The Edinburgh Science Festival has been cancelled due to Covid-19. Please note this event has been cancelled because of Covid-19 Family events in the National Museum of Scotland (NMS) School/Unit Event name Date/Time Venue Summary College Contact Biological Sciences Bio-discoveries 4th-18th April, 10am-4:30pm NMS, level 2 What do parasites look like up close? How can you tell a male and female mosquito apart and why does it matter? Join our biologists to find out what they've discovered about our living world and make some exciting discoveries for yourself under the microscope. Dr Janet Paterson Physics and Astronomy Life Beyond Our Planet: design your own alien 4th-8th April, 10am-4:30pm NMS, level 2 Interested in the search for life beyond the Earth? Learn about the building blocks of life through our LEGO®-based astrobiology activity. Participants will build their own sequence of DNA and run it through our DNA sequencer to design an alien! It will be out of this world! Rosie Cane / Liam Perera Chemistry Chemistry of Our Planet 9th-13th April, 10am-4.30pm NMS, level 2 From air pollution to sustainable energy sources, find out about amazing sustainable chemistry with hands-on activities centred on the four ancient classifications of earth, air, fire and water. Come and learn about our planet and how we, as chemists, will protect it. Shona Richardson, Ella Rice EPCC Modelling the World with Supercomputers 9th-13th April, 10am-4.30pm NMS, level 2 As part of the Scottish Year of Coast and Waters, use a Raspberry Pi model-supercomputer to experiment with coastal sea defences and reduce the impact of storm waves on a seaside town. How well can you protect the town and coast? Learn how computer scientists support other researchers and engineers in modelling the world around us. Dr Alistair Grant Edinburgh Centre for Robotics, Informatics The Talos Humanoid Showcase 11th-12th April, 10am-5pm NMS, Hawthornden Court Meet Talos, a six-foot-tall humanoid robot and the newest addition to the robotics research lab at the University of Edinburgh. Talk with the team behind this innovative technology and find out how researchers are using Talos to study walking, balancing, using tools, sensing the world, as well as how robots employ machine learning to adapt to the ever-changing worlds around them. Dr Vladimir Ivan Engineering Seeing the Hidden Environment 11th-12th April, 10am-5pm NMS, Hawthornden Court Discover how robots work in extreme environments with the ORCA Hub and Royal Academy of Engineering Ingenious: Robosense project. Interact, program and play with Cozmo robots in our hands-on arena and then see how our Husky robot compares doing real-life tasks. Learn how the Robosense project is helping local school pupils learn to code and explore their surroundings using our extreme environmental sensors. Dr Alistair McConnell Edinburgh Centre for Robotics, Informatics The Robotarium 11th-12th April, 10am-5pm NMS, Hawthornden Court Join Edinburgh Centre for Robotics and discover how robots are attempting to understand and mimic human behaviours. There's lots to explore – from a collaborative robot that wants to work with you to toy robots that can be programmed and driven around. For those wanting more behind-the-scenes details, current robotics researchers will be on-hand to discuss the latest developments and possible implications for wider society. Kai Yuan Informatics Quantum Spies 14th-18th April, 10am-4.30pm NMS, level 2 Shatter your illusion of light and dark through the mysteries of quantum informatics and save us from the ’dark‘ spies... Using special filters, you will discover hidden messages, cover your own tracks, and intercept secret communications. Your newly developed skills will let you tackle our top-secret mission and earn your unique spy licence. Dr Chris Heunen / Nuiok Dicaire Mathematics Maths: elements of modern science 14th-18th April, 10am-4.30pm NMS, level 2 How can misunderstanding a shape lead to catastrophic disasters like the destruction of the NASA Challenger shuttle? Can the roundness of a shape actually be measured? Explore these interlinked questions (and more) through interactive challenges and puzzles. Discover what mathematicians really do and how their work underpins the importance of shape for aerospace engineering and the world's latest discoveries. Dr Francesca Iezzi Engineering Pop-up Engineering 14th-18th April, 10am-4.30pm NMS, level 2 Pop-ups are ingenious engineering mechanisms which you can make yourself! Choose your favourite design, transform it from a flat cardboard shape to a cool 3D model and then decorate it to take home. Please do pop-in to pop-up! Dr Andrew Firth Other festival contributions aimed at families School/Unit Event Name Date/Time Venue Summary CSE Contact College Planet Pong and the Stinky Song 7th-9th April, several times Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh When planet Earth gets too stinky, the rubbish puppets seek help from Earthlings to clean up the mess. Can we