>October Events / Business Editorials / Events in Norfolk and Suffolk / exhibitions / Tourist Attractions Norfolk and Suffolk October 18, 2018
Norwich Science Festival
19–27 October 2018
The Forum and venues across the city
Norwich Science Festival returns this October half-term with nine days of fun-filled experiments, hands-on messy science, cutting-edge research, inspiring shows, and intriguing talks from scientists and celebrities.
Explore our future world and discover how developments in science and technology will shape our future, and what we can do to help make it sustainable. New this year: a day dedicated to celebrating our oceans, seas and rivers – from aquatic wildlife to our responsibility to protect the marine environment. Plus free hands-on fun in The Forum’s ‘Explorium’ looking at nature and wildlife, physics, astronomy and space, technology, engineering, chemistry, medicine and health and more…
Norwich Science Festival is for all ages and all levels of knowledge, and is a partnership initiative coordinated by The Forum, working with organisations across the city, with headline sponsorship from Anglian Water.
Visit norwichsciencefestival.co.uk to see all events and book tickets, or pick up a brochure from The Forum, Norwich TIC or venues across Norfolk.
EVENT LISTINGS
A Brief Safari into the Wild Mind of Chris Packham
SOLD OUT
Sunday 21 October
2pm–3pm
Through a series of humorous wildlife photos, Chris will illustrate how Asperger’s has influenced his life. He will explain the fundamentals of ecology, and explore how our interconnectivity with nature will be crucial to protecting the planet’s immediate future. Chris will discuss the importance of conservation, self-empowerment and activism – and how we will have to make that difference. Expect absurd self-deprecation, some frank talking, and if you are lucky … Scratchy the poodle! Programmed in partnership with Norfolk Festival of Nature.
Venue: OPEN Norwich
Cost: Front section £20, middle section £15, back section £6
Ages: 14+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
The Incredible Unlikeliness of Being
With Professor Alice Roberts
Thu 25 Oct
7.30pm-9.30pm, inc. interval
It’s the closest we ever come, as humans, to a transformation as profound as that from a caterpillar into a butterfly. In the first two months of our existence, each of us changed from a single egg to a flat disc, to a hollow tube, to a little creature with stumpy arms and legs, to something that looked recognisably human. And in the course of that embryological development, there were echoes of earlier stages of evolution, harking back to very ancient ancestors – ancestors we share with living insects, fish, amphibians and reptiles. The story of how a human body develops, from a single cell to a complex organism, is – Alice Roberts argues – the most fascinating narrative that science has to offer us.
Venue: Norwich Playhouse
Cost: £20, £17.50 concessions
Age: 12+
Book: norwichplayhouse.co.uk
Jo Sarsby Management presents
Benedict Allen – Ultimate Explorer
Friday 19 October
7.30pm–9.30pm, inc. interval
In a brand new show, adventurer-explorer Benedict Allen tells the whole unvarnished truth of his most recent adventure – a solo expedition to Papua New Guinea, during which he filmed his journey to visit a community he had befriended thirty years earlier – when he hit the headlines after failing to turn up for a flight to Hong Kong, prompting his friends and family, and eventually the world media, to become concerned for his wellbeing. Benedict will recall the highs and lows of this awe-inspiring trip, tell exhilarating tales from his life as an explorer and show never-before-seen material from his travels across the globe.
Venue: Norwich Playhouse
Cost: £20, £17.50 concessions
Age: All ages
Book: norwichplayhouse.co.uk
Robots
With Dr Ben Garrod and Prof Danielle George
Tuesday 23 October
7pm–8pm
Evolutionary biologist Dr Ben Garrod and electronics engineer Prof Danielle George explore whether machines built to enhance our lives could one day become our greatest rivals. They will discuss meeting Valkyrie, a heroic robot destined for life on Mars; Erica, the world’s most beautiful robot, and ask whether robots enhance our lives or threaten our survival.
Venue: Norwich School, Blake Studio
Cost: £10, £7.50 concessions
Age: 10+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Women in Science Panel
With Angela Saini, Chelsea Slater, Dr Ozak Esu and Dr Suze Kundu
Wednesday 24 October
7pm–9pm
How can we encourage the next generation to be the scientists of tomorrow? What can we do to close the gender pay gap in STEMM? How can we overcome the barriers facing women working in science? Be inspired by mingling with our Living Posters to discover different roles and hear from a panel of inspirational women who will explore the challenges and opportunities faced working in STEMM. Professor of Microbiology at UEA, Laura Bowater, will be in conversation with journalist and author, Angela Saini; co-founder/Director at InnovateHer and Liverpool Girl Geeks, Chelsea Slater; electrical engineer and IET’s Young Engineer of the Year, Dr Ozak Esu, and nanochemist and science presenter and writer, Dr Suze Kundu. Plus tours of International Aviation Academy available
Venue: International Aviation Academy
Cost: £6
Age: 12+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
An Eye Below Zero
With Doug Allan
Friday 26 October
6.30pm–7.30pm
Did you ever wonder how to approach belugas underwater? Get up close and personal with polar bears without being eaten? Stop your fingers falling off from frostbite? How much do wildlife programme makers rely on scientists, and do our programmes ever contribute to scientific discoveries? Doug Allan is one of the world’s best known and respected cameramen, and in this presentation he’ll be sharing his own personal insights about marine biology, diving, and filming at the poles. Over his career, he’s filmed for series like The Blue Planet, Planet Earth, Frozen Planet, Ocean Giants, Operation Iceberg and Forces of Nature.
Venue: Norwich School, Blake Studio
Cost: £15, £10 concessions
Age: 10+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
The Ocean on Top of the World
With Helen Czerski
Friday 19 October
5pm-6pm
In the summer of 2018, Helen spent two months on an icebreaker close to the North Pole, one of forty researchers on a huge expedition to study Arctic weather. In this talk, she’ll discuss what she found, why it matters, and the future of the Arctic region. Helen is a physicist and oceanographer, and is a popular face on BBC2 and BBC4, presenting science documentaries on a wide range of topics.
Venue: The Forum
Cost: £7
Age: 12+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Maddie’s Mission to Mars with Maddie Moate
SOLD OUT
Sunday 21 October
11am–12pm, 12.30pm–1.30pm
Have you ever wondered how rockets work, how spacesuits are made or what space smells like?! Find out with children’s presenter Maddie Moate as she takes you on a journey through the solar system, equipped with special cameras and demos! Maddie is a YouTube filmmaker and BAFTA winning presenter – host of the BAFTA nominated CBeebies series Do You Know?, BBC Earth’s Earth Unplugged, and, recently, Springwatch Wild Academy.
Venue: Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form
Cost: £6
Age: 3+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Fartology
With Gastronaut Stefan Gates
SOLD OUT
Saturday 27 October
2pm–3pm
An outrageous, hilarious and totally educational new family science show, from BBC Gastronaut Stefan Gates. Packed with spectacular science stunts, crazy games and some truly breath-taking audience interaction, this celebration of bodily functions makes complex science totally unforgettable. The show features a giant functioning bottom, live flatus competitions, amazing acoustics experiments, the world’s loudest farts, the Bristol Stool Scale, smell-offs and whole-audience Brownian motion games.
Venue: Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form
Cost: £7
Age: 7+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Spectacular Science
With Mark Thompson
Monday 22 October
3pm–4pm
Explore the strange and magical properties of matter with fireballs, fire tornadoes and amazing chemical reactions, with science broadcaster and author Mark Thompson. A show for all the family, children and grown-ups alike.
Venue: Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form
Cost: £6
Age: 5+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
After Hours
Phil Mcintyre Entertainments presents
Robert Newman’s Total Eclipse of Descartes
Thu 18 Oct
7:30pm–9.30pm, inc. interval
Rob Newman (stand up legend, best-selling novelist, Radio 4 Sony Award Winner) attempts to piece together a philosophy for our troubled times by sifting through 3000 years of thought: from Pythagoras to Artificial Intelligence by way of Pavlov’s dogs, Jane Goodall’s chimpanzees and Frankie Howerd’s trousers.
Venue: Norwich Playhouse
Cost: £15, £12 concessions
Age: 14+
Book: norwichplayhouse.co.uk
Did the Victorians Ruin the World?
