There are more than 270 events happening across 90 venues as part of the Northern Ireland Science Festival 2020.
Taking place from February 13-23, the Northern Ireland Science Festival 2020 programme is packed with thought provoking workshops and talks and forums, for people of all ages, addressing our planet’s biggest challenges and issues in 2020, such as ecology, neuroscience, the concept of time to air pollution and genetics.
Festival highlights will include naturalist and broadcaster Chris Packham who will be sharing his perspectives of life on earth through photography, stories and his ideas about where beauty is found, what good photography is and what it’s for.
Biologist, anthropologist and broadcaster Alice Roberts returns to the festival to reveal insights into how humans have colonised the world’s most inhabitable places over the past 5,000 years and how we have overcome environmental challenges to be where we are today.
The festival’s first Sustainability Fair will demonstrate a variety of practical ways that everyone can make a real difference for the planet through their everyday lives, supplemented with talks from international experts and workshops on everything and anything from carbon footprints, community lead initiatives, transportation and much more.
Explaining that the purpose of the 11-day festival is to change perspectives and inspire others NI Science Festival director, Chris McCreery said: “This year we will be focusing more than ever on the climate crisis through a blend of science, exploration, education and storytelling. We are proud to present a range of events aimed at fostering an appreciation of our natural world. From foraging on beaches to stargazing on mountains, join us for a range of events highlighting our natural open spaces and beautiful places.”
Speaking at the launch, Heather Cousins, Deputy Secretary and the Department for the Economy, said: “When Chris first shared his vision for a bespoke Science Festival in 2014 with the Department, its potential to help increase young people’s interest in STEM subjects was clear – though we had no idea then just how much interest it would generate and how fast the festival would grow. The festival is now seen as leading the way, with a far reaching, excellent reputation, that provides mutual benefits to stakeholders and partners.
“The Northern Ireland Science Festival provides an unparalleled opportunity to engage young people and their families on a huge range of STEM related topics. This is really important as the demand for people with STEM skills continues to grow higher every year. The refresh of the Skills Barometer in 2019 reinforced this – its evidence shows that industries where a scientific or technical background, including ICT, are needed, are amongst those expected to have the most employment growth in Northern Ireland over the next ten years.”
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