British Science Festival reveals programme for its 2017 Brighton showcase

Brighton's Palace Pier will be transformed into 'a spectacular science showcase' during this year's British Science Festival.
Brighton's Palace Pier will be a venue at this year's British Science FestivalBrighton's Palace Pier will be a venue at this year's British Science Festival
Brighton's Palace Pier will be a venue at this year's British Science Festival

Visitors will be able to experience science on the boardwalk, as researchers, artists and entertainers display their research at the event.

The festival visits Brighton in September, returning to the city for the first time in 34 years.

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It will be co-hosted by the University of Brighton and the University of Sussex, and is set to draw in top scientists, performers and artists from across the country from Tuesday, September 5 to Saturday, September 9.

Ivvet Modinou, British Science Festival director at the British Science Association, said: “We are thrilled to bring the British Science Festival to the city of Brighton this September. It’s an especially exciting year as the Festival will be co-hosted for the first time by the Universities of Brighton and Sussex. The academics and staff at the Universities have been fantastic to work with, and have helped us to develop the diverse and cutting-edge programme for visitors.”

In venues across the city and at the two universities, thousands of visitors will see hundreds of leading scientists come together to showcase the latest scientific advancements from around the world.

Festival-goers will discover the latest in the race to build a super-fast quantum computer, what the future holds for Artificial Intelligence and why one man decided to be the first person to donate his entire genome to the public.

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Other events include In Conversation discussing the clean eating revolution with Horizon editor Steve Crabtree, and TV presenter Dr Giles Yeo, and a film screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho.

There will also be a varied programme of free talks, debates and performances.

Adam Tickell, vice-chancellor at the University of Sussex, said: “We have really enjoyed developing this magnificent programme with the British Science Association and the University of Brighton.

"From quantum computing, to consciousness science, the reintroduction of species into the wild and the latest wearable technologies, University of Sussex academics are making huge leaps in scientific research and discovery around the world. We can’t wait to share our latest findings and carry out some experiments with festival visitors. There’s a good mix of the fun and the more serious but everything will be thought-provoking."

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“I know the whole city is invested in making this a fantastic event.”

Debra Humphris, vice-chancellor at the University of Brighton, said: “This year’s British Science Festival will be taking place in a dynamic, creative and diverse city that has the capacity to surprise, delight and challenge in equal measure. Much like the programme for what I am sure is going to be a fantastic festival. This coming September marks the 25th anniversary of the University of Brighton and I can think of no better way to kick off our celebrations than by co-hosting this wonderful event.”

Highlights include:

Can you feel the music?

Enter unique listening environments with Joanne Armitage as she demonstrates her compositions through vibrating installations and bone-conducting headphones.

Clean eating: the new diet revolution?

Geneticist and TV presenter Dr Giles Yeo and BBC Horizon editor Steve Crabtree will be in conversation about diet fads over the ages.

Cassini: 20 years to Saturn

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Join Michele Dougherty, responsible for one of the key instruments on the Cassini spacecraft, as she details the most exciting discoveries of the mission.

Psycho: shaping mental health narratives?

A special screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s film Psycho and panel discussion with neuroscientist Uta Frith, media historian Tim Snelson, and broadcaster Adam Rutherford

Why did I donate my genome to the public?

Colin Smith, the first person to donate his entire genome, discusses the reasons for his decision.

Making storytime memorable

Lively event packed with interactive demonstrations and practical tips for telling stories.

For the full programme, visit: www.britishsciencefestival.org

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