With Helen Arney and Kat Arney
Wed 24 Oct
6.30pm–7.45pm
Did the Victorians ruin the world? Join these science sisters to find out, and vote on whether you would change it back! Comedian Helen Arney (Festival Of The Spoken Nerd, Coast) and science writer and broadcaster Kat Arney (How To Code A Human, Herding Hemingway’s Cats) put aside sibling rivalry to dissect the dark underbelly of this golden era, in this show inspired by their BBC Radio 4 series. Prepare for history to meet hilarity: sharp wits, true facts and tiny top hats in an event that respectfully begs to differ. NB: voting restricted to male landowning gentry registered before 1819.
Venue: Norwich Playhouse
Cost: £12, £10 concessions
Age: 12+
Book: norwichplayhouse.co.uk
Universilly Challenged
With Jonny Berliner and Simon Watt
Friday 19 October
8pm-10pm (inc. interval)
Are you ready to get quizzical? Science troubadour, Jonny Berliner, and Ugly Animal wrangler, Simon Watt, have created a nerdtastic night to remember you will have your geek knowledge tested, take part in the origami Olympics, and play with puns. Niche prizes to be won. Full marks for foolishness. Paxman would hate it.
Venue: Epic Studios
Cost: £6
Age: 18+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Pint of Science: Plastic – Not So fantastic?
Saturday 20 October
7.30pm–9.30pm (doors 7pm)
Pint of Science is returning to Norwich Science Festival, this year with talks from TV presenter Lizzie Daly and researcher Dr Andrew Mayes from UEA. They will be speaking about plastics, and the way that they influence the environment around us. Set to be a wonderful night for the eco-conscious, materials-nerds, and anyone else in between! Of course, we can’t forget about the ‘pint’ portion of the night, so Fat Cat Brewery Tap will be bringing along their pop-up bar. We look forward to seeing you!
Venue: The Forum, Gallery
Cost: £4
Age: 16+
Book: pintofscience.co.uk/events/norwich
Norwich Science Café: Cereals and Snapdragons
Wednesday 17 October
7.45pm–9pm
Join Prof Enrico Coen and Dr Scott Boden from John Innes Centre to find out how plants seduce us with their genes. Norwich Science Cafe provides an opportunity to enjoy approachable science themed talks in a relaxed atmosphere whilst enjoying a drink.
Venue: Cafe Bar Marzano, The Forum
Cost: Free, booking required
Age: 15+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Dinner with a Difference
Thursday 25 October
7.30pm–10.30pm
Want to know a bit more about the science of how and why we like our food when we eat? Then why not join us for a Dinner with a Difference, an evening of delicious food, delightful fun and diverting facts in the company of two scientists and a chef.
Venue: No. 8 Thorpe Road
Cost: £40
Age: 18+
Book: tinyurl.com/dwad18book
Science on Show
A sideways look at science, through theatre, music, film and art.
Cellular Dynamics
Monday 22 October
7pm–8pm
Blending live musical performance and scientific imagery, bioscientist Dan Lloyd and pianists Dan Harding and Matthew King take the audience on a journey of discovery. The music of Philip Glass, Claude Debussy and others accompany spectacular image and video projection in a performance exploring fundamental processes within living cells. Supported by Norfolk County Council.
Venue: Octagon Chapel
Cost: £7
Age: 12+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Lights! Planets! People!
Thursday 25 October
8pm–9.10pm
Renowned space scientist Maggie Hill recently launched a career-defining mission to find habitable planets. It did not go well. Then, her girlfriend stopped speaking to her. She doesn’t want to talk about either catastrophe, but she’s going to have to… An intimate, exhilarating story about communication, both interpersonal and intergalactic. Written and directed by Molly Naylor. Performed by Karen Hill.
Venue: Norwich Arts Centre
Cost: Pay What You Can – £4–£11.50
Age: 15+
Book: norwichartscentre.co.uk
The God Particle
Wednesday 24 October
8pm–9.15pm
A quantum physicist and a vicar walk into a bar. Joining forces to solve a perplexing mystery, they discover the real meaning of faith, knowledge, love and the importance of keeping an open mind. The God Particle is a romantic comedy with a hint of sci-fi from award-winning co-writer of BBC1’s Miranda, BBC3’s Bluestone 42 and Radio 4’s Another Case of Milton Jones – and 2017’s touring comedy, A Monk’s Tale. It’s deep, smart, and very funny.
Venue: St Stephen’s Church
Cost: £8
Age: 12+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
The Speed of Colour: An Abstract Encounter with Astrophotography
Tuesday 16 – Saturday 27 October
(Tue–Sat 9am–5pm)
This exhibition from Rosemarie Blackthorn and Christopher Grimmer explores the space between the representational nature of astrophotography with the ambiguity of abstract art. Using Newton’s seven colours of visible light, Rose works with Chris’ images of celestial bodies to create paintings that investigate the experience of looking up into the night sky. Together, Chris and Rose consider the limits of technology and imagination, pushing against the boundaries of what seen, what is known and what can be believed.
Venue: Anteros Arts Foundation
Cost: Free, drop-in
Age: All ages
Demons of the Mind: Psycho – Shaping Mental Health Narratives?
Wednesday 24 October
5.30pm–8pm
In 1960, Hitchcock’s Psycho established the narrative conventions of future psychological horror and slasher films. What are the ramifications of these depictions for our understanding of dissociative identity and other trauma-related conditions? Join us for a special screening of Psycho and panel discussion between film academics and mental health professionals. Part of the Research Council-funded Demons of the Mind project, led by Dr Tim Snelson, Senior Lecturer in Media History at UEA.
Venue: Cinema City
Cost: Free, booking required
Age: 18+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Insects in Depth – 3D Bugs!
Friday 19–Saturday 27 October
Mon–Fri 10am–7pm, Sat 9am–7pm, Sun 10.30am–4.30pm
Pop on some 3D glasses and get really close to some weird and wonderful creepy crawlies! Insects in Depth, created by scientific artist Alan Shaw, is a unique display of three-dimensional close-ups of insects, turning ordinary bugs into out-of-this-world alien-like visitors! Dare you get up close and personal with these oversized bugs?
Venue: Millennium Library, Ground Floor
Cost: Free, drop-in
Age: All ages
You Can’t Judge a Book by its Cover – Exhibition of ‘Books’
Fri 19–Sat 27 October
Mon–Fri 10am–7pm, Sat 9am–5pm
Breaking down the traditional barrier between science and the arts, this collection of ‘books’ is the result of a series of workshops created by the Science And Writing Trust (SAW Trust) and Norfolk Library Service which took place in libraries this year. Participants worked with students from UEA’s Psychology Department to explore their personality characteristics using question based activities, then with a professional artist and writer to produce their own book jacket. Each ‘book’ represents how the ‘author’ sees themselves and collectively they represent the diversity of people living within local communities in Norfolk. Funded by Carnegie Wellcome UK Trust as part of their Engaging Libraries Project.
Venue: Millennium Library, First Floor
Cost: Free, drop-in
Age: All ages
Science Film Booth
Friday 19–Saturday 27 October
10am–4pm
Pop into the science film booth in the Millennium Library during the Festival to see Now and Then – a series of films which recently aired on ITV News Anglia looking at the regions’ waterways, and Sounding Coastal Change – short films exploring our coastline, from the Open University.
Venue: Millennium Library, Ground Floor
Cost: Free, drop-in
Age: All ages
Water – Into the Deep
Water Day – The Explorium
Friday 19 October
10am–4pm
Dive into the deep and discover how valuable unpolluted water is to the planet, the creatures that live in it, and us. Join Anglian Water in a quest to reduce water use. Try the Reduce Reuse Recycle game from Cefas and meet some of the aquarium animals! Learn about marine microbes with biologists from UEA, and find out about Refill Norwich and how you can help reduce plastic use. Plus, meet the Broads Authority, RSPB and more.
Venue: The Forum
Cost: Free, drop-in
Age: All ages
Deep Ocean Lab with Greg Foot
Friday 19 October
2pm-3pm
What happens as you dive further and further into the dark ocean? Join YouTuber and Blue Peter science guy Greg Foot for the story of his scientific adventure to the deep. With experiments and stunning videos, Greg will show you the high-tech submersibles that took him down a crazy 1000ft into the Twilight Zone. He’ll explain the importance of our oceans, and – thanks to Greg’s work with the Blue Planet II team – uncover the effect we’re having on them. Plus you’ll get the chance to meet a creature from the deep!
