TIME(S)
Thursday 22 February
7.00–8.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
The Black Box, 18-22 Hill Street, Belfast
18+
ONGOING EVENTS WED 21 FEB
Smart Pills, Brain Hacks and Adventures in Intelligence
TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
Dr David Adam is the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Man Who Couldn’t Stop and an editor at Nature, the world’s leading scientific journal. He was named Feature Writer of the Year by the Association of British Science Writers.
57
FRI 23 FEB SAT 24 FEB
Adam will explore the groundbreaking neuroscience of cognitive enhancement that is changing the way the brain and the mind works – to make it better, sharper, more focused and, yes, more intelligent. Sharing his own experiments with revolutionary smart drugs and electrical brain stimulation, he delves into the sinister history of intelligence tests, meets savants and brain hackers and reveals how he boosted his own IQ to cheat his way into Mensa.
SUN 25 FEB
Could you be a genius? Award-winning science writer David Adam reveals how frontier neuroscience can enhance your intelligence – making you smarter, sharper and brighter than you ever thought you could be.
NORTH WEST
£6. Book via nisciencefestival.com
THU 22 FEB
ADMISSION & BOOKING
ONGOING EVENTS
SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
NATURAL WORLD
Explain Like I’m 5
Bodysong (2003)
DATE
TIME(S)
DATE
TIME(S)
Thursday 22 February
7.30–9.00pm
Thursday 22 February
8.30–10.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Farset Labs, 1 Weavers Court, Linfield Road, BT12 5GH
All Ages
Strand Arts Centre, 156 Holywood Road, Belfast BT4 1NY
18+
ADMISSION & BOOKING
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
£4. Book via nisciencefestival.com
Explain Like I’m 5 is our collaborative speaker series, where local developers, technologists, entrepreneurs, artists, performers, scientists, and business people take a concept that may be highly specific to their area of expertise or work, and break it down to a lay audience from right across the STEAM spectrum with a minimal expectation of prior knowledge.
In this unusual BAFTA winning documentary, director Simon Pummel creates a universal representation of the human experience through a variety of images, found footage, sights and sounds – all without uttering a word of dialogue. From the moment of conception to the end of life, Pummel chooses to depict the scenes most commonly shared by all humankind throughout its entire existence. These moments of life are set to music composed by Johnny Greenwood of Radiohead.
The target audience is anyone and everyone who loves learning and expanding their horizons. No topic is off limits as long as you are confident that it can be delivered to a lay audience within the constraints of the format. In partnership with Farset Labs.
NORTH WEST
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
WED 21 FEB
TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
58
The Magic of Plants Magnified
ONGOING EVENTS
Cyber Security Training: Capture the Flag!
DATE
TIME(S)
DATE
TIME(S)
Friday 23 February
11.00am–12.30pm
Friday 23 February
6.30–9.30pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Botanic Gardens Bowling Pavilion, College Park, Botanic Avenue, Belfast, BT7
18+
Farset Labs, Weavers Court, Linfield Rd, Belfast BT12 5GH
18+
MON 19 FEB
TECH AND DIGITAL
TUE 20 FEB
NATURAL WORLD
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
THU 22 FEB
Come and join us for an evening of cyber security awareness, hacking and fun! No prior experience required, except a healthy thirst for knowledge! This event will be an evening-long workshop. Simon Whittaker from Vertical Structure will be giving training on the basics and practice of hacking and penetration testing with Security Shepherd and Juicebox as part of the NI Science Festival.
59
NORTH WEST
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
A practical demonstration and workshop on the beautiful details of ferns, mosses, horsetails and liverworts, the often-neglected green background of our parks and gardens. Live demonstrations using modern stereo-binocular and high magnification microscopes with live video projection so that all participants can see at the same time. Making use of plants from the Tropical Ravine and Belfast Botanic Gardens freshly collected for the workshop. This will be of interest gardeners, natural historians and a great source of inspiration for artists.
FRI 23 FEB
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
£5. Book via nisciencefestival.com
WED 21 FEB
ADMISSION & BOOKING
ADMISSION & BOOKING
ONGOING EVENTS TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
SPACE
MATHS & PHYSICS
Cosmic Cuilcagh
Pints & Puzzles
DATE
TIME(S)
DATE
TIME(S)
Friday 23 February
7.00–10.00pm
Friday 23 February
7.00–9.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre, 43 Marlbank Road, Florencecourt, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh BT92 1EW
All Ages
Northern Lights, 451 Ormeau Rd, Belfast BT7 3GQ
18+
ADMISSION & BOOKING
£5. Book via nisciencefestival.com
Adult £5. Child £3. Family ticket (2 adults, 2 Children) £12. Book via nisciencefestival.com
Enjoy a pub quiz with a twist – with puzzles and problem-solving instead of general knowledge. Join puzzle-mad mathematicians Katie Steckles and Ben Sparks for a brain-teasing selection of mathematical puzzles, themed around everything from pouring pints to flipping beer mats, with plenty of hints and clues if you get stuck.
Due to its location – straddling the border between Counties Fermanagh and Cavan – the remarkable Marble Arch Caves UNESCO Global Geopark has inky dark skies to rival many. The Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre, nestled in the foothills of Cuilcagh Mountain, is a perfect place to observe and learn more about the mysterious night sky above! Join Geopark staff and Dark Sky Experts for an exciting evening involving outdoor stargazing (so wrap up warm) and an array of entertaining interactive indoor activities and shows for all ages.
NORTH WEST
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
WED 21 FEB
ADMISSION & BOOKING
60
ONGOING EVENTS
TIME(S)
DATE
TIME(S)
Friday 23 February
7.00–10.00pm
Friday 23 February
7.30–10.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Black Box, 18-22 Hill St, Belfast BT1 2LA
18+
The Sonic Arts Research Centre, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, BT7 1NN
18+
ADMISSION & BOOKING
ADMISSION & BOOKING
£3. Book via nisciencefestival.com
£8. Book via nisciencefestival.com
Are you ready to get quizzical and a little pedantic? Join science troubadour, Jonny Berliner, and Ugly Animal wrangler, Simon Watt, for this madcap twist on the pub quiz where points mean the tapered end of objects, and prizes promise to enhance your nerd credentials. Be warned, each and every round will be a little bit weird.
Celebrating 60 Years, The Radiophonic Workshop are one of the most influential electronic music groups of all time. As the in-house composers of music and effects for the BBC they created the sonic backdrops for Doctor Who, The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Tomorrow’s World and countless others.
61
MON 19 FEB NORTH WEST
SUN 25 FEB
Join Mark Ayres and Dick Mills from the Radiophonic Workshop as they talk about some of their personal highlights and the wondrous melodies that soundtracked the childhoods of several generations.
TUE 20 FEB
DATE
WED 21 FEB
The Radiophonic Workshop at 60 Years
THU 22 FEB
Universilly Challenged
FRI 23 FEB
ART & SCIENCE
SAT 24 FEB
SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ONGOING EVENTS TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
THU 22 FEB
WED 21 FEB
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
A Taste of Prehistory DATE
TIME(S)
Friday 23 February
7.00–11.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5AB
18+
NORTH WEST
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
ADMISSION & BOOKING
£50. Book via nisciencefestival.com
Travel back to a time BC (Before Crisps – the potato only made its way here in the 16th century), when our ancestors sourced their food in the landscape around them. With Professor Alice Roberts as your host, your tastebuds will be tickled by a three-course special menu created by our friends at Yellow Door Deli, inspired by ingredients found in Ireland in Prehistoric times. Hear the call of ancient musical horns played at feasts and explore the science behind food and archaeology with a range of appropriately ancient-themed activities, including bone identification and lipid analysis (“what’s that” you ask? You’ll have to join us to find out!). This is a night at the museum like no other....
62
SUITABILITY
St George’s Market, 12-20 East Bridge Street, Belfast BT1 3NQ
All Ages
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Drop in.
Meet the British Heart Foundation as you enter our pop-up laboratory and try your hand at being a heart scientist. You can see heart imaging and watch heart cells beating, touch and feel some of the technology used in heart surgery and put your questions to real heart scientists.
ONGOING EVENTS
DATE
TIME(S)
Saturday 24 February
9.30am. Check website for exact timings
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Queen’s University, Computer Science Building, 18 Malone Rd, Belfast BT9 6RT
16+
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
Code4good NI are organising a space hackathon based on the framework from Smart Cities Belfast which aims to harness new technologies and data science to support local economic growth and improve outcomes for citizens. Code4good would like to use this opportunity to not only promote the value of satellite data being used in government but also its benefits to the wider public and industry.
Science, funded by British Heart Foundation, has led to advances in pacemakers, transplant surgery, defibrillators and the development of statins. Learn how the charity has made history in heart research with this interactive exhibition for all ages.
MON 19 FEB SUN 25 FEB
The hackathon will encourage teams to use open data to deliver prototypes for public good that will meet the challenges set out in the smart cities framework. In partnership with Code for Good.
TUE 20 FEB
10.00am–4.00pm
VENUE
WED 21 FEB
TIME(S)
Saturday 24 February
63
NORTH WEST
DATE
THU 22 FEB
The Heart Experience Space Cities Space Hackathon
FRI 23 FEB
SCIENCE IN SOCIETY
SAT 24 FEB
MIND & BODY
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ONGOING EVENTS TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
NATURAL WORLD
MIND AND BODY
Busy Bees DATE
TIME(S)
Saturday 24 February
10.00am–12.30pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Musgrave Park, Stockman’s Lane, Belfast, BT9 7JB
14+
Museum of Thought Experiments
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
DATE
TIME(S)
Saturday 24 February
10.00am–4.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
W5, 2 Queens Quay, Belfast BT3 9QQ
All Ages
Free with admission to W5.
