From the science of laughter and yoga to air pollution, pregnancy and medicine, this year’s British Science Festival programme explores how science shapes our health and wellbeing. Through workshops, exhibitions, talks, performances and creative activities, discover how science is helping us better understand our bodies, improve wellbeing and tackle today’s – and the future’s – health challenges.

Whether you want to get hands-on, experience immersive installations, explore thought-provoking exhibitions or hear from straight from researchers, there are plenty of opportunities to discover health and wellbeing from a fresh perspective.

Events will take place across the University of Southampton’s campuses and city centre venues, including cultural landmarks such as Mayflower Studios, John Hansard Gallery and the Southampton City Art Gallery.

With more than 80 free events across the city, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this September.

Here are some health and wellbeing themed highlights from the Festival programme.

The Living Autopsy
(Performance)
Date: 16 September
Time: 18.00 – 19.00
Venue: Centenary Building (100) – Lecture Theatre A

So often shrouded in mystery, this experience brings autopsies into the light.
Scientists Rebecca Hassard and Rossa Inglis (Royal College of Pathologists) will take you on a journey through the post-mortem examination, involving a ‘living’ dead body (played by an actor).

Discover the instruments used, incisions made and tests conducted in this process. Explore the vital role pathologists play in hospitals, and the circumstances in which a post-mortem may be required.

Meals, mood and microbes
(Drop in activity)
Date: 19 September
Time: 12.00 – 17.00
Venue: Guildhall Square

What your meals are made of can change your emotions. It’s all down to your gut microbes and how they work with your brain to create changes in mood.
Join researchers from the School of Biological Sciences (University of Southampton) to celebrate this lively alliance at our vibrant street festival, with painting, games, plant-based African street food, and music.

The art of creation
(Exhibition)
Dates: 18–20 September 2026
Times:
18 September: 17.00–20.00
19 September: 11.00–17.00
20 September: 11.00–17.00
Venue: John Hansard Gallery – Galleries 2 & 3

Explore how our earliest beginnings shape the health of future generations in this interactive exhibition making its European debut. Combining art, science and lived experience, discover how pregnancy, genetics and the environment influence lifelong health through thought-provoking artworks and creative activities.

Becoming doctors
(Exhibition)
Dates: 18-20 September
Times:
18 September: 17.00–20.00
19 September: 11.00–17.00
20 September: 11.00–17.00
Venue: John Hansard Gallery – Mezzanine

Step inside the lives of tomorrow’s doctors through an exhibition of artwork created by medical students from the University of Southampton. From photography and poetry to podcasts and animation, these personal works explore identity, wellbeing and what it truly means to care for others.

Who’s influencing your health?
(Panel)
Date: 19 September
Time: 15:00
Venue: Mayflower Studios – Studio 1

As health misinformation continues to spread across social media, a growing number of health and wellbeing professionals are challenging false claims and providing evidence-based advice. But what are social media platforms doing to stop harmful content from spreading? Join doctor and former Traitors contestant Kasim Ahmed, sex and relationship educator Milly Evans, researcher and podcast host Rachael Kent and investigative researcher in online harms Cécile Simmons to explore how social media helps and harms our health, how we can distinguish between fact and fad and what can be done to stop influencers from hijacking our health.

Yoga for health
(Workshop)
Date: 19 September
Time: 11.00–12.00
Venue: Southampton City Art Gallery – Main Hall

Discover how yoga can support lifelong health in this guided workshop from the Faculty of Medicine (University of Southampton). Through movement, breathing and meditation, explore how yoga benefits both body and mind, from before birth through to older age. Suitable for all experience levels, with yoga mats provided.

Clothed with protection catwalk
(Catwalk)
Date: 19 September 2026
Time: 12.30–14.30 (Catwalk performances at 12.30 and 14.00)
Venue: Southampton City Art Gallery – Main Hall

Discover a striking collection of garments created by 10 Ugandan fashion designers to raise awareness of the importance of vaccination during pregnancy. Created by artist Luke Jerram in collaboration with the University of Southampton, this unique catwalk celebrates creativity while highlighting how vaccines protect both mothers and babies.

The cheek of it!
(Drop-in workshop)
Date: 19 September 2026
Time: 12.00–18.00
Venue: Mayflower Studios – Bar & Café

Create your own zine while exploring the microscopic cells inside your mouth. Guided by Catherine McColgan, discover how science can inspire creativity as you reflect on identity, microbes and what it means to be human through a fascinating new perspective.

Laughter: The lab report
(Workshop)
Date:19 September 2026
Time: 13.30–15.00
Venue: Mayflower Studios – Studio 3

Discover how comedy can improve wellbeing in this interactive workshop with Comedy Lab UK. Through playful writing and creative activities, explore how humour can build resilience, strengthen connections and help reframe life’s challenges in a welcoming, pressure-free environment.

Creative conceptions
(Drop-in workshop)
Date: 19 September 2026
Time: 11.00–14.30
Venue: John Hansard Gallery – Active Space

Explore stories of pregnancy, heritage and identity in this creative workshop co-designed by local Black and South Asian parents, artists and scientists from the University of Southampton. Through hands-on activities and conversation, discover how early life experiences and parental health shape future generations while reflecting on health inequalities and community support.

Mapping the air we share
(Drop-in)
Date: 20 September 2026
Time: 11.00–17.00
Venue: Sir James Matthews Building – The Student Hub

Explore the invisible world of air pollution through hands-on activities from the Faculty of Medicine (University of Southampton). Investigate household dust, map Southampton’s air quality and discover how the particles we breathe affect our lungs and overall health. Share your views on improving air quality for healthier communities.