make it in time to make a difference? This show is presented in association with the University of Edinburgh and is linked to the exhibition Think Plastic: Materials and Making. Tom Pringle GeoSciences / The Bayes Centre Earth From Above Friday 10th - Saturday 11th April, 10am-4pm Dynamic Earth, Stratosphere Get involved with exciting activities that explore how satellites are launched into orbit and see real images of our planet taken from thousands of kilometres away before learning how we can use these to better understand some of Earth's problems. Dr Murray Collins and his team of scientists will be on hand to show how their research is changing the way that we monitor our fragile ecosystems by looking at Earth from space! Dr Murray Collins GeoSciences Atlantic Adventures with ATLAS Sunday 12th - Monday 13th April, 10am-4pm Dynamic Earth, Stratosphere Dive into the deep and discover the creatures that lurk at the bottom of the ocean by piloting a virtual underwater robot, or going on a VR expedition to the Arctic. Show off your design skills by taking our LEGO® challenge and get creative with amazing augmented reality crafts. Showcasing the research of ATLAS, an EU funded project investigating the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll be amazed at the incredible life found in the deep. Prof Murray Roberts GeoSciences Polar Ice Worlds: Heating Up and Melting Down Saturday 18th - Sunday 19th April, 10am-4pm Dynamic Earth, Stratosphere The Polar Regions are some of the most spectacular yet vulnerable places on Earth. Discover how climate change is affecting these regions and what we can do to slow down this rapid warming. Expect hands-on science demonstrations, interactive activities, lively discussions of these critical issues and stories of incredible polar experiences from real scientists. Dr Sian Henley General Events Programme School/Unit Event Name Date/Time Venue Summary CSE Contact Biological Sciences Parasites: Battle for Survival Saturday 4th April - Sunday 19th April, 10am-5pm Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3, NMS Join the battle against five tropical diseases and the parasites that cause them in this interactive exhibition and discover how scientific research taking place in Scotland is leading the way in this field. Through current research, cutting-edge technologies and interactive exhibits, discover how parasites are transmitted to humans and the ways in which they are fighting back against modern medicine. Presented by National Museums Scotland, in partnership with the University of Dundee, The University of Edinburgh and the University of Glasgow. [Related discussion event - see next row] Prof Sarah Reece Biological Sciences Parasites: Designing an exhibition about scientific research Tuesday 14th April, 5.30pm NMS Auditorium The Parasites: Battle for Survival exhibition highlights current research tackling five tropical parasitic diseases which affect millions of people across the globe. Exhibition curator Sophie Goggins chairs a panel discussion with the researchers involved in the creation of the exhibition, to explore the role exhibitions play in making complex research accessible to a public audience. The exhibition is presented in partnership with the University of Dundee, The University of Edinburgh and the University of Glasgow. Prof Sarah Reece ECCI - GeoSciences Cabaret of Dangerous Ideas on the Climate Crisis Saturday 4th April, 2pm ECCI Join us as some of our brightest and bravest thinkers let their most dangerous ideas loose! Questions and challenges are actively encouraged and there'll be a liberal sprinkle of entertainment from MC and comedian Susan Morrison. The Cabaret of Dangerous Ideas will give you the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge climate knowledge in the entertaining way you've been waiting for. Annabel Cooper GeoSciences Population Facts or Fake News Saturday 4th April, 3pm NMS Auditorium Calling all fake news detectives for an urgent assignment! Internet and social media misinformation is spreading fast and we need to get to the bottom of it. Come along and help social science and health experts separate fact, fiction and everything in between with smartphone and tablet-based quizzes and interactive discussion. Please bring your own smartphone or tablet with you. Dr Tom Clemens Biological Sciences Adapt or Die Wednesday 8th April, 5.30pm NMS Auditorium We are currently in the middle of a massive extinction event – the sixth that our planet has faced. The one million animals and plants that are globally at risk of disappearing altogether have a choice: adapt or die. Our panel, including the RSPB's Dr Paul Walton, The University of Edinburgh's Dr Ally Phillimore and Glasgow University's Prof Pat Monaghan, explore what an extinction event means for Earth's inhabitants and what role evolution might play... Dr Ally Phillimore Physics and Astronomy Exploring Space Science Wednesday 8th April, 6pm Royal Observatory Edinburgh Listen as the experts