Our pollinators are in trouble due to hunger, homelessness and disease. Discover what pollinators do for us and what we can all do to help them.
The Museum of Thought Experiments represents a level up in walkabout performance and an amazing head melting trip for adults and kids alike. We’ve created an interactive installation where characters aren’t just funny and engaging but they’ll mess with your heads as well! If philosophy is a gym for your brain then our thought experiments are a gym and a funfair for your brain at the same time. A museum of challenge. A museum of questions. A museum of thought experiments.
Learn about our local bumble bees and how to identify them. We’ll then walk around Musgrave Park and look at plants and easy practical measures which are good for pollinators. This event is part of the Bee-licious project which is supported by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund (hlf.org.uk), Your Heritage Programme.
Young or old learning to question is perhaps the most important skill we can practice in today’s mental world so we’ve curated a space where magic, laughter and dexterity will not just entertain but challenge and teach.
NORTH WEST
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
WED 21 FEB
ADMISSION & BOOKING
64
Understanding Our Oceans
ONGOING EVENTS
Dr Megaphone’s Irish Jaunt
DATE
TIME(S)
DATE
TIME(S)
Saturday 24 February; Sunday 25 February
11.00am–5.00pm
Saturday 24 February
11.00am–12.00pm 10 Yrs +
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free with admission to Exploris.
Join engineer Ian Johnston (Dr Megaphone) from The Open University, singer-songwriter Alan McClure and long-suffering demonstrator, Sandy the Science Boy for a journey in words, pictures, music and live experiments through Ireland’s history in science, technology and engineering. Learn about hurricanes, diving bells and a cat that may, or may not, be alive.
SAT 24 FEB
Dive into Exploris Aquarium’s series of handson, fun and educative workshops and activities. Suitable for all ages, these workshops will expand your knowledge of the Oceans around you and teach you how you can do your part to protect them. Workshops offered are: The Rise of The Humboldt Squid; Ocean Currents; Rock Pooling Masterclass and Ocean Pollution – Can You Clean Up an Oil Spill?
WED 21 FEB
All Ages
THU 22 FEB
Exploris Aquarium, The Rope Walk, Castle Street, Portaferry BT22 1NZ
SUITABILITY
Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5AB
FRI 23 FEB
SUITABILITY
SUN 25 FEB
Talks on Aquatic Ecosystems will also be available during our daily open pool demonstrations as well as Ocean themed arts and crafts in the Crabby Craft Club. Check Exploris Aquarium’s website for workshop information.
65
NORTH WEST
VENUE
VENUE
MON 19 FEB
ENGINEERING AND ROBOTICS
TUE 20 FEB
NATURAL WORLD
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ONGOING EVENTS WED 21 FEB
TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
SHeroes Assemble! DATE
TIME(S)
Saturday 24 February
10.00am–4.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Metropolitan Arts Centre (MAC), 10 Exchange Street West, Belfast BT1 2NJ
12+
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Science... Ugh! BORING! Or is it? Prepare to have your mind opened and stereotypes destroyed! Come along to our loud, messy and fun Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths (STEAM) science fair for girls. With interactive stalls, full of awesome activities, drop by and talk to our real-life science superheroes and find out why working in STEAM could be right for you! So, come one, come all, to this fantastic event that encourages young women into the STEAM fields. The future is female and that’s how we like it!
NORTH WEST
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
Free. Registration is advised via nisciencefestival.com
66
ONGOING EVENTS
DATE
TIME(S)
DATE
TIME(S)
Saturday 24 February
10.00–11.30am
Saturday 24 February
Various. Check nisciencefestival.com for full listings.
SUITABILITY
Ballysillan Bowling Pavillion, Ballysillan Road, Belfast BT14
3–14
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. ParkLife@belfastcity.gov.uk
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Boom! Studios, 80a Main Street, Bangor BT20 3AH
All Ages
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Various. Book via nisciencefestival.com
Come along to our Saturday club and heart your park. Find out all about your health and heart by playing games with a natural twist and showing your park how much you love it!
You may think that Art and Science are poles apart, but not at Boom! Studios.
MON 19 FEB SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
Join us for a fun, interactive day exploring how art and science can come together. With a multitude of different workshops such as “messy morning” for toddlers to “light painting” and even Minecraft art, there’s something for everyone! So, get creative and learn the science behind the process.
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NORTH WEST
VENUE
TUE 20 FEB
Art & Science Saturday
WED 21 FEB
ParkLife Saturday Club: Ballysillan
THU 22 FEB
ART AND SCIENCE
FRI 23 FEB
NATURAL WORLD
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ONGOING EVENTS
ART AND SCIENCE
SCIENCE IN SOCIETY
Titanic Taster Photography Tour Lenses, Light & Magnification TIME(S)
DATE
TIME(S)
10.30am–1.30pm
Saturday 24 February
11.00am–12.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
VENUE
SUITABILITY
1 Olympic Way, Queen’s Road, Titanic Quarter, Belfast BT3 9EP
18+
The Old Museum Building, 7 College Square North, Belfast BT1 6AR
16+
ADMISSION & BOOKING
FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
ADMISSION & BOOKING
£20. Book via niciencefestival.com
On this interactive tour, you will be transported around the quarter in style on the Wee Tram with various stops along the way including the Great Light, Titanic’s Dock & Pump-House and H&W cranes.
SUN 25 FEB
Flight and World War I
Saturday 24 February
Become a Titanic inspired photographer for the day, learning all about the science behind photography while having the opportunity to explore Titanic Quarter’s industrial & maritime heritage. Photography is the physics of light and you will learn how to use light to create stunning images and the power of magnification at our very own giant optic lenses.
NORTH WEST
Spinning, Stalling and Falling Apart
DATE
SAT 24 FEB
WED 21 FEB
TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
The birth of fixed-wing, powered flight in the first decade of the twentieth century brought with it the potential of significant, unintended fatalities on the aircraft’s return to Earth. Join lecturer, Tony Royle, historian of mathematics and former airline captain with Virgin Atlantic, to hear stories from the eventful lives of some of the men and women involved: the nature of the contemporary mathematical and engineering debates surrounding flight, and the practical steps taken in Britain to create safer aircraft prior to, and during, WW1.
This event ncludes refreshment stop at Titanic’s Dock and Pump-House.
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Pizza & Puzzles
ONGOING EVENTS
Lily’s Driftwood Bay
DATE
TIME(S)
DATE
TIME(S)
Saturday 24 February
12.30pm
Saturday 24 February
Session 1: 2.00–3.00pm Session 2: 3.45–4.45pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Strand Arts Centre, 152-154 Holywood Rd, Belfast BT4 1NY
2-8 Yrs, with guardians.
ADMISSION & BOOKING
£5. Book via nisciencefestival.com
ADMISSION & BOOKING
The Belfast-based studio Sixteen South is best known for Lily’s Driftwood Bay, a preschool mixed-media animated show about Lily, a 5 year old who lives in a beach hut on the shore with her Dad. Every day, the sea washes up a curious new treasure, which sparks Lily’s imagination about what might be happening across the way on Driftwood Bay. As part of this bespoke event, children will have an opportunity to watch a double length episode, “Salty Chicken”, which features Dolly Parton. This will be followed by Lily’s Driftwood workshop where little ones will have the opportunity to make crafts from sea treasures and meet the wonderful people from Ulster Wildlife as they share some of their seashore, before a personal meet and greet with the Lily costume character.
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THU 22 FEB
Enjoy a pizza lunch with a twist – puzzles and problem-solving alongside your pepperoni. Join puzzle-mad mathematicians Katie Steckles and Ben Sparks for a brain-teasing selection of mathematical puzzles, themed around everything from slicing a pizza to mixing your condiments, with plenty of hints and clues if you get stuck.
WED 21 FEB
£5 (Adults Free) Book via nisciencefestival.com
FRI 23 FEB
10 Yrs+
SAT 24 FEB
Black Box, 18 – 22 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LA
SUN 25 FEB
SUITABILITY
NORTH WEST
VENUE
MON 19 FEB
NATURAL WORLD
TUE 20 FEB
MATHS & PHYSICS
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ONGOING EVENTS
SPACE
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Look Up! DATE
TIME(S)
Saturday 24 February
1.00 & 3.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Black Box, 18-22 Hill St, Belfast BT1 2LA
6 Yrs+
Shortcross Gin Distillery Tour
ADMISSION & BOOKING
£6/£3 concession. Book via nisciencefestival.com
TIME(S)
Saturday 24 February
2.00 & 4.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Rademon Estate Distillery, Church Road, Crossgar, Co. Down, BT30 9HR
18+
£20. Book via nisciencefestival.com
Rademon Estate Distillery opens its doors during the NI Science Festival for an exclusive tour and tasting experience, which will unlock some of the secrets and skills that go into creating Shortcross Gin. David Boyd-Armstrong, head distiller, will talk you through the fascinating process; from how they harvest local botanicals, draw fresh water from the distillery well, distil on a bespoke copper pot still and bottle and label the finished product on site.
SAT 24 FEB
After the tour, discover the Visitors Centre and the Shortcross Gin Bar. Enjoy a guided tasting of Shortcross Gin and browse in the Distillery Shop.
SUN 25 FEB NORTH WEST
DATE
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Simon Watt explores some of the science behind space exploration. Which planet is hottest? Which would float in a swimming pool? Which is the most studied? And just how much space is in space? Join him in this live show to see what experiments you can recreate at home and learn about what you can see if you only look up!
FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
WED 21 FEB
TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
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70
NATURAL WORLD
DATE
TIME(S)
Saturday 24 February
2.00–3.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Whitla Hall, University Road, Belfast BT7 1NN
14+
ONGOING EVENTS WED 21 FEB
Tamed with Professor Alice Roberts
TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ADMISSION & BOOKING
71
FRI 23 FEB SAT 24 FEB
In her book, Tamed, Alice Roberts uncovers the amazing history of ten familiar species with incredible wild pasts. In this talk, she tells the story of three key species: dogs, cattle and horses. She reveals how becoming part of our world changed these animals, and shows how they became our allies - essential to the survival and success of our own species.
