From a living autopsy to a deadly dinner which blends crime fiction and poison, visitors can look forward to delving into the wonders of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in 2025 with the NI Science Festival.
Now in its 11th year, the festival will present more than 300 events, with a focus on Northern Ireland’s rich and diverse natural environment, our engineering and manufacturing heritage, sustainability, technology and the mind and body.
Now recognised as one of Europe’s leading science festivals, running from February 12-23, by day, there are a range of workshops, tours, talks and interactive activities for all ages. In the evening, there is an eclectic mix of experiential events for adults including scientific debate, talks, theatre, comedy and film.
Over the years, the festival has hosted some of the biggest names in science, and this year sees BAFTA award-winning naturalist and explorer Steve Backshall look at the world beneath the waves. Bringing Marine Dreams To Life is a love letter to the most exciting environment on our planet.
Space expert Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock will deliver an interstellar talk on the groundbreaking James Webb Space Telescope and the science reshaping our understanding of the universe.
NI Science Festival director Sarah Jones is excited about the range of events planned.
“Over 12 days, the festival will pop up in venues across Northern Ireland, showcasing the incredible work of local researchers and scientists alongside some well-known guest speakers.
“This year’s programme is packed with exciting events for all ages, offering something for everyone. It’s an opportunity to embrace the joy of discovery, explore the power of ideas, and celebrate the possibilities science brings to our everyday lives,” she said.
Among the festival’s other highlights, is a conversation with Sir Tim Smit, co-founder of the Eden Project in Cornwall and rewilding pioneer Eoghan Daltun, author of The Magic of an Irish Atlantic Rainforest.
Ancient history meets the wonders of science in the Chemistry and the Celts roadshow while Robo Bingo, an adults-only show, involves robots, comedy and alternative bingo.
For those who failed to get the perfect photographs of the aurora this year, A Beginner’s Guide to Aurora Chasing will provide you with all the tips on how to view the northern lights.
For Valentine’s Day, you can explore the chemistry of attraction with an evening of romance, relationships and revelations in the Late Late Love Lab at the Ulster Museum. Or, enjoy a tranquil paddle around Enniskillen guided by Blue Green Yonder, exploring Lough Erne’s natural wonders.
For something less romantic, Deadly Dinner at Ferry’s Walled City Brewery on February 15 provides plenty of food for thought as chemist and writer Kathyrn Harkup, alongside master brewer James Huey for an evening inspired by the Golden Age of crime fiction. Between courses diners will find out more about some possibly deadly ingredients, symptoms and signs to look out for as well as some fictional and real life cases.
Also sure to make you tremble is the Living Autopsy events in Belfast’s Crescent Arts Centre where pathologists Rebecca Hassard and Rossa Inglis present a demonstration covering the post-mortem process using a live actor.
Two events are dedicated to exploring Belfast’s rich medical history. In Diseases, Doctors, and Dynamic Discoveries walking tour participants will discover stories of the first hospital, Victorian anti-vaxxers, linen mill hazards and meet inspiring figures like Mary Ann McCracken, Sir James Murray, and Dr. William Drennan.
It’s an opportunity to embrace the joy of discovery, explore the power of ideas, and celebrate the possibilities science brings to our everyday lives
— Sarah Jones
In Bone, Blood, Birth and Brains adult audiences can step into Victorian Belfast’s medical past and see up close amputation knives, trephining tools, and more.
Children will love How to Survive in Space with Dr Dan and Dr Raph, presenters of CBBC’s Operation Ouch and be fascinated as Ray Bubbles, an international bubbleologist and Guinness World Record Holder Ray Bubbles tries to create the ultimate square bubble.
In Stuff! How is it Made? television presenter and children’s author Maddie Moate brings audiences incredible facts and fascinating stories about the ingenious ways we can make, use, and reuse the ‘stuff’ around us.
CBeebies star Grace Webb returns to the festival with Grace’s Transport Timeline, where she examines the historic machines housed in the Ulster Transport Museum and invites audiences to discover how vintage vehicles and engineering has shaped modern technology.
Tiny Wonders roadshow gives children across Northern Ireland the opportunity to examine natural curiosities under the microscope, whilst fans of Indiana Jones will enjoy Raiders of the Lost Ark with Archaeology Demonstration.
Our four-legged friends are not forgotten about and all paws lead to Derry on February 15 with a series of talks and workshops dedicated to our canine companions. These include talks on the work of conservation detection dogs, search and rescue dogs and dogs in archaeology. There are tips on having happy healthy dogs and even an introduction to pet acupuncture.
Full programme and tickets at nisciencefestival.com
