The British Science Festival is today (Thursday 13 July) delighted to announce three headline events for this year’s programme.

Hamza Yassin, wildlife cameraman and Strictly Come Dancing 2022 winner, and members of the BBC Studios Natural History Unit team will be in Exeter this September, sharing their on- and off-screen experiences with Festival goers.

Hamza Yassin

As well as being a wildlife cameraman and Strictly star, Hamza is known to CBeebies viewers as ‘Ranger Hamza’. Hamza will be interviewed by Lisa Roberts, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Exeter, about his early life, inspiration for getting involved in wildlife, career to date and his new book, “Be a Birder: The joy of birdwatching and how to get started” coming out in September.

With degrees in Zoology with Conservation from Bangor University and a Masters in Biological Imaging and Photography under his belt, Hamza’s interest in and talent for nature photography led to him moving to Scotland and establishing an esteemed career as an environmentalist and conservationist.

Hamza’s new book brings his passion for birding to the public, and in his interview at the Festival he will be sharing his top tips on how to introduce yourself to this rewarding and calming hobby.

Hamza will also speak on the challenges he’s overcome, and support he’s received, having been diagnosed with dyslexia as a teenager.

Book tickets for In conversation with Hamza Yassin

BBC Studios Natural History Unit

BBC Studios Natural History Unit produces some of the most well-known and loved natural history content in the world, and is responsible for some of the most globally successful factual content of the past 10 years.

Anna Place, a producer and director from the Unit, will also headline the British Science Festival and share a behind the scenes glimpse into the making of some of our favourite wildlife shows, including her work on Sir David Attenborough’s series.

In addition to Anna, Mitch Buckley & Abigail Thomas, Junior Technical Assistant Producers at the Unit, will demonstrate some of the technology used to capture wildlife behaviour. Attendees at the Festival will be able to experience an interactive display uncovering the tools and techniques which help reveal the mysteries of our world.

Find out more about BBC Studios Natural History Unit: Meet the team

Book tickets for BBC Studios Natural History Unit: Behind the scenes

Hamza Yassin says:

“I can’t wait to attend my first British Science Festival and share my love for wildlife and conservation in an area of the country that’s home to such beautiful nature, and encourage the audience to get out there and experience it.

“The variety in the programme is awesome and there really is something for everyone. It just goes to show that science isn’t all about doing experiments, it’s about finding out about the world and understanding new things.”

Presidential address

We have also opened ticket bookings for the British Science Association’s (BSA) annual Presidential Address. Professor Dame Jane Francis, Director of British Antarctic Survey (BAS), has been announced as President of the BSA, 2023/24.

Join Jane for a fireside chat about her life and career to date, covering her work to promote UK scientific and diplomatic interests in Antarctica as well as climate change and diversity in the field.

Book tickets for Presidential Address: In conversation with Jane Francis

You won’t want to miss these events! Browse the programme and book your free tickets at britishsciencefestival.org/events. All tickets are free but should be booked in advance to avoid disappointment.

More headline speakers will be announced in the coming weeks…