Venue: Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form
Cost: £5
Age: 7+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Water Day – Gallery Stage
Friday 19 October
12pm–3.30pm
Head to The Forum’s Gallery to hear free, drop-in talks about our underwater world, why some fishes mimic each other’s colour patterns, how we discover and explore in the depths, and how we can try and protect it. First come, first served.
Venue: The Forum, Gallery
Cost: Free, drop-in
Age: See individual talks
Info: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Eye of the Shoal with Helen Scales
Friday 19 October
3.30pm–4.30pm
Take a deep breath and jump into the amazing world of fish, with marine biologist Dr Helen Scales (goggles and snorkels optional). Find out how fish can live for 500 years, how they use secret graffiti to talk to each other, how they dance, cheat and say sorry.
Venue: The Forum, Auditorium
Cost: £6
Age: 10+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Seaweed Identification Workshop
Friday 19 October
4pm–6pm
What lies beneath the waves? Join Seasearch East and Norfolk Biodiversity Information Service for a unique seaweed identification workshop for children with autism or Asperger’s syndrome, and learn the secrets of marine botany, from identifying marine flora to preserving samples. All attendees must be accompanied by an adult (adult goes free).
Venue: Millennium Library, Vernon Castle Room
Cost: £4 per child, accompanying parents free
Age: 8–16
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Go Jump in the Sea!
Friday 19 October
12.30pm–1.30pm
The Marine Conservation Society dares you to go stick your face in Norfolk’s beautiful seas – there lies a world of wonder, amazing sea beasts, precious delicacies, and prehistoric remains. But beware, the future of this living treasure is threatened and in your hands. What will you do?
Venue: The Forum, Auditorium
Cost: Free, booking required
Age: 11+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Googly Moogly
Friday 19 October
10am–10.45am
The Great Googly Moogly is said to be the biggest fish in the world and today we are going on an adventure to try and catch it. With our packed lunches and our fishing rods at the ready, who knows what will happen! Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult (adult goes free and does not need a ticket).
Venue: Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form
Cost: £5.50
Age: 3–5
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Kings, emperors and fairies: wildlife of the Southern Ocean
Friday 19 October
12pm–12.45pm
Venture to the Southern Ocean and you’ll find all kinds of fascinating wildlife! Dive beneath the waves with UEA’s Caroline Still and meet the kings, emperors and fairies that glide underwater on feathered wings. Yes, we’re talking about everyone’s favourite seabird… the penguin!
Venue: Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form
Cost: Free, booking required
Age: 11+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Why We Should All Love Coral Reefs
Friday 19 October
2pm-3pm
An exciting look at coral reefs, how they work, what they do and why we need them. Dr Michelle Devlin, Cefas, will tell you all about being a marine biologist, what they explore and the techniques they use to help us understand coral reefs.
Venue: The Forum, Auditorium
Cost: Free, booking required
Age: 7+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Nature and the environment
Nature Day – The Explorium
Saturday 20 October
10am–4pm
Discover our amazing wildlife with Norfolk Festival of Nature partners including BTO, RSPB, Norfolk Wildlife Trust and more. Find out about the Norwich peregrines with the Hawk and Owl Trust. Follow the pink pigeon trail with the Earlham Institute, and have a go at UEA’s bird migration board game. Plus, learn about reducing food waste with Norwich City Council’s Pumpkin Rescue. Programmed in partnership with Norfolk Festival of Nature.
Venue: The Forum
Cost: Free, drop-in
Age: All ages
Dinosaurs! With Dr Ben Garrod
Saturday 20 October
5pm–6pm
Which dinosaur had the most teeth? Which was the largest predator ever to walk the planet? Why does T. rex need a makeover? Biologist and broadcaster Dr Ben Garrod takes us on a prehistoric journey to investigate and explore dinosaurs like never before. Using his series of books for young readers, So You Think You Know Dinosaurs?, Dr Ben will reveal that we still have so much more to discover about these awesome animals.
Venue: Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form
Cost: £6
Age: 5+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Nature Day – Gallery Stage
Saturday 20 October
11am–2.30pm
Pop along to the Gallery for some free, drop-in nature talks on subjects from pigeons to peregrines, marsupials to wildlife conservation. First come, first served.
Venue: The Forum, Gallery
Cost: Free, drop-in
Age: All ages
Info: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Adventure Science Show
Saturday 20 October
1pm–2pm
An interactive adventure show that explores the science and technology behind the Anturus expeditions. We take a look at essential knowledge that you need, in order to survive an adventure in the outdoors; the advantages of eating bugs, and how to make sure you are prepared for adventure! Field scientists are some of the best adventurers, and after this engaging science show perhaps you will want to be a science adventurer too!
Venue: Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form
Cost: £5
Age: 7+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Our Wild World
Sunday 21 October
2.30pm–3.30pm
The world is a big place, full of animals, plants and dynamic landscapes. Join a team of adventure scientists from Anturus to find out what it takes to do science in the most extreme environments. Could you survive in the jungle, or on a glacier? Could you hide for days trying to spot wild animals? With interactive experiments and demonstrations, you’ll discover what life is like in the field, and maybe one day you’ll want to be an adventure scientist too!
Venue: Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form
Cost: £5
Age: 5+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Teach Rex
Thursday 25 October
11am–11.40am, 1.15pm–1.55pm, 2.45pm–3.25pm
Come and meet Teach Rex in Norwich Cathedral’s nave – a giant walking dinosaur based on Tyrannosaurus Rex! An exciting, fully interactive 40-minute show suitable for children of all ages. Test out his sense of smell, find out what he eats, and play games with him. Learn more about when he roamed the earth with his dinosaur friends! Beware … he’s waiting to play and interact with YOU!
Venue: Norwich Cathedral
Cost: £5
Age: All ages
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
The Unexpected Truth about Animals with Lucy Cooke
Saturday 20 October
12pm-1pm
Penguins are perverts, pandas like sex, hyenas are feminist icons and bats are the animal kingdom’s most generous lovers and friends. In this talk, zoologist and television presenter Lucy Cooke (Springwatch, Curious Creatures) dispels the myths and reveals the scientific truths about some of the world’s most – and least – popular animals.
Venue: The Forum, Auditorium
Cost: £5
Age: 14+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Mini Beasts
Saturday 20 October
10am–10.45am
All the bees have disappeared and it’s our job to try and find them. As we go on a wildlife hunt, we discover many other mini beasts, but will we find where the bees were hiding? Interactive family event from Little People’s Drama Company. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult (adult goes free and does not need a ticket).
Venue: The Forum, Gallery
Cost: £5.50
Age: 2–4
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Tree Listening
Saturday 20 October
10am–12pm, 1pm–3pm
Ever wondered what the inside of a tree sounds like? The Tree Listening Project uses highly sensitive microphones to make audible the inner workings of trees. Join Alex Metcalf, seen on Judi Dench: My Passion for Trees, to hear the rumble of the tree moving and the popping of water mixing with air – the very life of the tree surging up from the roots towards the leaves. Programmed in collaboration with Norfolk Festival of Nature.
Venue: Chapelfield Gardens
Cost: Free, drop-in
Age: All ages
Islander – A Journey Around Our Archipelago with Patrick Barkham
Saturday 20 October
3pm-4pm
Patrick Barkham takes us on a journey around some of Britain’s most intriguing small islands, meeting their wild residents – from puffins to Orkney voles to eagles. Small islands can be ecological laboratories, warning signals and sanctuaries. What do small islands tell us about our relationship with the natural world? Programmed in collaboration with Norfolk Festival of Nature.
Venue: The Forum, Auditorium
Cost: £6
Age: 15+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
How To Be An Urban Birder – with David Lindo
Saturday 20 October
1.30pm–2.30pm
Urban birding is fast becoming ornithology’s new rock ’n’ roll. Birds and birding have never been cooler – and urban birding is at the cutting edge. David Lindo, aka The Urban Birder, explains the intricacies of looking good whilst watching birds in urban areas, from using binoculars to finding a local patch to channelling The Force to find birds. His mission is to connect city folk with the wildlife around them – his motto is simple: look up! Programmed in collaboration with Norfolk Festival of Nature.
Venue: The Forum, Auditorium
Cost: £6
Age: 8+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Survival Hacking Workshop
Sunday 21 October
4pm–5pm
The best thing to have at your disposal in a survival situation is knowledge. With knowledge you can hack anything to make it work for you! In this workshop from Anturus we take every day items and show how science can allow us to hack them into survival gear! One day you may just need this knowledge!
