The annual British Science Festival opens in Brighton tomorrow (Tuesday 5 September) with more than a hundred free events taking place.
The festival is being hosted jointly by Brighton University and Sussex University with events being held in campus buildings as well as around town until Saturday 9 September.
Venues include the Jubilee Library, the Keep archive, the Palace Pier and even pubs and coffee shops in the Lanes.
One of the first events – at noon tomorrow – is called “Psychology 101: for parents”. Sussex psychologist Alison Pike, the scientific expert on the Channel 4 TV series The Secret Lives of 4 Year Olds, will give insights into the day-to-day drama of family life.
Those attending the event at the Checkland Building, at Brighton University’s Falmer campus, can learn “how to put yourself first without feeling guilty, manipulate your child’s behaviour and stop sibling squabbles”.
World expert Dave Goulson is due to host an hour-long session called “Saving our bumblebees” at the Asa Briggs Building on the Sussex University campus at 2.30pm on Wednesday.
And in the same building on Thursday at 12.30pm another session, “Improving the quality of life for people with dementia”, will explore what living well with dementia looks like.
The festival organiser, the British Science Association, said: “The varied programme of free talks, debates and performances will allow guests to immerse themselves in accessible, cutting-edge and impactful research.
“The diversity of the programme reveals that science is not restricted to lab coats. Anybody can be a part of it.”
Brighton University vice-chancellor Debra Humphris said: “This year’s British Science Festival will be taking place in a dynamic, creative and diverse city that has the capacity to surprise, delight and challenge in equal measure – much like the programme for what I am sure is going to be a fantastic festival.
“This September marks the 25th anniversary of the University of Brighton and I can think of no better way to kick off our celebrations than by co-hosting this wonderful event.”
Sussex University vice-chancellor Adam Tickell said: “We have really enjoyed developing this magnificent programme with the British Science Association and the University of Brighton.
“From quantum computing to consciousness science, the reintroduction of species into the wild and the latest wearable technologies, University of Sussex academics are making huge leaps in scientific research and discovery around the world.
“We can’t wait to share our latest findings and carry out some experiments with festival visitors.
“There’s a good mix of the fun and the more serious but everything will be thought-provoking.
“I know the whole city is invested in making this a fantastic event.”
The festival was last held in Brighton in 1983.
The organisers said that although the events were free, spaces were limited so booking was advisable.