SUN 25 FEB
For hundreds of thousands of years, our ancestors depended on wild plants and animals for survival. They were hunter- gatherers, consummate foraging experts, taking the world as they found it. Then a revolution occurred – our ancestors’ interaction with other species changed. They began to tame them. The human population boomed; civilisation began.
NORTH WEST
Join Alice Roberts as she delves into archaeology, history and genetics to reveal the amazing stories of three species that became our allies.
THU 22 FEB
£14/£10 concession. Book via nisciencefestival.com
ONGOING EVENTS SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
NORTH WEST
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
WED 21 FEB
TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
TECH & DIGITAL
MATHS & PHYSICS
Girl STEM Toy Hackathon
Mathematical Life Hacks
DATE
TIME(S)
DATE
TIME(S)
Saturday 24 February
2.00 & 5.00pm
Saturday 24 February
2.30–3.30pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
VENUE
SUITABILITY
W5, 2 Queen’s Quay, Belfast BT3 9QQ
18+
Black Box, 18-22 Hill St, Belfast BT1 2LA
16+
ADMISSION & BOOKING
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
£6/£3. Book via nisciencefestival.com
Girls as young as seven are being turned off maths, which explains why only 10% of jobs in STEM are held by women. What toy can we invent to help lay a foundation in STEAM for developing girls and boys? How can we attract more intuitive learners to the revelations of data oriented subjects and increase the number of women working in STEAM through play? Hosted by Little Citizens Boutique, the Girl STEM Toy Hackathon will mix up teams of designers, educators, entrepreneurs, students, scientists, engineers, parents, artists and punters to come up with a toy prototype that helps prepare children for our changing world. Teams will compete for a cash prize to create the best toy with the potential to bring it to market.
We all know that people with maths, science and technology skills are experienced at problemsolving. But how useful are those skills in the real world? Mathematician and speaker Katie Steckles will show you some mathematical, logical and geometrical tricks to solve some of everyday life’s minor challenges – from tying your shoelace to changing a duvet cover, and plenty of others. You’ll never fold a t-shirt the same way again!
Join us, no experience necessary, just an open mind and a willingness to participate.
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SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
DATE
TIME(S)
Saturday 24 February
7.00–11.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
W5 at Odyssey, 2 Queen’s Quay, Belfast, BT3 9QQ
18+
ONGOING EVENTS THU 22 FEB
Late Night Science at W5
WED 21 FEB
TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ADMISSION & BOOKING
73
SAT 24 FEB SUN 25 FEB
There will be a fully licensed bar where you can have a glass of wine or cold beer.
NORTH WEST
Have you always wanted to visit W5 but been put off by all the children? Late Night Science is a strictly adults-only, after-hours evening of interactive science experiments and your opportunity to engage with over 250 interactive science exhibits at Northern Ireland’s award-winning science and discovery centre! You can even scale the mighty heights of Climbit, and visit the Museum of the Moon, an amazing new touring artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram.
FRI 23 FEB
£15. Book via nisciencefestival.com
ONGOING EVENTS TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
MATHS & PHYSICS
Physics Busking
Bakineering in Space
DATE
TIME(S)
DATE
TIME(S)
Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 February
10.00am –4.00pm
Sunday 25 February
1.00–2.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Ulster Museum, Botanic Ct, Belfast BT9 5AB (Sat) and St, George’s Market (Sun)
All Ages
WED 21 FEB THU 22 FEB
14+
£14. Book via nisciencefestival.com
Free. Drop in.
How can a retro dessert explain how astronauts safely return to Earth? In this interactive session Andrew & Tom, from the Great British Bake Off, will explore the surprising connections between everyday bakes and the extraordinary engineering that helps keep astronauts alive in space. Expect to have your curiosity stirred, whisked and taken out of this world.
Come along to be entertained by some of the best Physics Busking in the Universe. Be amazed by sights and tricks, using everyday objects to open up a new world of curiosity and understanding. The Institute of Physics team invites you into a realm of invisible forces and remarkable matter. You are encouraged to play along and join in the unstoppably infectious physics fun!
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
SUITABILITY
Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5AB ADMISSION & BOOKING
ADMISSION & BOOKING
NORTH WEST
VENUE
74
1.00–2.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Black Box, 18 – 22 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LA
14+
ADMISSION & BOOKING
£3. Book via nisciencefestival.com
ONGOING EVENTS
DATE
TIME(S)
Sunday 25 February
2.00–3.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Ulster Museum, Botanic Ct, Belfast BT9 5AB
16+
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
While mathematicians are undoubtedly brilliant, and their work is used in all kinds of amazing scientific and technological discoveries, there are still questions they can’t answer. Every mathematical question is a puzzle to be solved, and while there’ll be plenty of puzzles for you to chew on, we’ll also discuss some of the questions that still leave mathematicians stumped - from simple-sounding number and shape problems to some truly mind-bending fundamental questions.
Surgery has advanced significantly over the last 100 years, especially in organ transplantation. Pankaj Chandak charts a journey of progressive innovation from the early times of Listerian surgery to the challenges facing modern day surgeons and scientists. He highlights the advances in minimally invasive surgery, 3D printing and machine perfusion technology in organ transplantation.
MON 19 FEB SUN 25 FEB
Pankaj Chandak is the winner of the British Science Association’s Charles Darwin Award Lecture for Agricultural, Biological & Medical Sciences.
TUE 20 FEB
Sunday 25 February
Surgical innovation in organ transplantation
WED 21 FEB
TIME(S)
75
NORTH WEST
DATE
From Kings to Keyholes
THU 22 FEB
Maths’s Greatest Unsolved Puzzles
FRI 23 FEB
MIND AND BODY
SAT 24 FEB
MATHS & PHYSICS
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ONGOING EVENTS TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
MATHS & PHYSICS
ART AND SCIENCE
Sacred Geometry of Chance DATE
TIME(S)
Sunday 25 February
3.00–4.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Black Box, 18 – 22 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LA
18+
The Mystery of Music According to Science A Faculty Lecture
£3. Book via nisciencefestival.com
3.00–4.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Black Box, 18 – 22 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LA
14 Yrs+
£6. Book via nisciencefestival.com
Do you cry every time you hear ‘Tears in Heaven’? Do your feet move uncontrollably when you hear ‘Uptown Funk’? Do you still remember the lyrics to the first ever song you learned in primary school? Music is everywhere; from first wedding dances to national anthems, to every party you’ve ever been to! But why do we love music, and why does it make us think, feel, laugh, cry, and dance? Why are some of us obsessed with heavy metal, while others swear by The Beatles? How is a brain wired up to make a musical prodigy...and what’s happening in the mind of someone with two left feet?! Join Emer Maguire, to solve the mystery of music (according to science!)
SAT 24 FEB SUN 25 FEB NORTH WEST
TIME(S)
Sunday 25 February
ADMISSION & BOOKING
In his nineties song “Shape of My Heart”, Sting sang about a gambler finding beauty in the “hidden laws” of probability that govern poker. In this session, we will deal the cards to investigate, and uncover some surprising hidden laws – and we’ll try to find what really makes “numbers dance”.
FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
WED 21 FEB
ADMISSION & BOOKING
DATE
76
NATURAL WORLD
DATE
TIME(S)
Sunday 25 February
3.30–4.30pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Whitla Hall, University Road, Belfast BT7 1NN
All Ages
ONGOING EVENTS WED 21 FEB
Doug Allan - An Eye Below Zero
TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ADMISSION & BOOKING
“For me, wildlife cameramen don’t come much more special than Doug. There’s just no one else who knows these frozen worlds as he does”. - David Attenborough 77
FRI 23 FEB SAT 24 FEB
Doug has become one of the world’s best known and respected cameramen. In his 30-year filming career, he’s worked for BBC, Discovery, National Geographic and many others, filming for series like The Blue Planet, Planet Earth, Frozen Planet, Ocean Giants, Operation Iceberg, Wild Cameramen at Work and most recently Forces of Nature on BBC 1.
SUN 25 FEB
Join wildlife cameraman Doug Allan for a fascinating talk on marine biology, diving and filming at the poles, and how climate change is affecting these regions of Earth. With over 40 years experience of the poles, Doug has witnessed, first-hand, the effects of changes in sea ice cover on the populations of animals north and south.
NORTH WEST
Have you ever wondered how to approach belugas underwater? How to get up close and personal with polar bears without being eaten? Or how not to lose that important dive hole when you’re diving under the ice?
THU 22 FEB
£14/£10 concession. Book via nisciencefestival.com
ONGOING EVENTS NORTH WEST
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
WED 21 FEB
TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ART & SCIENCE
SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
Shooting The Stars Workshop
Tenx9: Doctors & Nurses
DATE
TIME(S)
DATE
TIME(S)
Sunday 25 February
1.00pm, 2.30pm & 4.00pm Field Trip: 6.30pm
Sunday 25 February
7.00–10.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Crescent Arts Centre, 2-4 University Rd, Belfast BT7 1NH
16 Yrs +
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Black Box, 18 – 22 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LA
18+
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. No booking required.
ADMISSION & BOOKING
£20. Book via nisciencefestival.com
We’ve all needed them, some of us have been them: doctors and nurses. Come join us for the final event of the 2018 NI Science Festival, hearing true stories of nurses and doctors: training to be one, loving one, hating one, needing one, surviving one and thanking one.
If a picture is worth a thousand words, the images captured by Adam Porter of The Northern Light Gallery and Studio, are worth a library! Adam’s incredible eye, talent and skills in capturing stunning images of landscapes and our celestial heavens are widely recognised and his images have been published by the Irish Times, RTE and Audi, among others.
