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 2023 the Festival brought over 70 free events to Exeter with our host, University of Exeter. Everyone from astronomers, authors, athletes, artists, comedians to musicians from all over the world descended on the streets of Exeter including mind-bending performances, immersive experiences, and interactive workshops.
The British Science Festival 2024, will be hosted by the University of East London. The Festival will be held between Wednesday 11 and Sunday 15 September 2024, with events being held on the University’s campus, as well as at venues across the city.
Find ways you can get involved below!
Help us deliver the 2024 Festival!
Want to be part of British Science Festival 2024? We’re hiring a number of positions to help us deliver this year’s events in East London. No need for previous work experience – we’re primarily looking for good communication and teamwork skills, general knowledge of East London/Newham, and availability between 9 – 15 September 2024.
You can get a taste of what it is like to be a Festival Assistant here.
To see more details on the positions and apply, please visit our vacancies page.
The deadline for applications is 23.59 on Tuesday 18 June 2024.
Sponsorship
For information on the sponsorship packages available for the British Science Festival, please contact James Brown, Director of the British Science Festival at the British Science Association.
Propose an event through the 2024 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 (over 16 years old) 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.
The deadline for Open Call proposals has now passed. Watch this space for the 2025 applications!
Opportunities to get involved in the 2024 Community grants
Each year, the British Science Association provides grants of £1000 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. .
The deadline for Community Grants proposals has now passed. Watch this space for the 2025 applications!
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 receive an all-expenses paid trip to the British Science Festival where they will present their lecture, as well as public speaking coaching and a £250 honorarium. There may also be other opportunities to present the Award Lecture at other science festivals in the UK.
The deadline for Award Lecture nominations has now passed. Watch this space for the 2025 applications!
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