bring cutting-edge space science to life. Join Prof Anu Ojha, Director of the National Space Academy, Prof Gillian Wright, Director of the UK Astronomy Technology Centre and Dr Pamela Anderson from the European Space Agency, for an evening of engaging space science topics. Ranging from the big questions of exploration and understanding to the way space impacts on our day-to-day lives, these talks will transport you out of this world and back again. Prof Gillian Wright [Visiting Professor] Informatics Let Me Breathe Wednesday 8th April, 8pm NMS Auditorium The simple act of breathing polluted air is killing millions of people every year and harming many more worldwide. Join our experts Prof D K Arvind, a computer scientist at the University of Edinburgh, Prof Amita Baviskar, a social scientist at the Institute of Economic Growth in Delhi and Prof Nina Sabnani, a designer and animator at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay in Mumbai, to explore different experiences of asthmatic adolescents living in Delhi – one of the most polluted cities in the world. Witness the premiere of six stunning animations drawn by the children our experts worked with and monitor your personal exposure in central Edinburgh wearing one of our personal exposure sensors. Prof D K Arvind SCCS, GeoSciences The Carbon Walk Saturday 11th April, 11am / 2pm Outside Dynamic Earth Join artist and activist Dr Romain Viguier on a Carbon Walk. Beginning at Dynamic Earth, you’ll collect a bag weighing 5kg, the equivalent of 3.5 hours of the average carbon footprint in the UK. Bags will be carried to the Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation, where they will form part of a community art installation representing one tonne of carbon dioxide. Just like walking – we must take one step at a time to turn our carbon-based economy around. Please dress appropriately for this outdoor event including sensible footwear and waterproof clothing. Dr Romain Viguier Chemistry Scotland's Energy Quadrilemma Monday 13th April, 5.30pm Pleasance, Upper Hall In 2019, Scotland committed to reducing carbon emissions by 75% before 2030 and becoming a carbon-neutral society by 2045. Examining the ‘energy quadrilemma’ — energy security, affordability, sustainability and public acceptability — we speak to policy and energy experts, including Prof Lesley Yellowlees, chemist and solar energy researcher, and geothermal energy entrepreneur David Townsend, to discuss problems and solutions. Prof Lesley Yellowlees Engineering Fire Power Monday 13th April, 6pm Pleasance Theatre The ability to harness fire helped shape humanity. It revolutionised economies, transformed how we live and transported us to the edges of the solar system. But every year fire kills thousands of people, destroys millions of acres of forests and the emissions from the burning of fossil fuels are exacerbating climate change. In this discussion, Dr Rory Hadden explores the science of fire to shed light on what we do and don't know about fire. Dr Rory Hadden Physics and Astronomy What IS Out There? Monday 13th April, 8pm Pleasance Theatre Is it arrogant to assume that the only life in the Universe exists here on Earth? We're eager to search for life outside of our little blue marble and our experts are doing just that. Join Dr Rosa Santomartino, microbial astrobiologist, Dr Beth Biller, specialist in exoplanet imaging and characterisation, and Prof Charles Cockell, founder of the UK Centre for Astrobiology, to explore the questions surrounding our hunt for extraterrestrial life. Perhaps we've been alone all along...or have we? Prof Charles Cockell/ Dr Beth Biller / Dr Rose Santomartino Biological Sciences Very Short Introduction to... Evolution Tuesday 14th April, 1pm Pleasance, Cabaret Bar In this very short introduction, evolution experts Profs Brian and Deborah Charlesworth provide a clear and concise summary of the process of evolution by natural selection and how this gives rise to adaptations and eventually, over many generations, to new species. They introduce the central concepts of the field of evolutionary biology, as they have developed since Darwin and Wallace on the subject, over 140 years ago, and the importance of an evolutionary understanding of combating the rapid evolution of resistance by bacteria to antibiotics and antiviral drugs. Prof Deborah Charlesworth / Prof Brian Charlesworth GeoSciences This is an Emergency Tuesday 14th April, 6pm Pleasance Theatre Global warming is an ‘emergency’ not a ‘crisis’. But what does it mean if we don’t get off our current path towards global warming? Will the UK burn or freeze? Will we be inundated by people displaced by the effects of climate change? Dr Kate Crowley, climate scientist, shares with us the expected changes as the planet warms and Elizabeth Bomberg, professor of environmental politics, considers the geopolitical fallout from these fast moving climatic changes. With speakers from The University of Edinburgh, this event is chaired by