Tenx9 was started in Belfast by Paul Doran and Pádraig Ó Tuama and is now a global storytelling sensation (okay, in about ten cities). Nine people have up to ten minutes each to tell a true story from their lives. Come early, it’s un-ticketed and free, but always busy.
This technical workshop will teach participants the skills required to capture their own stunning images of our stellar skies at night by mastering some of the myriad features of participants own digital SLR cameras. Once all workshops have finished, Adam will lead interested participants on a field trip to a local spot where they can test their newly acquired skills, regardless of weather conditions. NOTE: Participants must bring their own Digital SLR camera and tripod to this workshop as equipment will not be supplied. Transport for the (optional) field trip is not supplied. 78
PROGRAMMED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE NERVE CENTRE
79
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
WED 21 FEB
TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
NORTH WEST EVENTS
NORTH WEST
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
ONGOING EVENTS
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ONGOING EVENTS
ART & SCIENCE
ART & SCIENCE
International Images of Science DATE
TIME(S)
Ongoing 15 - 25 February
9.00am–5.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Millennium Forum, Newmarket Street, Derry/Londonderry, BT48 6EB
All Ages
Balloon Astronaut
NORTH WEST
DATE
TIME(S)
Ongoing 15 - 25 February
9.00am–6.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Foyleside Shopping Centre, Orchard St, Derry/Londonderry BT48 6XY
All Ages
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Drop In.
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Drop In.
Come see our giant balloon model of an astronaut at Foyleside Shopping Centre. Created by Ryan Tracey from Duff Balloons, Ryan is famous for his appearance on Britain’s Got Talent and set the Guinness World Record for fastest balloon modelling.
International Images for Science is an exhibition of eye-catching photographs that show how science is all around us. The subjects range from the smallest microbes to the distant universe and were taken by a wide assortment of students, amateur photographers and the very best researchers and science photographers. Some images were made on million-pound microscopes, others captured on smartphones and everything in between! 100 images were chosen from over 2500 entries. Each is visually stunning yet also has a science story to tell.
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
WED 21 FEB
TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
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Shooting The Stars Exhibition VENUE
SUITABILITY
Garden of Reflection, 16 Bishop Street, Derry/Londonderry, BT48 6PW
All Ages
ONGOING EVENTS
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Tower Museum, Union Hall Pl, Derry/Londonderry, BT48 6LU
All Ages
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Drop In.
ADMISSION & BOOKING
In the darkest reaches of the Tower Museum warehouse lie some of the most weird and wonderful objects of curiosity! This temporary exhibition, specially created for the NI Science Festival, will bring some of those objects out of their hiding places to delight those with inquisitive minds of all ages. Messages in bottles, ships made of bone and 19th century GPS devices are just some of the wacky items that await the prying eyes of the public!
Free. Drop In.
SAT 24 FEB
To complement the Shooting the Stars photographic workshops, Inner City Trust will host a photographic exhibition in their Garden of Reflection by Adam Porter from The Northern Light Gallery and Studio. Adam’s eye, talent and photographic skills have resulted in the capture of stunning images of landscapes and our celestial heavens, and his work has been published by the Irish Times, RTÉ and Audi Ireland, among many others.
WED 21 FEB
10.00am–4.00pm
10.00am–5.30pm
THU 22 FEB
Ongoing 15 - 25 February
TIME(S)
Ongoing 15 - 25 February
FRI 23 FEB
TIME(S)
DATE
SUN 25 FEB
This exhibition showcases the unique combination of rugged landscapes and dark skies environment which we have in the North West of Ireland and encourages viewers to point their cameras towards our celestial heavens.
81
NORTH WEST
DATE
Curious Collections
MON 19 FEB
ART & SCIENCE
TUE 20 FEB
SPACE
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ONGOING EVENTS NORTH WEST
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
WED 21 FEB
TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ART & SCIENCE
SCIENCE IN SOCIETY
ChromoHydroculture
How Loud Can You Shout?!
DATE
TIME(S)
DATE
TIME(S)
15–20 February. Opening Reception Friday 16 February 7:00pm
10.00am–5.30pm
Thursday 15 – Sunday 18 February
10.00am–4.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
The Playhouse, 5-7 Artillery St, Derry/Londonderry BT48 6RG
All Ages
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Foyleside Shopping Centre, Orchard Street, Derry/ Londonderry, BT48 6XY
All Ages
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Drop In.
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Drop In.
Come along to The Open University sound booth to shout as loud as you can! See how loud you can shout and compare yourself to other day-to-day sounds such as the traffic or construction drills.
Aislinn Cassidy is a local artist from Derry, a graduate in microbiology and teacher in the final year of her Fine Art degree at Ulster University. She uses a broad range of approaches in her work focusing mainly on installation, video art and photography. Her work, having scientific, artistic and poetic value, offers viewers an opportunity to reflect upon the beauty and wonder of nature. This exhibition showcases Aislinn’s experimental artworks which plant biology, chemistry and art. It will explore visually and scientifically hydroponics and fluid uptake in flowers and plants. Supported by Allgo Mechanical Engineering Ltd.
82
ONGOING EVENTS
DATE
TIME(S)
DATE
TIME(S)
Friday 16 February
9.30am–3.00pm
Friday 16 February
10.00am–5.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Tour begins from School of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine
All Ages
Loughs Agency, 22 Victoria Road, Derry/Londonderry BT47 2AB
All Ages
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Booking via nisciencefestival.com
ADMISSION & BOOKING
£6. Booking via nisciencefestival.com
The Loughs Agency will hold an open day to showcase some of the scientific work undertaken to protect the different fish and shellfish species found in the Foyle and Carlingford catchments. There will be workshops suitable for all ages based around freshwater invertebrates, marine invertebrates, fish anatomy and behaviour and tours of the working building.
83
MON 19 FEB NORTH WEST
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
Winter is coming to the spectacular North Coast! Join us on a tour of Westeros and learn more about the environmental processes that have helped create some of the most iconic landscapes of Game of Thrones. Led by staff at the School of Geography and Environmental Sciences at Ulster University, we ride north (and south) to the House of Greyjoy, the Iron Islands, the Kingsroad and the Coast of Dorne. At each stop we will experience the magical landscape of the famous TV series, as well as having some hands-on activities that will show you what it is like being a scientist out in the field. Lunch stop and plenty of photo opportunities are included in the tour.
TUE 20 FEB
Loughs Agency Open Day
WED 21 FEB
Game of Thrones Landscape Tour
THU 22 FEB
NATURAL WORLD
FRI 23 FEB
SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ONGOING EVENTS TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ENGINEERING & ROBOTICS
TECH & DIGITAL
Close Encounters of the Nerve Kind DATE
TIME(S)
Friday 16 February
1.00–4.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Nerve Centre, 7-8 Magazine St, Derry/Londonderry BT48 6HJ
All Ages
How Are Drones Used Within The Film Industry
THU 22 FEB
WED 21 FEB
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. No booking required.
TIME(S)
Friday 16 February
2.30–3.30pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Nerve Centre, 7-8 Magazine St, Derry/Londonderry BT48 6HJ
All Ages
ADMISSION & BOOKING
£5. Book Via: nisciencefestival.com
A science-themed day featuring an explosive selection of interactive for all ages, including green screen, animation, VR station, FabLab, robotics, Minecraft and much more – you’ll not want to miss out!
Ka-Boom will take you on a journey of how they use drones within the TV and Film Industry. Having done extensive work for studios such as Sony, Disney, HBO, BBC, ITV and Channel 4 this event will give you an introduction into how and why these devices are used to capture aerial footage, including both their advantages and drawbacks.
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
Supported by Children In Need.
NORTH WEST
DATE
84
ONGOING EVENTS
DATE
TIME(S)
11.00am–12.30pm
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Saturday 17 February, Sunday 18 February, Saturday 24 February & Sunday 25 February
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine BT52 1SA
All Ages
All Ages
I’m Happy present a fun-filled, creative technology event will include workshops and demonstrations including: 30 minute workshops in robotics, 3D printing, vinyl and laser cutting, BBC micro:bit and gaming and demonstrations using 3D printing, Meccanoid, drones, Oculus Rift, & Spheros Chemistry.
ADMISSION & BOOKING
£2. Book via nisciencefestival.com
SUN 25 FEB
Why is it that what you like to eat someone else might detest? How can what we touch and hear influence what we taste? Can you be persuaded towards healthier food choices simply by incorporating a few psychological illusions and neuroscience insights into your cooking and eating? These are just a few intriguing questions that we will address at our food sensory event.
THU 22 FEB
SUITABILITY
Diamond Shopping Centre, Bridge St, Coleraine, BT52 1DT
FRI 23 FEB
10.00am–4.00pm
VENUE
SAT 24 FEB
TIME(S)
Saturday 17 February
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NORTH WEST
DATE
The Multisensory Science of Food & Eating
MON 19 FEB
I’m Happy Family Fun Day
TUE 20 FEB
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
WED 21 FEB
TECH & DIGITAL
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ONGOING EVENTS
SPACE
SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
Mission To Mars with Maddie Moate
Science Books Activity Day
DATE
TIME(S)
DATE
TIME(S)
Saturday 17 February
12.00pm & 2.00pm
Saturday 17 February
12.00–4.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Nerve Centre, 7-8 Magazine Street, Derry/Londonderry, BT48 6HJ
6 Yrs +
Strabane Library, 1 Railway Street, BT82 8EF
6–14 Yrs
ADMISSION & BOOKING
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Registration advised. Book via nisciencefestival.com
£6 / £20 for Family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children). Book via nisciencefestival.com
Get creative at this hands-on, family friendly event inspired by some incredible science books. Join us for an exciting afternoon of arts and crafts and surprising science experiments all revolving around the books shortlisted for The Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize 2017.