Venue: Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form
Cost: £5
Age: 5+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Adventure Science Workshop
Saturday 20 October
1am–12pm
Scientists often set up observation areas to study plants, animals and nature in the field. In this workshop from Anturus, you’ll get to build your very own weather station and bug hotel in one! It’s important to know what creatures live in the world and in your garden, the bug hotel will keep you informed. The weather station means you can track the weather and keep a weather diary. Together, these will give you a lot of information for you to compare with your fellow adventure scientists!
Venue: Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form
Cost: £5
Age: 5+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
The Ugly Animal Roadshow
Saturday 20 October
3pm–4pm
Why should the panda get all the praise? At the Ugly Animal Preservation Society, we celebrate and explore the incredible biology of the animal kingdom’s most monstrous. Join biologist and science presenter Simon Watt to see what adaptations make these creatures so amazing.
Venue: Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form
Cost: £5
Age: 5+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Trees on the Brink: Evolution of the Deadly Ash Dieback Disease
Saturday 20 October
10.30am–11.30am
How does a fungus become a killer? In this talk, Mark McMullan from the Earlham Institute will talk about the genome of the devastating ash dieback fungus and the research he’s been doing to find out just how bad it could be for our ash trees.
Venue: The Forum, Auditorium
Cost: Free, booking required
Age: 11+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
UEA Inaugural Lecture: Prof Federica Di Palma
Tuesday 23 October
6.30pm–7.30pm
Join us for the inaugural lecture of Prof Federica Di Palma, Director of Science at the Earlham Institute, to learn how we identify and interpret the non-coding, functional elements of vertebrate genomes and the regulation of gene expression.
Venue: UEA, Julian Stufy Centre
Cost: Free, no booking required
Age: 16+
Sperm Warfare
Saturday 20 October
4.30pm–5.30pm
You’ve found a healthy, fertile mate, you’ve fought off your rivals and you’ve convinced them that you are what they were looking for. Sorted! But the reproductive race is far from over. Come learn about the devious tricks used by cells, organs and bodies to win the race to fertilisation.
Venue: The Forum, Auditorium
Cost: £6
Age: 15+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Dangerous Neighbours
Saturday 20 October
6.30pm–7.30pm
Volcanoes in Guatemala and Hawai’i have hit the headlines with their alarming and destructive behaviour. However, there are always one or two eruptions rumbling on, and more often than not communities can cope with the challenges they bring. Join UEA’s Prof Jenni Barclay on a tour of volcanic eruptions and the many clever ways we learn to live with them.
Venue: The Forum, Auditorium
Cost: Free, booking required
Age: 10+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Future Broads Challenge – Biodiversity Winners and Losers
Saturday 20 October
3pm–4pm
After a short presentation on a fascinating range of Broads’ wildlife, we will pose a future climate impacted scenario. Teams are set the challenge to research from a variety of sources likely impacts on species and whether they are winners or losers. What do you think the future will bring?
With its range of species from rare swallowtail butterflies and bitterns, to the more common geese and fish, the Broads is a vital wildlife habitat. But as our climate continues to change it will provide opportunities for some and perhaps disaster for others. Are you able to skim through the detail and latch onto the key information that will help you judge who could be winners and who are likely to be losers? The teams will present their findings and together we’ll paint a picture of what our wildlife might look like towards the end of the century. Programmed in collaboration with Norfolk Festival of Nature.
Venue: Millennium Library, Vernon Castle Room
Cost: Free, booking required
Age: 12+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Dragon Hall Debates: Should We Let Nature Take Its Course?
Monday 22 October
7pm–9pm
With sea levels on the rise and tidal erosion escalating, the fragility of being an island nation has never been more apparent, particularly to Norfolk’s vulnerable coasts and the people who call them home. Happisburgh coastal campaigner Malcolm Kerby and Patrick Barkham, author of Coastlines: The Story of our Shore, join our Dragon Hall Debates panel to discuss and debate. Should we take action, or let nature take its course?
Venue: National Centre for Writing, Dragon Hall
Cost: Free, booking required
Age: 16+
Book: nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk/dragon-hall-debates
Physics Fest
Physics Fest – The Explorium
Sunday 21 October
10am–4pm
A day of exciting hands-on experiments and mind-boggling talks, which reveal how physics shapes our world around us – from heat, light, sound and electricity, through to mechanics, magnetism, and the structure of atoms. See what physics can do, with some hands-on fun, from superconductors to rockets to vacuum bazookas and everything in-between. The Institute of Physics, with support from Ensemble Automaton, Cambridge Hands On Science, and many volunteers, offers a day of spectacular entertainment and activity, with something for all ages. Plus learn about the physics of landslides and volcanoes with our team of UEA environmental scientists. Programmed in partnership with Institute of Physics.
Venue: The Forum
Cost: Free, drop-in
Age: All ages
Mini Professors: Energy & Electricity
Sunday 21 October
Energy: 10am– 10.40am, 11.20am–12pm
Electricity 1pm–1.40pm, 2.20pm–3pm
Come and join in the fun with Mini Professors as we find out all about energy! We’ll be making ping-pong cannons for you to experiment with at home! Come and join in the fun with Mini Professors! Prepare to be amazed as we make a human electrical circuit and learn all about exciting electricity! Please note children must be accompanied by an adult (who goes free).
Venue: The Forum, Gallery
Cost: £5.50
Age: 3–5
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
A New Window into our Universe: Gravitational Wave Discovery
Sunday 21 October
10.30am–11.30am
Recent monumental discoveries of gravitational waves have allowed us to view the Universe in ways never before thought possible. In this talk, Robert Ferdman from UEA will introduce gravitational waves, their incredible discovery, and plans for detecting them from a wide range of astronomical objects and phenomena.
Venue: The Forum, Auditorium
Cost: Free, booking required
Age: 12+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
The Physics of Star Trek
Sunday 21 October
12pm-1pm
Join astrophysicist Dr Roberto Trotta on the ultimate voyage around the science (and the fiction!) behind the Star Trek series. From cloaking devices to alien civilizations, from warp drives to transporters, find out how sci-fi writers have boldly gone where no scientist has gone before – yet.
Venue: The Forum, Auditorium
Cost: £6
Age: 10+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Fundamentals of Resonance
Sunday 21 October
3.45pm–4.15pm
Resonance is the phenomenon through which two or more oscillating systems interact. It’s a process that occurs everywhere in nature, allowing the transmission of energy and information via wave signals. Using examples from everyday life, Davide Proment from the School of Mathematics at UEA will explain the fundamentals of resonance and demonstrate its ubiquitousness.
Venue: The Forum, Auditorium
Cost: Free, booking required
Age: 13+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Astronomy & Space
Astronomy Day – The Explorium
Monday 22 October
10am–4pm
A fun-filled day of all things space! Get creative and build the best rocket with Norwich Astronomical Society. Explore ‘out of this world’ images, and control the NAS telescope using an app to explore the galaxy. Plus activities from Orwell Astronomy Society, Developing Experts, DASH, UEA and more!
Venue: The Forum
Cost: Free, drop-in
Age: All ages
Space Descent with Tim Peake: The VR Experience Tour Bus
Sunday 21 & Monday 22 October
10am–4pm
Ever wanted to be an astronaut? Step aboard the VR Experience bus to find out how it feels to journey through space! Strap on a Gear VR and experience Tim Peake’s incredible descent from the International Space Station in stunning virtual reality. Undertake space training and learn how to launch a rocket and how to land the Soyuz capsule. Experience a digital space walk and have a selfie in space! Presented by Samsung and the Science Museum Group. T&Cs apply – see website.
Venue: Outside The Forum
Cost: Free, drop-in
Accessibility info: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
A Galaxy of Her Own
Saturday 27 October
1pm–2pm
Libby Jackson will discuss her hugely popular book A Galaxy of Her Own, containing fifty inspirational stories of women who have been fundamental to the story of humans in space. From Ada Lovelace in the nineteenth century, to the women behind the Apollo missions, from the astronauts breaking records on the International Space Station to those blazing the way in the race to get to Mars, Libby will shine a light on extraordinary stories, champion unsung heroes and celebrates remarkable achievements from around the world.
