The Northern Ireland Science Festival is set to return next month after revealing its seventh annual programme boasting more than 80 online public events.
Adopting a digital format this year, the STEM celebration is packed with interactive workshops, engaging talks and discussions, screenings and more for audiences of all ages. The festival, which takes place from February 15-28. will also host a dedicated programme of online events for schools and educators the week before the festival opens.
Among this year’s highlights is a partnership with National Geographic that will see the festival host a series of online talks with prominent science communicators, including well-known BBC science presenter Greg Foot, marine biologist Lucy Hawkes, award-winning natural history photographer Jeff Kerby, TV presenter and wildlife filmmaker Malaika Vaz, and ocean-focused bioengineer Kakani Katija.
Commenting on the launch of the 2021 festival, director, Chris McCreery said: “Given the year that has been it is fitting that we kickstart 2021 with a festival such as ours that exists to enlighten and ignite interest in STEM. Never before have issues such as the impact of human behaviour on the enviro-ment or the remarkable advances in scientific and medical research held such prominence in the public consciousness.”
Speaking about the role of the festival, Chris added: “Our festival has an important role to play in further expanding upon our understanding and appreciation of the natural world as well as communicating the latest advances and opportunities in STEM – all achieved through a diverse and accessible festival format suitable for all ages.
“In 2021, we hope to engage audiences young and old across Northern Ireland by connecting them with international minds at the very forefront of ground-breaking research and debate. In true NI Science Festival fashion, this year’s festival promises our unique blend of popular science alongside important and timely events and discussions to encourage conversation about contemporary issues.”
Economy Minister Diane Dodds said: “Developing the skills of our people right across Northern Ireland is a key priority for me as we begin the process of rebuilding our economy and I am determined to keep skills at the centre of our long-term strategic plans. I am delighted to see that the Science Festival is going ahead this year, despite the challenges from Covid-19.
“The pandemic has underlined as never before the importance of science to the community and highlights how vital it is for us to have a workforce with the skills to meet such challenges. The demand for people with STEM related skills continues to grow higher every year and the Science Festival has an important role in engaging our young people and their families to show the wide-ranging opportunities which a career in STEM can bring. I wish Chris and the team every success with the 2021 Festival.”
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