Maddie is looking for new recruits to join her Astronaut Academy for a one of a kind Mission to Mars! Have you ever wondered how rockets work? Or how space suits are made? Find out with children’s television presenter Maddie Moate as she takes you on a journey through the solar system, equipped with special cameras and science demos!
Browse these fantastic books and find out how you and your school can help us decide next year’s winner.
NORTH WEST
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
WED 21 FEB
TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
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ONGOING EVENTS
DATE
TIME(S)
1.00–2.00pm
Saturday 17 February
2.00–7.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Nerve Centre, 7-8 Magazine Street, Derry/Londonderry, BT48 6HJ
All Ages
Various across Derry/ Londonderry
18+
ADMISSION & BOOKING
ADMISSION & BOOKING
£50. Book Via: nisciencefestival.com
£3. Book via nisciencefestival.com
Explore how science shapes sweets. Put chocolate under the microscope, discover the many forms of sugar and how physicists help to make the perfect jelly in this very important (and interactive) investigation into the making of the world’s favourite treats.
Sippy Brewery Tour is a unique walking and beer sampling tour which showcases the incredible science behind brewing beer in some of the North West’s very own breweries. Beginning at the Grand Central Bar (Strand Road), we will begin our tour over a light lunch while sampling from the Dopey Dick Brewing Company’s range.
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NORTH WEST
SUN 25 FEB
Following lunch, we will visit the Northbound Brewery and Walled City Brewery, before finishing up at the Guildhall Taphouse with music and sustenance. At each of these locations, we will meet brew masters, learn some of the secrets of their craft, and sample their allimportant products.
MON 19 FEB
TIME(S)
Saturday 17 February
TUE 20 FEB
DATE
WED 21 FEB
Sippy Brewery Tour
THU 22 FEB
Science of Sweets
FRI 23 FEB
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
SAT 24 FEB
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ONGOING EVENTS TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
Physics of Gin DATE
TIME(S)
Saturday 17 February
7.30pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Nerve Centre, 7-8 Magazine Street, Derry/Londonderry, BT48 6HJ
18+
The Science of Harry Potter
ADMISSION & BOOKING
1.00pm & 3.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Nerve Centre, 7-8 Magazine Street, Derry/Londonderry, BT48 6HJ
All Ages
£6 | £20 family of 4 (2 Parents 2 children) Book via: nisciencefestival.com
Did you ever wonder if science has any explanation for the fantastic feats found in the Potter series? Join Jon Chase, co-author of The Science of Harry Potter, on a journey through some of the man-made versions of wizarding wonders.
Music provided by Our Krypton Son.
SUN 25 FEB NORTH WEST
TIME(S)
Sunday 18 February
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Join physicist Dr Anne Pawsey from Edinburgh University for a hands-on exploration of the physics of gin. In this interactive workshop you will explore the physics of alcohol, the influence of ice, and what actually happens when you shake a Martini. The rules on drinking in the laboratory may be relaxed.
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
WED 21 FEB
£8. Book via nisciencefestival.com
DATE
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VENUE
SUITABILITY
Garden of Reflection, 16 Bishop Street, Derry/Londonderry, BT48 6PW
16 Yrs+
ONGOING EVENTS
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Various venues across Derry/Londonderry City Centre
12–18 Yrs
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Book via rachel@nisciencefestival.com
Build a retro arcade machine! Using the Fab Lab’s digital fabrication tools, you will learn how to design, cut and assemble the structure of an arcade machine. Then with the help of UV Arts Graffiti artists you will decorate your finished structure. Once this is done, it is then time to Code! Using Raspberry Pi you will learn how to programme your arcade machine so that you have access to lots of fun retro games- games which you have even personalised yourself. You could also create your very own game too! No previous coding experience is required.
ADMISSION & BOOKING
£20. Book via nisciencefestival.com
If a picture is worth a thousand words, the images by Adam Porter (The Northern Light Gallery and Studio) are worth a library. Adam’s skill in capturing stunning images of landscapes and our celestial heavens have been noted by the Irish Times, RTÉ and Audi Ireland, among others. This technical workshop will teach participants the skills required to capture their own stunning images of our stellar skies using features of the digital SLR camera.
Please note you must attend each evening. Places are limited.
That evening, Adam will lead a local field trip for participants to test their newly acquired skills. NOTE: Participants must bring their own Digital SLR camera and tripod to this workshop as equipment cannot be supplied. Participants are also responsible for their own field trip transport.
RURAL RETROCADE
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MON 19 FEB TUE 20 FEB
1.00pm, 2.30pm & 4.00pm | Field Trip: 6.30pm
6.00–8.00pm
WED 21 FEB
Monday 19 February
TIME(S)
Monday 19 February– Thursday 22 February
THU 22 FEB
TIME(S)
DATE
FRI 23 FEB
DATE
Pi Arcade
SAT 24 FEB
Shooting The Stars Workshop
SUN 25 FEB
TECH & DIGITAL
NORTH WEST
ART & SCIENCE
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ONGOING EVENTS
MIND & BODY
ENGINEERING & ROBOTICS
In Conversation with Robochallenge Paddy McCourt & Marty McCann DATE
TIME(S)
Wednesday 21 February
7.00–8.30pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Ulster University, Magee Campus, Northland Rd, Derry/ Londonderry BT48 7JL
8 Yrs+
NORTH WEST
DATE
TIME(S)
Thursday 22 February
7.00–9.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Northwest Regional College, Student Zone, Strand Road, Derry/Londonderry BT48 7AL
10–14 Yrs & Parents
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
It’s alive! Well, kind of… In this fun, engaging, hands-on workshop, you will be introduced to the basics of programming and robotics by the engineering team from Sentinus. Put your robot to the test as you work together to programme it to follow commands, navigate its way around a course and complete challenges. May the best robot win!
ADMISSION & BOOKING
£6. Book via nisciencefestival.com
Join ex-Celtic star, Paddy McCourt, ex-Derry City assistant manager, Marty McCann and their invited guests to discuss why sport science is vital to developing and nurturing a standard of excellence amongst young soccer players in the North West of Ireland. These local icons of soccer will explain why understanding our bodies, combined with healthy eating and top training skills can assist our soccer stars of the future to reach their full potential. In partnership with Talent Development Agency.
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
WED 21 FEB
TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
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SUITABILITY
Centre for Contemporary Art, 10-12 Artillery Street, Derry/ Londonderry BT48 6RG
18+
ADMISSION & BOOKING
£25. Book via nisciencefestival.com
ONGOING EVENTS
DATE
TIME(S)
Thursday 22 February
7.30pm–9.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
St Jude Eatery, The Yellow Yard, Palace Street, Derry/ Londonderry BT48 6PS
All Ages
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Drop In.
Come learn about ‘natural wine’ at this special event taking place alongside the Centre for Contemporary Art’s (CCA) current exhibition, “Kills 99.9% of Bacteria”. A partnership between the CCA and Thrive Local Organic Food Hub, guests at this event will hear about and taste a variety of natural wines - those made with little or no chemical and technological intervention in growing grapes and making them into wine. We’ll hear about the ways in which the micobiome of grapes (the mix of bacteria and yeast naturally present on them) affect flavour and may be an important part of the wines’ ‘terroir’...the thing that makes them unique. Local, organic snacks will be provided by Thrive Local Organic Food Hub.
Enjoy a relaxed evening of scientific colouring with “Life under the lens” colouring book artist, Jennifer Delaney. Explore the hidden beauty of microscopic life through colouring with friends or family. Colour the photosynthetic strands of cyanobacteria or the thorasic limbs of marine barnacles. Allow yourself to escape to the world beneath the lens and marvel at the beauty of life in its smallest form, all whilst enjoying a cup of coffee in St Judes Eatery.
MON 19 FEB SUN 25 FEB
All colouring materials will be provided on the night.
TUE 20 FEB
7.00–10.00pm
VENUE
WED 21 FEB
TIME(S)
Thursday 22 February
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NORTH WEST
DATE
THU 22 FEB
Natural Wine Tasting Scientific Colouring Evening
FRI 23 FEB
ART & SCIENCE
SAT 24 FEB
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ONGOING EVENTS NORTH WEST
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
WED 21 FEB
TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
ENGINEERING & ROBOTICS
Discovery Day DATE
TIME(S)
Friday 23 February
3.00–8.00pm Professor Peter Redmond Talk 7pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Intelligent Systems Research Centre, Ulster University, Magee Campus, Derry/ Londonderry BT48 7JL
All Ages
Scientific Sue: Science of Bubbles DATE
TIME(S)
Friday 23 February
8.00–9.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Nerve Centre, 7-8 Magazine St, Derry/Londonderry BT48 6HJ
18+
ADMISSION & BOOKING
£5. Book via nisciencefestival.com
ADMISSION & BOOKING
Free. Drop In.
Scientific Sue returns with her slightly orange, green and blue ‘Science of Bubbles Show’ for adults. From chemical bath bombs to the accidental biological ones let’s explore which ones are potentially explosive? Find out the surprising and ‘possibly’ shocking, ingredient for giant bubbles. Could you be sipping bubbles whilst trapped inside one?
Situated on the Magee campus of Ulster University, the ISRC is a world class centre of research and innovation. During “Discovery Day” we will open the doors of the centre to the public and lift the lid on some of the exciting research currently underway. Some of the things to see and do during Discovery Day: • Visit the cognitive robotics lab and see our fleet of robots in action • See how we can communicate and control games using brainwaves alone • Virtual worlds – a voyage of discovery into the exciting world of virtual reality • Visit the Centre for Engineering & Renewable Energies (CERE) • Professor Peter Redmond Family Robotics Talk
This slightly risqué show is all about science fun – How can Sue turn making a strawberry daiquiri into one of the coolest demos ever?