Venue: Norwich School Blake Studio
Cost: £5
Age: 7+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Journey into Space with the University of Hertfordshire Planetarium
Monday 22–Saturday 27 October
10am–4pm on the hour
Travel to the planets of the solar system, and to worlds, planets, stars and galaxies beyond in the company of astronomers from the University of Hertfordshire, in their state-of-the-art, mobile planetarium. Shows every hour, on the hour, lasting 45 mins. Please note that the planetarium will be dark inside, and visitors must be comfortable looking up at the visuals.
Venue: Norwich Cathedral, Cathedral Close
Cost: £5
Age: 5+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Discovering Space with Mark Thompson
Monday 22 October
12.30pm–1.30pm
Join astronomer Mark Thompson on an imaginary journey through the Universe taking in nearby planets and distant galaxies.
Venue: The Forum, Auditorium
Cost: £6
Age: 7+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Rockets – Moon Shot!
Monday 22 October
10.15am–11am, 11.15am–12pm, 12.15pm–1pm, 1.45pm–2.30pm, 2.45pm–3.30pm
Learn how rockets work and make your own ‘moon-shot’ in this exciting hands-on workshop. Learn about aerodynamics and rocket-flight from a real rocket-scientist and then build your own custom air-powered rocket to try and launch to our indoor ‘moon’.
Venue: The Forum, Gallery
Cost: £5
Age: 5+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Space Adventure
Monday 22 October
10am-10.45am
Based on the beautiful story How to Catch a Star by Oliver Jeffers, we take a trip in our space rockets to try and catch a star. When we hear a strange noise, what will we discover, and where will our adventure take us? With Little People’s Drama Company. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult (adult goes free and does not need a ticket).
Venue: Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form
Cost: £5.50
Age: 3–5
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
The Discovery of Pulsars
Friday 19 October
11am–12pm
Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell inadvertently discovered pulsars as a graduate student in radio astronomy in Cambridge, opening up a new branch of astrophysics – work recognised by the award of a Nobel Prize to her supervisor. This talk will describe how pulsars (pulsating radio stars) came to be discovered and introduce some of the bizarre properties of these extreme objects.
Venue: The Forum, Auditorium
Cost: £6
Age: 12+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Once Explorers, Always Explorers – with Prof Mark McCaughrean
Monday 22 October
5pm–6pm
The European Space Agency’s science and exploration missions have been much in the news over the last couple of years, with the first results from its Gaia Milky Way surveyor and its LISA Pathfinder gravitational wave detection technology testbed, the arrival of its ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter and Schiaparelli lander at the Red Planet, and the decade-long saga of the Rosetta comet-chasing spacecraft. Prof Mark McCaughrean, European Space Agency, will give you an insight into each of these missions, their challenges, and their successes (as well as the almost-successes), and tell you what’s coming next in ESA science and exploration, including new missions to study the Sun, Mercury, Moon, Mars, and the wider Universe.
Venue: The Forum’s Auditorium
Cost: £6
Age: 12+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
A Whistle-Stop Tour of the Planets – with William Joyce
Monday 22 October
7.30pm–8.30pm
A Whistle-Stop Tour of the Planets will guide you on an interplanetary trip around our Solar System, presenting the layout and sizes of many fascinating objects within it, and visiting each major planet in turn, including spectacular images and stories direct from the space exploration experts.
Venue: The Forum’s Auditorium
Cost: £6
Age: 10+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Catching Stardust: Revealing the Secrets of Comets and Asteroids
Thursday 25 October
1.30pm–2.30pm
Discover how our mysterious cosmic neighbours, the comets and asteroids, have acted to shape our past, possibly delivering key ingredients to Earth for life to begin. We will also explore how these icy, dusty space farers may play an important role in our future. With Natalie Starkey.
Venue: The Forum’s Auditorium
Cost: £6
Age: 12+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Exploring The Solar System through a Microscope – workshop
SOLD OUT
Monday 22 October
12pm–1pm
When and how were Earth and our Solar System formed? What do meteorites teach us about volcanoes on other planets? How can space rocks tell us about the interior of our planet and water on Mars? Explore four billion years of Solar System history through the microscopic view of science and hand samples.
Venue: Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form
Cost: Free, booking required
Age: 10+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Head in the Stars: How I Became an Astrophysicist
Monday 22 October
11am–12pm
In this fascinating talk, UEA astrophysicist Robert Ferdman will speak about the influences behind his career choice and fascination with astronomy. He will tell the story of how he became an astrophysicist, plus the research and other exciting opportunities that he’s encountered on his career path.
Venue: The Forum, Auditorium
Cost: Free, booking required
Age: All ages
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Breckland Astronomical Society 25th Anniversary Celebration
Friday 26 October
2pm–6pm
Breckland Astronomical Society celebrate their 25th Anniversary in conjunction with the Teacher Scientist Network. Peer through solar and astronomical telescopes and see simulations of the night sky, astro-images, equipment and artefacts. Plus lectures from: Dr Helen Mason OBE, on solar physics at 2.30pm (10+); David Bryant on meteorite collecting at 4pm (10+); Prof Gerry Gilmore on the Milky Way at 6pm (14+) and Prof Carolin Crawford on cosmology at 7.45pm (14+).
Venue: John Innes Centre
Cost: Free, drop-in; Talks: £2; free to TSN-school groups by arrangement
Age: 10+
Book for talks: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Engineering
Engineering Day – The Explorium
Tuesday 23 October
10am–4om
A day about building, from toys to robots, bridges to buildings and planes to rockets. Head over to the EEEGR Skills for Energy stand for some interactive, STEM-based games. Visit the Learning Resources® showcase to play with toys that help develop engineering skills. Join KLM UK Engineering to test your hand skills on various aviation tasks and to find out more about aircraft engineering. Plus RAF Air Defence Radar Museum; Easton & Otley College; Network Rail; Hethel Engineering Centre; UEA Engineering and more. We look forward to meeting all the budding engineers out there!
Venue: The Forum
Cost: Free, drop-in
Age: All ages
Bakineering in Space with Andrew Smyth
Tue 23 Oct
2pm–3pm
How can a retro dessert explain how astronauts safely return to earth? Expect to have your curiosity stirred in this interactive talk where Andrew Smyth, from the Great British Bake Off, will explore the surprising connections between everyday bakes and the extraordinary engineering that keeps astronauts alive.
Venue: Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form
Cost: £7, £5 concs.
Age: 12+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Robot Rumpus
Tuesday 23 October
11am–3pm
Join the Kastle Kids team for a day packed full of robot fun! Robot stories, robot crafts, robot testing and you can even meet Ro:Bot the life size robot! Plus a prize for the best robot fancy dress competition! Visit www.castlemallnorwich.co.uk for more information.
Venue: Castle Mall
Cost: Free, drop-in
Age: 3+
It’s All Done with Mirrors
Tuesday 23 October
12pm–1pm
Dr Ken blends spectacular magic tricks, illusions and stunts with extraordinary science and engineering. Is it done with mirrors, trapped doors, or camera effects? Everyone can have their own theory. Quirky stunts and illusions performed. Science discovered. Engineering explored.
Venue: Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form
Cost: £5
Age: 10+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Big Lego Build
Tuesday 23 October
11.30am–3.30pm
The Big LEGO Build is all about creating and connecting! Come along to take part in fun challenges with others or design and build your own exciting models with LEGO. We’ll also be asking everyone to add some pieces to our collaborative creation – who knows what we’ll create! Places limited – first come, first served. Autism friendly. With Alpha Inclusion.
Venue: Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form
Cost: Free, drop-in
KLM UK Engineering Activities & Careers Event
Wednesday 24 October
10am–12pm: Ages 7–12
2pm–5pm: Ages 13+
KLM UK Engineering will be holding two sessions as part of the Norwich Science Festival, the first aimed at ages 7–12 to get hands on with engineering tasks, and the second for ages 13+ to find out more information on careers in aircraft engineering from our experienced engineering team. We will be joined by our training colleagues from Aviation Skills Partnership and City College Norwich. Make sure you book to join us to see how you can become an aviation engineer and work in the high-flying world of aviation!
Venue: International Aviation Academy
Cost: Free, booking required
Age: Sessions for 7–12 and 13+
Book: https://www.facebook.com/klmukengineering/events
Robot Coding
Tuesday 23 October
10am–11am, 11.30am–12.30pm, 1pm–2pm, 2.30pm–3.30pm
Create a robot or two or three! Programme bots to obey your commands! Code a robot’s path through an assault course. Jumping robots, cardboard robots, rolling robots and mini robots. A natural first step for those planning world domination!
