Beer brewing, forensic science, artificial intelligence, sci-fi culture and groundbreaking ideas will combine at Aberdeen Science Festival, powered by TechFest, which runs from September 21-28.
This dynamic celebration of science and technology will offer a week of unforgettable experiences across city venues.
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Supported by joint principal sponsors bp and Shell and festival sponsor Equinor, the newly created festival is primarily aimed at adults, including students and senior school pupils, with STEM Nights and Hot Topics set to generate thought-provoking debate.
Previously known as the TechFest public programme, this new festival is everything that the public has come to love over the years, with a fresh new twist and a new name to help describe exactly what the festival will deliver.
Sessions will take place at locations including the University of Aberdeen, Robert Gordon University, The Lemon Tree and Greyhope Bay, with a diverse range of events for everyone to enjoy.
Tickets are now on sale, priced at just £6 for adults and £4 concession.
Dr Martha Gavan, deputy managing director of TechFest said: “We’re excited to bring Aberdeen Science Festival to life, drawing on four decades of experience of delivering science, technology, engineering and maths themed events.
“Our background means we are perfectly placed to deliver Aberdeen Science Festival and bring an array of interactive events, insightful presentations and fascinating shows to both new and loyal audiences.”
Aberdeen Science Festival’s events are organised into four distinct categories. Throughout its eight-day run, the festival will deliver sessions under the headings of Hot Topics, STEM Nights, Engaging Experiences and Family Fest.
Hot Topics will cover cutting-edge research and topical subject as well as Fashion and the Rise of DARQ Technologies for Sustainability.
Taking place after dark, STEM Nights will provide a space for the discussion of serious scientific ideas such as the Cabaret of Dangerous Ideas, which combines a blend of controversial academic research and audience participation with comedy.
For visitors looking for a hands-on experience, Engaging Experiences offer the opportunity to get up close and personal with science – if you are a fan of true crime, you can be a forensic scientist for the evening or, if beer is more your thing, you might choose From Grain to Glass: Behind the Scenes at Fierce Beer.
The Family Fest events have been designed to appeal to the whole family – imagine the surprised and astonished faces that will be seen during The Ugly Animal Show which will celebrate and explore the incredible biology of the most monstrous members of the animal kingdom. Or the delight when the Storm Branch Catapults sessions at Hazlehead Woods provide the chance to build a mini catapult!
Martha added: “The range of activities on offer at Aberdeen Science Festival is incredibly varied and we’re hoping the diverse programme will entice people to come along and learn something new. There is no prior knowledge needed for any event, so people needn’t worry if it’s a completely new topic to them”
“Our ticket prices are just £6 for adults – making it a reasonably priced activity for a fun night out and a chance to do something a little bit different.”
On supporting Aberdeen Science Festival, Doris Reiter, senior vice president of bp North Sea, said: “Making STEM accessible for all ages is key to inspiring the next generation and developing talent with the skills to work in the energy sector and support the energy transition. I’m delighted to see this evolution of TechFest’s public programme which I’m sure will be a great success.”
Simon Roddy, senior vice president of Shell UK Upstream, added: “We are delighted to continue our sponsorship of TechFest and this year’s Aberdeen Science Festival. We hope that the variety of activities and experiences on offer will encourage people to engage with STEM and learn about the skills needed to help shape and develop our energy system.”
Arne Gürtner, senior vice president upstream at Equinor UK, said: “The energy industry depends on advances in science, technology, engineering and maths. Investing in STEM is key for us to be able to find better ways to produce energy today, and the energy the world will need in the future.
“TechFest offers something for everyone in STEM – it promotes young children’s natural curiosity as well as offering opportunities for secondary pupils to gain an insight into subjects for future studies or careers.
“We are proud to play our part in inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers with TechFest to help improve the world we live in.”
Tickets for Aberdeen Science Festival can be bought online at Aberdeen Performing Arts or in person at the box offices at HMT or the Music Hall or by calling 01224 641122 between 10am and 6pm, Tuesday to Saturday.
To book your tickets online, visit www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/whats-on/?event-search=Aberdeen+Science+Festival