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Foyle Science Showcase: Robots, Beasties and Dragons DATE
TIME(S)
Saturday 24 February
10.00am–5.00pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Foyle Arena, Limavady Rd, Derry/Londonderry, BT47 6JY
All Ages
ONGOING EVENTS WED 21 FEB
Supported by Innovate UK
TUE 20 FEB
SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
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ADMISSION & BOOKING
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FRI 23 FEB SAT 24 FEB
To top this all off we have our amazing ‘Science of Dragons’ show brought to you by Scientific Sue. This show is based on the books written by Cressida Cowell: How to Train Your Dragon.
SUN 25 FEB
Get up close and personal with weird and wonderful animals from around the world. We also have many workshops where you can learn about the wonders of nature, the human body, food, psychology and technology.
NORTH WEST
The Foyle Science Showcase is a fun, hands-on event designed to introduce young people to the wonderful world of science and technology. Meet RuBot, our life-sized Rubik’s code solving robot who appeared in the 2010 Guinness Book of World Records. Join the robotics experts at Ulster University to hear about their world leading robotics research. Discover the solar system, whilst sitting beneath the stars in our mobile planetarium.
THU 22 FEB
Free. Book via nisciencefestival.com
ONGOING EVENTS
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
SPACE
Food Fermenting Workshop DATE
TIME(S)
Saturday 24 February
2.00–3.30pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Centre for Contemporary Art, 10-12 Artillery St, Derry/ Londonderry, BT48 6RG
All Ages
A Celestial Journey
NORTH WEST
DATE
TIME(S)
Sunday 25 February
11.00am, 1.00pm, 3.00pm & 4:30pm
VENUE
SUITABILITY
Nerve Centre, 7-8 Magazine St, Derry/Londonderry BT48 6HJ
All Ages
ADMISSION & BOOKING
£6/£3 Book via nisciencefestival.com
ADMISSION & BOOKING
£3. Book via nisciencefestival.com
The International Space Station is mankind’s outpost in space and stepping stone to other worlds.
A partnership between The Centre for Contemporary Art and Thrive Local Organic Food Hub, this intergenerational food-fermenting workshop is open to adults and children from age 6 (accompanied by parents). Taking place alongside CCA’s current exhibition, “Kills 99.9% of Bacteria”, this hands-on workshop will provide an opportunity for participants to make their own fermented products to take home with them. Learn about the trillions of bacterial organisms that live inside our bodies and the amazing and delicious ways that bacteria and yeasts can transform food!
We begin our celestial journey by visiting the Space Station to observe how astronauts live and work on-board this incredible man-made facility, which is whizzing around Planet Earth. We will then be transported back in time to see the beginning of the Solar System and witness our star, the Sun, burst into life. Along the way we will investigate what exists at the very edges of the Solar System and how we as a species are exploring our place in space. As part of our Solar System voyage we will see how our knowledge of Planet Mars has rapidly increased, and take a flight over the surface of the Red Planet using our latest knowledge and images as a guide for discovery.
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
WED 21 FEB
TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
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We’re the UK’s innovation agency, and we’re delighted to be supporting the Northern Ireland Science Festival. We look forward to meeting and talking with all those across Northern Ireland who are as curious and passionate about scientific discovery as we are.
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ONGOING EVENTS NORTH WEST
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
WED 21 FEB
After all, between us, we can’t stop thinking about the future.
SAT 17 FEB
At Innovate UK, we know these underpin solutions to many of society’s most pressing challenges – from sustainable food supply to healthy ageing, cyber security to clean energy – driving high quality jobs and a stronger economy along the way.
SUN 18 FEB
They become great innovations and then – in turn – goods, products and services we all use to change our lives for the better.
MON 19 FEB
Good ideas, rooted in scientific imagination and discovery, shape our future.
TUE 20 FEB
We can’t stop thinking about the future
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
NORTH WEST
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
WED 21 FEB
TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
ONGOING EVENTS
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ONGOING EVENTS
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THU 15 FEB
Say hello to more...
#discoverni 97
NORTH WEST
SUN 25 FEB
Make the most of your quality time. Book your ideal short break now.
FRI 23 FEB
Whether you want exploration or relaxation, Northern Ireland’s brimming with getaway options. Check out the Titanic City of Belfast, the epic Causeway Coastal Route or the Walled City of Derry-Londonderry. Or simply escape to one of the many fantastic resorts and hotels across the region.
SAT 24 FEB
Whatever you look for in a short break, Northern Ireland will be your new favourite place to find it.
THU 22 FEB
WED 21 FEB
SS Nomadic & Titanic Belfast
TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
unforgettable getaways
ONGOING EVENTS
Everyday 2.5 quintillion bytes of data are generated – 90% of the data in the world today has been created in the last two years alone.
Ulster University’s new Cognitive Analytics Research Lab delivers worldclass research and expertise within the crucial area of data analytics.
NORTH WEST
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
WED 21 FEB
TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
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Find out more ulster.ac.uk/CARL 98
ONGOING EVENTS SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
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We’re ranked in the
top 1% of universities in the world
(QS World University Rankings 2018/ Webometrics.info)
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NORTH WEST
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
WED 21 FEB
TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
IT ALL STARTS HERE
ONGOING EVENTS THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
FRI 16 FEB
SCIENCE THROUGH THE BRITISH COUNCIL
SAT 17 FEB
There are many international opportunities in science for individuals and organisations through the British Council. We link scientists globally, encourage grassroots discussion and promote science in education.
SUN 18 FEB
Our work in public engagement includes FameLab, a competition which showcases upcoming talent in science communication and engages the public.
MON 19 FEB
In higher education, the IAESTE programme provides STEM students with international, paid work experience. It also provides employers with access to highly skilled students from over 80 countries. In addition, science and innovation partnerships are developed under The Newton Fund, to promote the economic development and welfare of people in partnering countries and beyond.
TUE 20 FEB
Schools can also get involved in international science work through partnerships and staff mobility in programmes like eTwinning, Erasmus+ and Connecting Classrooms.
NORTH WEST
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
WED 21 FEB
http://nireland.britishcouncil.org https://www.facebook.com/britishcouncilnorthernireland @BCouncil_NI
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FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
WED 21 FEB
TUE 20 FEB
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SUN 18 FEB
THE WEEKEND STARTS HERE!
NORTH WEST
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
ONGOING EVENTS
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ONGOING EVENTS THU 15 FEB FRI 16 FEB SAT 17 FEB SUN 18 FEB MON 19 FEB TUE 20 FEB
AT A GLANCE GUIDE THURSDAY 15 FEBRUARY (PAGES 12–18) NI Science Festival Roadshow
STEM Centre, South West College, Dungannon
10.00am & 2.00pm
Science Communication
Arduino Workshops
Ormeau Baths, Belfast
10.00am & 2.00pm
Tech & Digital
Forest School
The Jungle NI, Magherafelt
10am, 1pm & 3pm
Natural World
Micro:Bit Workshops
Glengormley Library
10.00am
Tech & Digital
History, Maths and Mystery (also on Friday 16 February)
Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh
10.00am
Maths & Physics
Kitchen Science (also on Friday 16 February)
Libraries across Belfast
10.00am
Food For Thought
Lead Exposure & Safe Motherhood
Black Box, Belfast
1.00pm
Mind & Body
Curious Eyes in the Sky
Ulster Museum, Belfast
1.00pm
Space
The Battle of Predator and Pest
Tropical Ravine, Belfast
2.00pm
Natural World
Entangled – John Bell Lecture & Concert Performance
Sonic Arts Research Centre, QUB
6.30pm
Maths & Physics
648 Billion Sunrises: A Geological Miscellan
Ulster Museum, Belfast
7.00pm
Earth and Elements
What’s Your Beef?
Bullitt Hotel, Belfast
7.00pm
Food For Thought
An Evening with Colonel Chris Hadfield
The SSE Arena, Belfast
7.30pm
Space
Northern Regional College
10am & 2pm
Science Communication
Thought Police
St. Georges Market, Belfast
10.00am
Science In Society
Rainforest Feasts
Tropical Ravine, Botanic Gardens Belfast
11.00am
Food for Thought
FRI 23 FEB
Mission to Mars
Ulster Museum, Belfast
12pm & 2pm
Space
Science Books Activity Day
Lisburn City Library
12:00pm
Science Communication
How Science Got Women Wrong
Crescent Arts Centre, Belfast
1.00pm
Science In Society
Story time for Little Scientists
Belfast Central Library
3:00pm
Science Communication
The Ethical Hacker
Black Box, Belfast
6.30pm
Tech & Digital
The Earth Beneath Our Oceans
David Keir Building, QUB
6.30pm
Natural World
Immersed In Space
Queen’s Film Theatre, Belfast
6.00pm
Space
Science Behind Sporting Performance
National Football Stadium at Windsor Park, Belfast
7:00pm
Mind & Body
Evolution & Sex
Medical Biology Centre, QUB
7.45pm
Mind & Body
NORTH WEST
THU 22 FEB
NI Science Festival Roadshow
SAT 24 FEB
FRIDAY 16 FEBRUARY (PAGES 19–24)
SUN 25 FEB
WED 21 FEB
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ONGOING EVENTS
10.00am
Space
Dye Tracing Experiment in Marble Arch Caves
Marble Arch Caves, Enniskillen
10.00am & 1.30pm
Earth & Elements
CCRCB Open Day 2018 Celebrating a Decade of Advances in Cancer Research
Centre for Cancer Research & Cell Biology, QUB
10.30am & 12.30pm
Mind & Body
Sounds From Beyond
Sonic Arts Research Centre, QUB
10.30am
Tech & Digital
The Joy of Toys
The MAC, Belfast
10.30am & 11.30am
Mind & Body
The TQ Giants Trail
Titanic Foundation, Titanic House, Belfast
10.30am
Engineering and Robotics
Who Stole The Car? A Crime Scene Investigation
Open University, Belfast
11.00am
Science in Society
Found Sound Masterclass Performance
Black Box, Belfast
11.00am
Tech & Digital
The Science of Flying Saucers (Well, Frisbees!)