Venue: University Technical College Norfolk (UTCN)
Cost: £6
Age: 7+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Drone Racing
Tuesday 23 October
10.30am–11.30pm, 12pm–1pm, 2pm–3pm
Teams will code their drone so that it can automatically navigate the drone racecourse before competing against the clock and each other.
Venue: University Technical College Norfolk (UTCN)
Cost: £6
Age: 10+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
The Importance of Learning from Engineering Failures
Tuesday 23 October
1pm–2pm
Using a range of famous examples – and some less well known – from the past one hundred years, UEA Professor of Engineering Lawrence Coates will explain how engineers learn from failure.
Venue: The Forum, Auditorium
Cost: Free, booking required
Age: 12+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
MadLab Soldering workshops
Tuesday 23 October
10am–11am, 11.30am–12.30pm, 1.30pm–2.30pm, 3pm–4pm
A unique, hands-on electronics workshop for both children and adults from James Piercy of Science Made Simple, and MadLab. You’ll get to solder electronic components from start to finish, onto specially-designed circuit boards. Don’t worry if you’ve not done this before – you’ll learn how to use a soldering iron, and actually make and take home your circuit board with flashing lights!
Venue: University Technical College Norfolk (UTCN)
Cost: £6
Age: 7+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
RAF Marham Workshops
Tuesday 23 October
10am–11am, 11.30am–12.30pm, 1.30pm–2.30pm, 3pm–4pm
A one-hour interactive workshop for children and accompanying adults. Come along and try out your STEM skills using specialist equipment to design and build structures.
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Adults require a ticket if participating in workshop themselves, otherwise no ticket required if accompanying children only.
Venue: University Technical College Norfolk (UTCN)
Cost: Free, booking required
Age: All ages
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
STEM Gamechangers
Thursday 25–Friday 26 October
10am–4pm
The STEM Sector is one of the most dynamic places to work. At STEM Gamechangers you will work with real STEM businesses to create new ideas, develop new technologies and solve real problems. The goal is to come up with a new and exciting solution to a real world STEM problem and to learn what it takes to be a part of the STEM sector. The bootcamp will end with a Dragons Den competition, where you will pitch your solution to real industry experts. The bootcamp runs over two days from 10am – 4pm, students will need to bring their own lunch.
Venue: Hethel Engineering Centre
Cost: £20
Age: 12+
Book: http://hethelcentre.com/events/
Building with Biology
Tuesday 23 October
11am–12pm
In this talk, Nicola Patron from the Earlham Institute will explain how advances in biology are moving us into an exciting new era of biomanufacturing, in which we use genetic information to program cells to produce valuable molecules from simple inputs like sugar… or even just water and light.
Venue: The Forum, Auditorium
Cost: Free, booking required
Age: 12+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Technology
Technology Day – The Explorium
Wednesday 24 October
10am–4pm
Get hands-on with technology at The Forum. Create a 3D model of yourself, with the help of staff and students from Norwich University of the Arts (NUA). Learn about bio batteries with UEA, and DNA sequencing with the Earlham Institute. Visit the Learning Resources® showcase to see toys that encourage a love of technology. Plus activities from sponsor Vattenfall; EDF Energy; Network Rail; Hethel Engineering Centre; UEA; BBC and more.
Venue: The Forum
Cost: Free, drop-in
Age: All ages
Technology Day – Gallery Stage
Wednesday 24 October
11am–2.30pm
See how technology is influenced by nature, how it can mitigate climate change and more, in our free, drop-in technology talks in the Gallery. First come, first served.
Venue: The Forum, Gallery
Cost: Free, drop-in
Age: see talks
Info: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Code Club Volunteer Training Session
Tuesday 23 October
2pm–4pm, 5.30pm–7.30pm
A special Code Club session for any adults interested in developing their own Code Club for their school or community. Code Club is a nationwide network of after-school coding clubs for children and young people. All our clubs are led by volunteers and this training is designed to give volunteers all the information they need before they start running a Code Club.
Venue: University Technical College Norfolk (UTCN)
Cost: Free, booking required
Age: 18+
Book: Beginners: https://goo.gl/jpYS54
Confident coders: https://goo.gl/os8ZaR
Down the Tubes! Data Science, the Internet, and You
Wednesday 24 October
10.30am–11.30am
How is data generated on the cutting edge of science? What is it used for? How are you involved? Who owns it? Bits and bytes, terabytes and exabytes, churned in massive computers and transported around the internet at lightning speeds is the new currency. With Rob Davey, Earlham Institute.
Venue: The Forum, Auditorium
Cost: Free, booking required
Age: 11+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Technology: Redefining the Possible
Wednesday 24 October
2.30pm-3.30pm
Technology redefines what is possible. Simon Wheatcroft has taken this philosophy and literally run with it.
Losing his sight at 17, Simon has utilised technology to augment what he is capable of – initially using off the shelf tech, then forging forward to collaborate in creating the technology of the future to enable him to run marathons. Simon truly demonstrates the synergy of man and machine. Sponsored by Loveday and Partners.
Venue: The Forum, Auditorium
Cost: £7
Age: 8+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Smarter Travel – How will tech shape our future journeys?
Wed 24 October
1pm–2pm
As our cities’ populations grow, the daily commute is a battle for many, regardless of their choice of transport. But could we be moving towards smarter and speedier travel? Join ITV Anglia’s Jonathan Wills as he talks to Liftshare founder and CEO, Ali Clabburn; mass transit PhD student Emma Cassar; Microsoft engineer, Paul Foster, and Martin Wilby, chairman of Norfolk County Council’s environment, development and transport committee, as they explore how new technologies will shape our future transport and the way we travel.
Venue: The Forum, Auditorium
Cost: Free, booking required
Age: 12+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Step into Tech’s Techathon
Thursday 25 & Friday 26 October
9am–4pm Thu, 9am–5pm Fri
The two-day Techathon lets young people explore the possibilities of technology in an informal and creative environment. Each team takes on a challenge, trying out ideas, finding out what works and what doesn’t. A great opportunity to meet expert mentors, have fun, learn new skills, make friends and win prizes.
Venue: Norwich School
Cost: £10, Free to all members of the Norwich Young Makers Tech Club
Age: 8-18 years -Children who are 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent/guardian
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Raspberry Pi Jamwich
Wednesday 24 October
10.30am–11.15am, 11.45am–12.30pm, 1.30pm–2.15pm
We’re jamming with Raspberry Pi computers at the Norwich Science Festival this year! Come on down for a slice of ‘Pi’ with a friendly flavour, whether you have a long-standing interest in programming or just want to give coding a go. There are Pi-based activities for all generations, from ‘Pips’ to ‘Fruits’!
Venue: Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form
Cost: Free, booking required
Age: 5+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
3D Design & Print
Wednesday 24 October
10am–11am, 11.30am–12.30pm, 1.30pm–2.30pm, 3pm–4pm
Learn how to design objects that will be printed out on a 3D printer or simply for demonstrating ideas. Using online software children can quickly master the skills to turn imagination into reality. Following the workshop, children will be able to continue developing their skills at home.
Venue: Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form
Cost: £6
Age: 7+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Bio-hacking: Design your future food
Wednesday 24 October
3pm–4.15pm
We’re in an exciting era of biology. Science is no longer restricted to academic labs or big industry, but is being spun out all over the world in exciting start-ups working on everything from colour changing flowers to nutrient-rich algae.
Venue: The Forum, Gallery
Cost: Free, booking required
Age: 12+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Chemistry
Chemistry Day – The Explorium
Thursday 25 October
10am–4pm
Have a go at Crazy Chemicals with Mini Professors. Visit the Learning Resources® showcase to see toys that encourage a love of chemistry. Plus pharmacy activities and chemistry experiments from UEA, and activities from the Royal Society of Chemistry, Developing Experts and John Innes Centre.
Venue: The Forum
Cost: Free, drop-in
Age: All ages
CheMystery Breakout!
Thursday 25 October
10am–4pm every 15 mins, last entry 3.30pm
The British Science Association Norwich are back with another exciting science-filled adventure! You are trapped in the lab and must use your scientific skills to escape! Conduct hands-on experiments and solve chemical conundrums to crack the ultimate code and unlock the door. Can you break out? Tickets are available to purchase in advance. A limited number of tickets will be available on the day on a first come, first served basis.
