The British Science Festival is Europe’s longest standing science Festival, travelling to a different place in the United Kingdom each year and celebrates the people, stories and ideas at the heart of science.
Each year, we bring an inspiring programme of free events to the public over four or five days, bursting with exciting opportunities to get involved in. Our talks, workshops and drop-in events span a diverse range of subjects that encompass science in the broadest sense, promising something for everyone.
In 2025 the Festival brought over 110 free events to Liverpool with our hosts, the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University. Everyone from astronomers, authors, athletes, artists, comedians to musicians descended on the streets of Liverpool including mind-bending performances, immersive experiences, and interactive workshops.
The British Science Festival 2026, will be hosted by the University of Southampton. The Festival will be held between Wednesday 16 and Sunday 20 September 2026, with events being held on the University’s campus, as well as at venues across the local area.
Sponsorship
For information on the sponsorship packages available for the British Science Festival, please contact Vijay Jassal, Director of Development and External Relations at the British Science Association.
Event proposals
Propose an event through the 2026 Festival Open Call
Anyone can propose an event and the Festival celebrates science in its broadest sense. We are looking for proposals from individuals, researchers, industry professionals, artists, writers, organisations, charities, academic institutions, and more.
Festival proposals should be aimed at non-specialist adults (16+) with a broad interest in science. We are looking for events that showcase cutting-edge science, celebrate the latest developments in science and technology and engage their audience in open discussion about relevant issues that affect culture and society. We aim to programme a range of formats from talks to drop-in activities and creative content that challenges perceptions of what science is and can be.
Watch this space for the 2026 applications!
Applications open in the last week of November and close 22 January.
Award Lecture nominations
Are you, or do you know, an exceptional early career researcher?
Every year the British Science Association asks for applications for the seven Award Lectureships available to early career academics who are skilled at engaging people with their research. These Award Lectures aim to promote open and informed discussion of science and related disciplines. Awards are available in seven different areas:
• Social sciences
• Engineering, technology and industry
• Environmental sciences
• Agricultural, biological and medical sciences
• Physical sciences and mathematics
• Digital innovation
• Science and the arts
The selected lecturers will receive public speaking coaching and a £250 honorarium.
More information can be found here, or you can contact Louise at [email protected] with any questions.
Watch this space for the 2026 applications!
Applications open in the first week of November and close 11 December.
Opportunities to get involved in 2026 Community grants
Each year, the British Science Association provides grants to community groups/organisations in the host festival city that work directly with audiences who are traditionally underrepresented and currently not engaged in science activity. We want to empower and support community groups to run their own science activities as part of the British Science Festival, enabling new local audiences to engage with science.
Watch this space for application details for grants for community organisations in Southampton to participate in the Festival in 2026.
Working at the Festival
Each year, our dedicated Festival Assistants help bring an inspiring programme of free science events to the public. From talks to hands-on workshops, our team ensures there’s something for everyone.
We couldn’t do it without the energy and enthusiasm of our brilliant Festival team, who keep everything running smoothly.
Applications for Festival Assistant positions will open in May. Check back then to find out how you can get involved and help make the Festival happen!
Stay in touch!
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Any questions? Drop us an email at [email protected]
Online Briefing and Expression of Interest
To hear more details about how the British Science Festival is organised and run, we have recorded an online briefing session which can be seen here.
You can use the form below to register your interest in supporting the Festival.