Emeleus Lecture Hall, Queen’s University Belfast
11.00am
Sport Science
Life as an Astronaut (also on Saturday 24 February)
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium
11.00am
Space
ParkLife Saturday Clubs
Botanic Gardens, Belfast
11.15am
Natural World
Earth (2007)
Strand Arts Centre, Belfast
12.00pm
Natural World
The Science of Harry Potter
Black Box, Belfast
1pm & 3pm
Science Communication
Northern Ireland Raspberry Jam | NISF Special
School of Maths and Physics Teaching, QUB
1:00pm & 3:00pm
Tech & Digital
Know Your Enemy: DiseaseFocussed Research at Queen’s University
Centre for Experimental Medicine, Welcome Wolfson Building QUB
1.00pm
Mind & Body
The Dating Game
School of Natural & Built Environment, QUB
2.00pm
Science in Society
What Do Babies Think?
The MAC, Belfast
2:00pm
Mind & Body
The Hans Sloane Chocolate Experience
Dufferin Coaching Inn Hall, Killyleagh
2:00pm & 3.15pm
Food For Thought
The Rot or Not Show: Bacteria, Fungus & Food
Medical Biology Centre, QUB
2.00pm
Food For Thought
The Hidden Secrets of Irish Bogs
School of Natural and Built Environment, QUB
2:00pm
Natural World
John Stewart Bell: A Great Belfast Physicist of our Time
The Old Museum Building, Belfast
2.15pm
Maths & Physics
Neo Neo
Black Box, Belfast
9.30pm
Art & Science
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THU 15 FEB
W5, Belfast
FRI 16 FEB
Life Through A Lens (also on Sunday 18 February)
SAT 17 FEB
Natural World
SUN 18 FEB
9.15am
MON 19 FEB
Belfast Zoo,
TUE 20 FEB
Science Behind the Zoo (also on Saturday 24 February)
WED 21 FEB
Science Communication
THU 22 FEB
10am & 2pm
FRI 23 FEB
South West College, Enniskillen
SAT 24 FEB
NI Science Festival Roadshow
SUN 25 FEB
SATURDAY 17 FEBRUARY (PAGES 25–35)
NORTH WEST
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ONGOING EVENTS THU 15 FEB FRI 16 FEB SAT 17 FEB SUN 18 FEB MON 19 FEB TUE 20 FEB
AT A GLANCE GUIDE SUNDAY 18 FEBRUARY (PAGES 36–41) NI Science Festival Roadshow
Southern Regional College (West) Newry
10.00am & 2.00pm
Science Communication
Mind Over Money
Ulster Museum, Belfast
12.00pm
Mind & Body
Chelyabinsk Day: Meet the Meteorites
Ulster Museum, Belfast
1.00pm
Space
How to Almost (Un)Solve the Riemann Hypothesis
Black Box, Belfast
1.00pm
Maths & Physics
Resilient Oceans in a Changing World
Ulster Museum, Belfast
1.00pm
Natural World
Life & Death Inside The Mortuary
Black Box, Belfast
1.00pm
Mind & Body
Yuck, That’s Disgusting!
Black Box, Belfast
3:00pm
Food For Thought
Science of Wind Instruments
Sonic Arts Research Centre, QUB
3:00pm
Art & Science
Wed-Lough: A Cycle of Duets from Nature
Oxford Island National Nature Reserve, Craigavon
3:00pm
Art & Science
Urban Bee Keeping - A Faculty Lecture
Black Box, Belfast
3:00pm
Food For Thought
To Be A Machine
Ulster Museum, Belfast
4:00pm
Engineering & Robotics
TAP
Sunflower Public House, Belfast
7.30pm
Art & Science
Botanic Gardens, Belfast
11.00am
Natural World/Art & Science
The Science of Photography
Belfast Exposed
6:00pm
Art & Science
Robochallenge
South Dining Hall, QUB
7:00pm
Engineering & Robotics
Sport Insight - Pursuing Performance Improvement
Crescent Arts Centre, Belfast
7:00pm
Mind & Body
Wine, Whisky & Beer: The Role of Geology
Ulster Museum, Belfast
7.30pm
Food For Thought
Mensa Magnificent Monday Quiz
Black Box, Belfast
7.30pm
Science Communication
How To Fill Your Car From Your Bin
David Kier Building, QUB
8:00pm
Science Communication
NORTH WEST
SUN 25 FEB
THU 22 FEB
Winter Tree Trail in Botanic Gardens (also on Tuesday 20 February)
FRI 23 FEB
MONDAY 19 FEBRUARY (PAGES 42–45)
SAT 24 FEB
WED 21 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
TUESDAY 20 FEBRUARY (PAGES 46–49) Sir Bernard Crossland Annual Lecture
Riddel Hall, QUB
6:00pm
Engineering and Robotics
Sixteen South Animation Masterclass
Sixteen South Television, Belfast
6.30pm
Tech & Digital
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Stargazing Open Night
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium
7:00pm
Space
Superdomes
Queens University, Whitla Hall
7:00pm
Engineering and Robotics
The Last Man on the Moon (PG)
Strand Arts Centre, Belfast
8:00pm
Space
WEDNESDAY 21 FEBRUARY (PAGES 50–53) Mapathon
Medical Biology Centre, QUB
6:00pm
Science in Society
Pitch200
Black Box, Belfast
6.30pm
Engineering and Robotics
Animation Workshop
Sixteen South Television, Belfast
6.30pm
Tech & Digital
The Antibiotic Apocalypse
Ulster University, Belfast
7:00pm
Science in Society
Sport Insight - Reloading for the Next Performance
Crescent Arts Centre, Belfast
7:00pm
Sport Science
Coffee Culture Chemistry
Bullitt Hotel, Belfast
7:00pm
Food for Thought
10 things you didn’t know about meteorites (but thought you did)
Ulster Museum, Belfast
7:00pm
Space
Scientific Colouring Evening
Belfast café TBC)
7.30pm
Art and Science
The Half Bap Science Cabaret
Black Box, Belfast
8.30pm
Art and Science
THURSDAY 22 FEBRUARY (PAGES 54–58) The Basics of Plant Identification
Botanic Gardens, Belfast
11.00am
Natural World
Make It Super Assembly
Live stream - bbc.co.uk/makeit
2:00pm
Art and Science
Health Technology Futures
NIBEC, Ulster University, Jordanstown
6:00pm
Mind and Body
Turing Lecture 2018: Innovation and Technology – Art or Science?
Belfast City Hall
6.30pm
Tech and Digital
"Post Truth" and Science
Ulster Museum, Belfast
6.30pm
Science in Society
Health Technology Futures
NIBEC, Ulster University, Jordanstown
6:00pm
Mind and Body
The Art and Science of Linen
PRONI, Belfast
7:00pm
Art and Science
The Genius Within: Smart Pills, Brainhacks & Adventures in Intelligence
Black Box, Belfast
7.00pm
Mind and Body
Explain Like I'm 5
Farset Labs, Belfast
7.30pm
Science Communication
Bodysong (2003)
Strand Arts Centre, Belfast
8.30pm
Natural World
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ONGOING EVENTS
Food for Thought
THU 15 FEB
6.30pm
FRI 16 FEB
Queen's Film Theatre, Belfast
SAT 17 FEB
Food Evolution – Screening and Panel Discussion
SUN 18 FEB
Mind and Body
MON 19 FEB
6.30pm
TUE 20 FEB
Black Box, Belfast
WED 21 FEB
Belfast Science Cafe: Ginger Genetics
THU 22 FEB
Engineering and Robotics
FRI 23 FEB
6.30pm
SAT 24 FEB
The MAC, Belfast
SUN 25 FEB
Exploring the new world of self-driving vehicles
NORTH WEST
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ONGOING EVENTS THU 15 FEB FRI 16 FEB SAT 17 FEB SUN 18 FEB MON 19 FEB TUE 20 FEB WED 21 FEB THU 22 FEB FRI 23 FEB SAT 24 FEB SUN 25 FEB NORTH WEST
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
AT A GLANCE GUIDE FRIDAY 23 FEBRUARY (PAGES 59–62) The Magic of Plants Magnified
Botanic Gardens, Belfast
11.00am
Natural World
Cyber Security Training: Capture the Flag!
Farset Labs, Belfast
6.30pm
Tech and Digital
Cosmic Cuilcagh
Marble Arch Caves, Enniskillen
7:00pm
Space
Pints & Puzzles
Northern Lights, Belfast
7:00pm
Maths & Physics
Universilly Challenged
Black Box, Belfast
7:00pm
Science Communication
A Taste of Prehistory
Ulster Museum, Belfast
7:00pm
Food for Thought
The BBC Radiophonic Workshop at 60 Years
Sonic Arts Research Centre, QUB
7.30pm
Art & Science
SATURDAY 24 FEBRUARY (PAGES 63–73) The Heart Experience
St George's Market, Belfast
10.00am
10.00am
Physics Busking
Ulster Museum, Belfast
10.00am
Maths & Physics
Space Cities Space Hackathon
Computer Science Building, QUB
9.30 AM. Check full listing.
9.30 AM. Check full listing.
Busy Bees
Musgrave Park, Belfast
10.00am
10.00am
Museum of Thought Experiments
W5, Belfast
10.00am
10.00am
Understanding Our Oceans
Exploris Aquarium, Portaferry
11.00am
11.00am
Dr Megaphone’s Irish Jaunt
Ulster Museum, Belfast
11.00am
11.00am
SHeroes Assemble!