Venue: The Forum, Gallery
Cost: Free, booking required
Age: 10+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Here Comes the Sun!
Thursday 25 October
10.30am–11.30am
Join the Mad Science and Briar Chemicals team to learn about the mega super star at the centre of our Solar SystemLearn how without the Sun, our planet would be a dark frozen world with no life. See a (mini!) Sun explosion and pop on a pair of amazing light bending glasses to uncover all of the hidden colours of the rainbow.
Venue: Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form
Cost: Free, booking required
Age: 4–11
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Kitchen Chemistry
Thursday 25 October
12pm-1pm, 2pm-3pm
The Kitchen Chemist will be presenting the original Kitchen Chemistry Science Show. Come and see chemistry as you may never have seen it before. See chemistry demonstrated using unsophisticated equipment and materials from the supermarket, pharmacy or hardware store.
Venue: Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form
Cost: £5
Age: 5+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Kitchen Science with Kiddy Cook
Mon 22 Oct
10.30am–11.30am, 12pm–1pm, 2pm–3pm
Join Kiddy Cook for some hands-on fun with every day ingredients from the kitchen. All cookery is about science, whether it is changing states, creating bubbles or reactions between ingredients to make new flavours. An extra session, 2pm–3pm, will be bookable on the day, from the ticket stand.
Venue: Millennium Library, Ground Floor
Cost: £5.50
Age: 5-12
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
The Changing Shape of DNA
Thursday 25 October
10.30pm–11.30pm
What is DNA? What does it look like? How does it work? Be prepared for the unexpected, because DNA can do more than you think – from controlling what we look like, to making small computers and robots. This talk will take you through the adventures of DNA structure, from its first discovery through to the cutting edge of research.
Venue: The Forum, Auditorium
Cost: Free, booking required
Age: 11+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate, Green Tea and Broccoli
Thu 25 Oct
3pm–4pm
Natural food compounds can have positive effects on health – we call compounds that are known to induce biological health effects ‘food bioactive’. In this talk, Jenna Helleur from the School of Biological Sciences at UEA will discuss the effects of food bioactives in foods like broccoli, green tea, cocoa and red wine.
Venue: The Forum, Auditorium
Cost: Free, booking required
Age: All ages
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
The Molecular World Inside You
Thursday 25 October
12pm–12.30pm
In this talk, Hans Pfalzgraf will be geeking out about what he has learned in biochemistry and his research at UCL. From walking proteins to grabby antibodies, from molecular turbines to tangles of DNA, there is a fascinating world of molecules inside you. Learning about it will change how you look at everyday objects!
Venue: The Forum, Auditorium
Cost: Free, booking required
Age: 12+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Evolution in Action: How do Bugs Become Resistant to Drugs?
Thursday 25 October
4.30pm–5.30pm
Antimicrobial resistant bacteria are one of the biggest challenges to human health, with many infections becoming difficult to treat. In this talk, Mark Webber will explain the evolutionary processes by which bugs become resistant to drugs and share some of the relevant ongoing work from the Quadram Institute in Norwich.
Venue: The Forum, Auditorium
Cost: Free, booking required
Age: 12+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Fingerprint Masterclass
Thursday 25 October
4pm–5pm
Fingerprints have been used for identification purposes for over 100 years. This hands-on workshop will enable attendees to discover the science around fingerprints. Find out where fingerprints and fingerprint patterns appear in the natural world. Discover how fingerprints were used to solve a major case.
Venue: Millennium Library, Children’s Library
Cost: £6
Age: 5+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
The Psychology of Psychopaths – Is Your Partner Trying to Kill You?
Thursday 25 October
6pm–7pm
When we think of psychopaths we think of Hannibal Lecter from The Silence of the Lambs, but is this portrayal accurate? Find out about some interesting facts which underpin psychopathic behaviour. Would you employ a psychopath? Are you a psychopath? Come along and find out! All proceeds donated to St Martins Housing Trust.
Venue: The Forum, Auditorium
Cost: £6
Age: 15+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Medicine and health
Health Day – The Explorium
Friday 26 October
10am–4pm
A day all about our bodies, medicine and health. Our bodies are miraculous things, from the wonder of DNA and the minutest cell, to the complexity of our brains. Walk inside a giant gut! Discover what ants and jelly beans have to do with our bodies! Delve into dementia with Alzheimer’s Research UK’s virtual reality experience. Find out about local NHS research to help discover new medical treatments and cures. Play the National Institute for Health Research’s fun interactive game. Find out about deafness and learn to fingerspell. Plus many more activities from UEA, Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital, the Quadram Institute and more.
Venue: The Forum
Cost: Free, drop-in
Age: All ages
Health Day – Gallery Stage
Friday 26 October
10.30am–4.15pm
Pop along to one of our free, drop-in health-related talks in the Gallery, with diverse subjects from nicotine addiction to ageing, and from our brains to sperm! First come, first served.
Venue: The Forum, Gallery
Cost: Free, drop-in
Age: see talks
Info: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
DNA Detectives: To Catch a Thief workshop
Friday 26 October
11.30am–12.30pm, 2pm–3pm
Find out what DNA is, where DNA is in our bodies and how big it is. Can we use it to catch a pet thief? A workshop based on Mandy Hartley’s children’s book The DNA Detectives – To Catch a Thief where the characters have to use DNA to solve a crime.
Venue: Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form
Cost: £5
Age: 5+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
DNA Detectives: DNA Extraction from Bananas
Fri 26 Oct
10am–11am
Autism Friendly Workshop
A fantastic session where children with autism or Asperger’s can work together with their siblings to learn what DNA is, where we find DNA, how big it is and see some real DNA! This is a fast-paced session, with small group numbers, where children make some exciting discoveries.
Venue: Sir Isaac Newton Sixth Form
Cost: £5.00
Age: 5+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Zog
Friday 26 October
10am-10.45am
A fun adventure as we become flying doctors, helping those in need and learning about the body as we go. With Little People’s Drama Company
Venue: Millennium Library, Vernon Castle Room
Cost: £5.50
Age: 2–4
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
The Fight Against Cancer – The Battle in the East
Friday 26 October
2.30pm–3.45pm
Find out more about the groundbreaking research taking place in our region that is shaping the prevention and treatment of cancer. Join UEA’s Dr Sarah Hanson, The Big C’s CEO, Dr Chris Bushby, and Dr Tom Roques, Consultant Clinical Oncologist and Clinical Lead for Radiotherapy at NNUH, as they discuss their work, future developments in cancer research and how this could affect the prospects of those living with cancer.
Venue: The Forum, Auditorium
Cost: Free, booking required
Age: 14+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Swearing is Good for You with Emma Byrne
Friday 26 October
7.30pm–9pm
Not only has swearing existed since the earliest humans began to communicate, but it has been shown to reduce physical pain, help stroke victims communicate, and encourage people to work together as a team. Emma Byrne, science communicator and AI specialist, presents a spirited defence of strong words.
Venue: The Forum, Gallery
Cost: £7
Age: Adults only (language)
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
What Makes Your Brain Happy?
Friday 26 October
6pm–7pm
There are so many things that make us happy. Money, fame, travel, and more. But, why? Dean Burnett explains the hows and whys of the neurological mechanisms that lead to happiness, based on the extensive year-long investigation that lead to his second book, The Happy Brain.
Venue: The Forum, Auditorium
Cost: £6
Age: 12+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Concussion in Sport: What’s all the Fuss About?
Friday 26 October
11am–12pm
Concussion in professional sport receives a lot of attention in the news media. But does this apply to the average weekend warrior? What about children – should we be worried? In this talk, Michael Grey from the School of Health Sciences at UEA will discuss the science of concussion, busting several common myths along the way.
Venue: The Forum, Auditorium
Cost: Free, booking required
Age: 12+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Science in the Café – Biomedical Ethics
Thursday 25 October
7.30pm–9.30pm
An opportunity to join a stem cell research scientist and a medical clinician to tackle such ethical questions as: Should we keep brain-dead babies alive? Should we make vaccination against certain diseases compulsory? How should we make the most appropriate use of screening in pregnancy?
Venue: Norwich Cathedral, Refectory
Cost: Free, booking required
Age: 15+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
So You Want to Live to 100? Walking talk
Friday 26 October
11am–11.45am, 12.30pm–1.15pm
Do you sometimes get confused by public health messages, but would like to do a little more to improve your health? Come and join us on our ‘healthy conversations’ health walk, on which we will discuss key topics such as physical activity and dietary guidelines – as well as answering your questions.