Dr Simon Gage, Director of Edinburgh Science. Dr Kate Crowley / Prof Elizabeth Bomberg Design Informatics Pizzablock Tuesday 14th April, 7.30pm Pleasance Pentland Room Come and play PizzaBlock! A bespoke, hands-on game developed to introduce and explore the future of decentralised identity based on blockchain technologies. Your mission is to improve Edinburgh’s pizza scene – however, to complete the necessary tasks, you must rely on a distributed ledger using a series of stickers, stamps, wallets and washing lines that make up a one-of-a-kind analogue blockchain technology. Dr Jonathan Rankin ICMS - Mathematics Maths of Climate Change Tuesday 14th April, 8pm NMS Auditorium Award-winning lecturer Prof Geoffrey Vallis presents the Maths of Climate Change followed by a conversation with comedian Susan Morrison. Global warming is one of the most important challenges facing society, yet sometimes it seems mired in controversy. Is it really happening? Why is it happening? In fact the physical laws governing climate change are well understood and just with a bit of maths we can figure out what is likely to happen in the future. Dawn Wasley Informatics RSE After Hours Wednesday 15th April, 6pm Royal Society of Edinburgh Enjoy an evening of inspiring conversations and demonstrations; all themed around artificial intelligence and its impact on society. Join philosopher of technology Dr Shannon Vallor, robotics expert Prof Sethu Vijayakumar and entrepreneur Chris van der Kuyl for drop-in discussions, short talks and activities showcasing the latest research and cutting-edge developments. A relaxed, informal but deeply inspiring event which connects the public to people from different scientific and creative art disciplines. Over 18s only Prof Sethu Vijayakumar GeoSciences / Bayes Centre An Evening with Gaia Thursday 16th April, 7pm Dynamic Earth, Stratosphere To honour the 30th anniversary of the now iconic pale blue dot image, join us for an evening packed with science talks, live music, poetry, and hands-on activities, all in the shadow of the incredible Gaia at Dynamic Earth. View our beautiful blue marble as it’s seen from space and delight in the evening’s entertainment. The evening's lineup includes satellite expert Dr Murray Collins, Glasgow-based musician Nicolette Macleod, mythologist Dr Christine Plastow, geologist Dr Roger Musson, poets Hannah Lavery and Leyla Josephine, in association with the Scottish Poetry Library, and will be hosted by comedian Susan Morrison. Over 18s only. Dr Murray Collins Physics and Astronomy When Food Meets Physics Saturday 18th April, 11am Pleasance, Quaker Studio Join Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne, founder of Genius Gluten Free, and Prof Wilson Poon of the School of Physics and Astronomy at Edinburgh University, for an interactive demonstration. They’ll bake some gluten free and gluten containing breads to show why delicious gluten free bread is so hard to make – it takes both culinary and scientific expertise! Throughout, Lucinda will be sharing some fascinating insights on how to love your gut! Prof Wilson Poon GeoSciences Secrets of the Space Rocket Saturday 18th April, 12.30pm NMS Auditorium Geographer, Guardian writer and author of Escape From Earth, Dr Fraser MacDonald takes you on a wild ride through the untold story of the engineers, dreamers and rebels who started the American space programme. Hosted by science communicator Siân Hickson, this snapshot of a historic era will introduce you to the founder of Nasa's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and a story of soaring ideals entangled in the most human of complications: infidelity and divorce, betrayal and treason. Dr Fraser Macdonald Biological Sciences Creativity of Science and Science of Creativity Saturday 18th April, 1pm Pleasance, Cabaret Bar Dr Sinead Collins, an evolutionary biologist at The University of Edinburgh, and Laura Lam, science fiction author and creative writing lecturer at Edinburgh Napier University, have careers that are both creative and highly systematic. Lam will discuss the research for her latest book, Goldilocks, into subjects such as space travel, climate change, astronaut training, and a surprising amount about spirulina, where she relied on Collins' expertise. Test creative hypotheses to create vibrant, alien worlds and illustrate how writing a book and doing science are not as different as they might first appear. Over 16s only. Dr Sinead Collins Biological Sciences Out Thinkers Saturday 18th April, 8pm Pleasance, Cabaret Bar Providing a platform for the LGBTQ+ community in Scotland, join Out Thinkers' four incredible speakers – Bethany Smith, Dr Amy Sweeny, Dr Adam Ostrowski and Dr Sinead Collins – to discuss sustainability, breakthrough energy sources, conservation and our changing planet. Discover thought–provoking insights on the world around us from a new perspective. Hosted by Alfredo Carpineti. Dr Amy Sweeny / Dr Sinead Collins This article was published on 2024-05-20