Metropolitan Arts Centre (MAC),
10.00am
10.00am
ParkLife Saturday Club
Ballysillan Bowling Pavillion
10.00am
10.00am
Art & Science Saturday
Boom! Studios, 80a Main Street, Bangor
Various. Check full listing.
Various. Check full listing.
Titanic Taster Photography Tour: Lenses, Light & Magnification
Titanic Quarter, Belfast
10.30am
10.30am
Spinning, stalling and falling apart: Flight and World War I
The Old Museum Building
11.00am
11.00am
Pizza & Puzzles
Black Box, Belfast
12.30pm
12.30pm
Micro:Bit Workshops
Ballymena Library
1.00pm
Tech & Digital
Lily’s Driftwood Bay
Strand Arts Centre, Belfast
2.00pm & 3.45pm
1.10pm & 1.50pm
Look Up!
Black Box, Belfast
1.00pm
1.00pm
Micro:Bit Workshops
Ballymena Library
1.00pm
Tech & Digital
Tamed with Professor Alice Roberts
Whitla Hall, QUB
2:00pm
2:00pm
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Late Night Science at W5
W5, Belfast
7:00pm
7:00pm
SUNDAY 25 FEBRUARY (PAGES 74–78) Physics Busking
St George's Market, Belfast
10.00am
Maths & Physics
Shooting The Stars Workshop
Crescent Arts Centre, Belfast
1.00pm, 2.30pm & 4.00pm | Field Trip: 6.30pm
Art & Science
Maths's Greatest Unsolved Puzzles
Black Box, Belfast
1.00pm
Maths & Physics
Bakineering In Space
Ulster Museum, Belfast
1.00pm
Food For Thought
From Kings to Keyholes: Surgical Innovation in Organ Transplantation
Ulster Museum, Belfast
2:00pm
Mind and Body
Sacred Geometry of Chance
Black Box, Belfast
3:00pm
Maths & Physics
The Mystery of Music According to Science - A Faculty Lecture
Black Box, Belfast
3:00pm
Art and Science
Doug Allan - An Eye Below Zero
Whitla Hall, QUB
3.30pm
Natural World
Tenx9 - Doctors & Nurses
Black Box, Belfast
7:00pm
Science Communication
ONGOING EVENTS (PAGES 5–11) AFBI Research Vessel Corystes Open House Tours
Queen’s Quay, Titanic Quarter, Belfast
10.00am
Natural World
Science Storytelling
Various libraries across NI
Various times
Science Communication
Museum of the Moon
W5, Belfast
10.00am
Space
Operation Earth
W5, Belfast
10.00am
Natural World
“It has been scientifically proven that Art makes you happy.”
Boom! Studios, Bangor
10.00am
Art & Science
Lasers Live
Ulster Museum, Belfast
10.00am
Maths & Physics
Science Fiction and the Body
Naughton Gallery, QUB
11.00am
Art and Science
The View from Earth, the View from Space
ArtisAnn Gallery, Belfast
11.00am
Art & Science
The Cabinet of Myths and Curiosities
ArtisAnn Gallery, Belfast
11.00am
Art & Science
The Great QR Hunt!
Across Northern Ireland
N/A
Tech & Digital
The Secret World of Gases
W5, Belfast
Various
Earth & Elements
The Notion of Balance
Framewerk, Belfast
10.30am
Art & Science
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ONGOING EVENTS
2.30pm
THU 15 FEB
2.30pm
FRI 16 FEB
Black Box, Belfast
SAT 17 FEB
Mathematical Life Hacks
SUN 18 FEB
2:00pm
MON 19 FEB
2:00pm
TUE 20 FEB
W5, Belfast
WED 21 FEB
Girl STEM Toy Hackathon
THU 22 FEB
2:00pm
FRI 23 FEB
2:00pm
SAT 24 FEB
Rademon Estate Distillery, Crossgar
SUN 25 FEB
Shortcross Gin Distillery Tour
NORTH WEST
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
ONGOING EVENTS THU 15 FEB FRI 16 FEB SAT 17 FEB SUN 18 FEB MON 19 FEB TUE 20 FEB WED 21 FEB THU 22 FEB FRI 23 FEB SAT 24 FEB SUN 25 FEB NORTH WEST
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
AT A GLANCE NORTH WEST EVENTS THURSDAY 15 FEBRUARY (PAGE 82) How Loud Can You Shout?!
Botanic Gardens, Belfast
11.00am
Natural World
FRIDAY 16 FEBRUARY (PAGES 83–84) Game of Thrones Landscape Tour
Ulster University, Coleraine Campus
9.30am
Science Communication
Loughs Agency Open Day
Loughs Agency, Derry/ Londonderry
10.00am
Natural World
Close Encounters of the Nerve Kind
Nerve Centre, Derry/ Londonderry
1.00pm
Tech & Digital
How Are Drones Used Within The Film Industry
Nerve Centre, Derry/ Londonderry
2:30pm
Engineering & Robotics
SATURDAY 17 FEBRUARY (PAGES 85–88) IM HAPPY Family Fun Day
Diamond Shopping Centre, Coleraine
10.00am
Tech & Digital
The Multisensory Science of Food & Eating (also Sunday 18 February, Saturday 24 February & Sunday 25 February
Ulster University, Coleraine Campus
11.00am
Food For Thought
Mission To Mars
Nerve Centre, Derry/ Londonderry
12.00pm & 2.00pm
Space
Science Books Activity Day
Strabane Library
12:00pm
Science Communication
Science of Sweets
Nerve Centre, Derry/ Londonderry
1.00pm
Food For Thought
Sippy Brewery Tour
Various across Derry
2:00pm
Food For Thought
Physics of Gin
Nerve Centre, Derry/ Londonderry
7:30pm
Food For Thought
1.00pm & 3.00pm
Science Communication
SUNDAY 18 FEBRUARY (PAGE 88) The Science of Harry Potter
Nerve Centre, Derry/ Londonderry
MONDAY 19 FEBRUARY (PAGE 89) Shooting The Stars Workshop
Garden of Reflection, Derry/ Londonderry
1.00pm, 2.30pm & 4.00pm | Field Trip: 6.30pm
Art & Science
Pi Arcade (on until Thursday 22 February)
Various venues across Derry City Centre
6:00pm
Tech & Digital
108
ONGOING EVENTS
WEDNESDAY 21 FEBRUARY (PAGE 90) In Conversation with Paddy McCourt & Marty McCann
Ulster University, Magee Campus
7:00pm
Mind & Body
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
7:00pm
Robotics & Engineering
Natural Wine Tasting
Centre for Contemporary Art, Derry/Londonderry
7:00pm
Food For Thought
Scientific Colouring Evening
St Judes, The Yellow Yard, Derry/ Londonderry
7:30pm
Art & Science
FRIDAY 23 FEBRUARY (PAGE 92) Discovery Day
Ulster University, ISRC, Magee Campus
3:00pm
Engineering & Robotics
Scientific Sue: Science of Bubbles
Nerve Centre, Derry/ Londonderry
8.00pm
Science Communication
SUN 18 FEB
Northwest Regional College
MON 19 FEB
Robochallenge
SAT 17 FEB
THURSDAY 22 FEBRUARY (PAGES 90–91)
2:00pm
Food For Thought
Game of Thrones Drinks Event
Nerve Centre, Derry/ Londonderry
7:30pm
Food For Thought
11.00am, 1.00pm, 3.00pm & 4:30pm
Space
SUNDAY 25 FEBRUARY (PAGE 94) A Celestial Journey
Nerve Centre, Derry/ Londonderry
ONGOING EVENTS (PAGES 80–82) International Images of Science
Millennium Forum, Derry/ Londonderry
9.00am
Art & Science
Balloon Astronaut
Foyleside Shopping Centre, Derry/Londonderry
9.00am
Arts & Science
Shooting The Stars Exhibition
Garden of Reflection, Derry/ Londonderry
10.00am
Space
How Loud Can You Shout!?
Foyleside Shopping Centre, Derry/Londonderry
10.00am
Science in Society
Curious Collections
Tower Museum, Derry/ Londonderry
10.00am
Art & Science
Chromo-Hydroculture
The Playhouse, Derry/ Londonderry
10.00am
Art & Science
109
WED 21 FEB
Centre for Contemporary Art, Derry/Londonderry
THU 22 FEB
Food Fermenting Workshop
FRI 23 FEB
Science Communication
SAT 24 FEB
10.00am
SUN 25 FEB
Foyle Arena, Derry/Londonderry
NORTH WEST
Foyle Science Showcase: Robots, Beasties and Dragons
TUE 20 FEB
SATURDAY 24 FEBRUARY (PAGES 93–94)
InnovateUs & Skills Focus Get the skills your business needs to succeed Does your business have a new product, process or service idea? The InnovateUs programme could be for you.
Did you know that you can receive 75% funding through the Skills Focus programme towards the cost of accredited qualifications?
ITS
THE BENEF
INCREASED PROFITABILITY
A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS
TRAINED, VALUED & MOTIVATED STAFF
INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY
For more information Contact your local college Details can be found on https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/esp The Skills Focus and InnovateUs programmes are funded by the Department for the Economy and delivered across Northern Ireland by the six Further Education colleges.
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NORTH WEST
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
WED 21 FEB
TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
ONGOING EVENTS
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
NORTH WEST
SUN 25 FEB
SAT 24 FEB
FRI 23 FEB
THU 22 FEB
WED 21 FEB
TUE 20 FEB
MON 19 FEB
SUN 18 FEB
SAT 17 FEB
FRI 16 FEB
THU 15 FEB
ONGOING EVENTS
NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL 2018 | NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM
nisciencefestival.com
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