Venue: Starts at The Forum
Cost: Free, booking required
Age: All ages
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
From King’s to Keyholes: Overcoming Barriers in Transplantation
Sunday 21 October
2pm–3pm
Pioneering surgeon and King’s College London research fellow, Pankaj Chandak, discusses innovations in transplantation and his award-winning work, including groundbreaking 3D printed kidneys, machine perfusion technology, robotics, and his time as surgical advisor on The Crown – where they created an anatomical model of King George VI.
Venue: The Forum, Auditorium
Cost: £6
Age: 16+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Is There More To Food Than Taste and Flavour?
Fri 26 Oct
1pm–2pm
We all know what food we like, but do we know why? Dr Duncan Gaskin will explore the science of our sensory relationship with the food we eat. We will explore the realms of taste and flavour, and how they combine with our other senses and our mind to produce the full food experience.
Venue: Millennium Library, Vernon Castle Room
Cost: Free, booking required
Age: 7+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Life as a Pathologist – The Realities
Friday 26 October
4.15pm–5.15pm
Pathology is not only a central component of a lot of dramas seen on television, but also to the diagnoses made in many patients lives. The reality is very different from that seen in the media. Prof Wilkinson has worked as a pathologist for nearly 40 years, and will discuss the realities of the job, reflecting on how these differ from the usual media image.
Venue: The Forum, Auditorium
Cost: Free, booking required
Age: 15+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Neuropsychology in Practice
Friday 26 October
12.30pm–1.30pm
Neuropsychology is the study of brain function and behaviour. How are emotions, memory, language and understanding affected by changes in the brain caused by damage? James Piercy will explore the assessment and treatment of psychological impairments building on his personal experience as brain injury survivor.
Venue: The Forum, Auditorium
Cost: Free, booking required
Age: 15+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Drawn Together: Medicine and Art
Friday 26 October
11am–12pm, 2pm–3pm
In this short drawing workshop, artist and anatomist Charlie James from UEA will take you through the process of drawing the skull, using a photograph as reference, learning how to add the muscles that allow us to smile, frown and play the trumpet!
Venue: Millennium Library, First floor
Cost: Free, booking required
Age: 10+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Science without Borders
Find out how scientists at the Norwich Research Park are tackling some of the biggest challenges facing society, covering everything from food science to climate change.
Science Without Borders Day – The Explorium
Saturday 27 October
10am–4pm
Discover what our local scientists from Norwich Research Park get up to in the lab, and how their work is helping push forward science. With microbiology experiments from the Quadram Institute, Stan the Skeleton from NNUH, and activities from UEA, The Sainsbury Laboratory, the Earlham Institute, and John Innes Centre.
Venue: The Forum
Cost: Free, drop-in
Age: All ages, most activities 10+
Science Without Borders – Gallery Stage
Saturday 27 October
10.30am–4.30pm
Hear from local scientists from Norwich Research Park, in our free, drop-in talks in the Gallery, including how gardening is beneficial for butterflies; communication and aphasia; climate change and more. First come, first served.
Venue: The Forum, Gallery
Cost: Free, drop-in
Age: see talks
Info: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Empowering: Norfolk Women in STEMM
Fri 19 Oct–Sat 27 October
10am–4pm
Through a series of portraits by local artist Charlie James, find out about some of the fascinating women working in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths and Medicine) in and around Norfolk. This inspirational exhibition will be available to view in the lobby of The Forum’s gallery throughout the Norwich Science Festival.
Venue: The Forum, Gallery
Cost: Free, drop-in
Age: All ages
Discovering our Forgotten Senses
Sat 27 Oct
10.30am–11.30am
In this talk, Prof Carl Philpott from the Norwich Medical School will talk about two of our forgotten senses – smell and taste – explaining how they work together and how they underpin many aspects of daily life.
Venue: The Forum, Auditorium
Cost: Free, booking required
Age: All ages
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Who Was John Innes?
Saturday 27 October
1.30pm–2.30pm
The John Innes Centre has been in Norwich for over fifty years. Find out how it started and hear about some of the fascinating plant and microbial research that happens there … and why its name is on your compost!
Venue: The Forum, Auditorium
Cost: Free, booking required
Age: 12+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
What is the Earlham Institute? Decoding living systems
Saturday 27 October
12pm–1pm
At the Earlham Institute, we task ourselves with ‘decoding living systems’. How does an open, multidisciplinary approach combining genome sequencing, supercomputing, synthetic biology and bioinformatics help us to tell the most fascinating story of all?
Venue: The Forum, Auditorium
Cost: Free, booking required
Age: 11+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Food and health research at the Quadram Institute
Saturday 27 October
3pm–4pm
Find out from Prof Richard Mithen about the exciting science that the new Quadram Institute will be carrying out. In partnership with the University of East Anglia and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, the Quadram Institute will be at the forefront of a new era of food and health research.
Venue: The Forum, Auditorium
Cost: Free, booking required
Age: 12+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Dementia Prevention: The Evidence So Far
Saturday 27 October
4.30pm–5.30pm
What are the current prevention strategies for dementia? And what evidence do we have to demonstrate their effectiveness? Find out with Prof Michael Hornberger from Norwich Medical School at UEA.
Venue: The Forum, Auditorium
Cost: Free, booking required
Age: 12+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Our Future Environment: The Questions
Saturday 27 October
6.30pm–8pm
In this interactive and engaging event, our panel of scientists from the Norwich Research Park will take your questions on four of today’s big environmental issues: climate change, plastic pollution, mass extinction, and unsustainable farming. What are these problems? What causes them? What can we do to help fix them?
Venue: The Forum, Auditorium
Cost: Free, booking required
Age: 16+
Book: nnorwichsciencefestival.co.uk
The Global Garden
Thursday 25 October
10am–5pm
Join us to break down the barriers between arts and science! Harnessing scientific ideas and images, participants will be invited to give their personal response to the relationship between plants, chemicals and people through poetry and collaborative art.
Venue: Millennium Library, Vernon Castle Room
Cost: Free, booking required
Age: 16+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
Soapbox Science
Saturday 27 October
11am–2pm
The Teacher Scientist Network (TSN) brings some remarkable female scientists onto the streets of Norwich. Discover what these scientists get up to when they are not stood on a Soapbox. No PowerPoint, no lecture theatre, just a wooden box and some original props.
Venue: Hay Hill
Cost: Free, drop-in
Age: All ages
Food Evolution the movie: Screening and Panel Discussion
Sat 27 Oct
6.30pm–8pm
We live in a world of fake news, and it’s getting harder to know what to think. How can citizens judge the safety and utility of new technologies? Genetic modification (GM) – a process in which useful genes are added to crops – has attracted controversy. The movie Food Evolution depicts communities, researchers and farmers grappling with different views surrounding use of GM methods for crop improvement. Introduced by Jonathan Jones, The Sainsbury Laboratory.
Venue: The Forum, Auditorium
Cost: Free, booking required
Age: 8+
Book: norwichsciencefestival.co.uk
More Family Fun
Science Fun Day for Families
Saturday 27 October
10.30am–3.30pm
Come and join us for a day packed with fun, exciting science activities all around the Cathedral complex. There’s something for all the family. Have a go at building a cathedral, get hands-on with crazy experiments and more.
Venue: Norwich Cathedral
Cost: Free, drop-in
Age: All ages
Could it Be Magic?
Thursday 18–Saturday 27 Oct (not 21 Oct)
10.30am–3.30pm
Investigate our History of Magic performance, transmogrify into a disco diva in our silent disco, hear about local witchcraft and the science behind magical and mythical beasts, create a patronus wand, experiment in our natural potions workshop, make lasting spells with artist Kate Munro, join a magical mystery trail and more…
Venue: Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery
Cost: Standard museum admission prices
Age: All ages
Info: www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk
Science in Action
Tuesday 23 Oct & Thursday 25 Oct
10am–4.30pm
See the Jacquard loom in action on Tuesday 23 October, and discover the links between loom punch cards and the development of early computing. On Thursday 25 October, as part of the Picturing the Past exhibition, find out about the scientific processes in early photography.
Venue: Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell
Cost: Standard museum admission prices
Age: All ages
Info: www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk
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