2 September 2010
Science explosion ignites Dundee as fortnight-long festival programme unveiled
From food, fossils and forensics to dinosaurs and debates - the biggest celebration of science in all its forms is heading to Dundee.
Following last year’s Dundee Science Festival, which incorporated a free family fun day, the fortnight-long festival is set to explore the fun, excitement and relevance of science to all.
The ambitious festival, which will this year include two free family fun days, has been specially tailored to enthuse the young and old as well as the area’s thriving business and scientific community. Indeed, a vibrant programme of events aimed at adults has been unveiled, including stand-up comedy, a photographic exhibition, an event exploring what science has done for Dundee and an investigation of the science lurking in university archives and The McManus’ natural history collections.
Following a pre-festival lecture by Dundee Science Festival Patron Professor Sir Philip Cohen, the festival will run from Monday 1 November until Sunday 14 November. Venues will range from community centres and Discovery Point to Dundee Science Centre - Sensation, Dundee’s universities and even a local supermarket!
A free community fun day will again be held at Dundee International Sports Centre (DISC) on Sunday 7 November with hopes to exceed last year’s staggering audience of 1600 visitors from throughout Scotland. An additional free family event, marking the final day of the festival, will be held at Dundee Science Centre - Sensation on Sunday 14 November.
Meanwhile, throughout the first week of the festival, around 2500 pupils from 28 Dundee primary schools (P4-7) will be investigating the smells, noises, colours and textures of science via a variety of mini experiments, workshops and talks. A range of secondary school activities will also be on offer, covering computer gaming, genetics and more.
This year’s festival is being overseen by a collaboration of partners, one of which is last years founder TechFest-SetPoint who will again organise the primary programme and weekend family day. The festival is supported by the Scottish Government, Dundee City Council’s Education and Development Services and Skills Development Scotland. Those delivering events, some of whom have also invested financial support, include Dundee Science Centre - Sensation, Scottish Crop Research Institute (SCRI) University of Dundee, University of Abertay Dundee, Dundee College, The McManus, Medical Research Council, British Science Association, Dundee Heritage Trust, University of St Andrews and BioDundee.
Jennifer Young, Tayside Manager for TechFest-SetPoint said, 'Last year’s Dundee Science Festival was an overwhelming success but this year’s event is set to be the biggest and most exciting celebration of science to ever hit Dundee. The sheer diversity of activities, events and workshops taking place, coupled with the city-wide range of venues, means every man, woman and child can be involved, regardless of their age, ability or where they live. There’s more to Dundee than the obvious city centre venues so we’ve designed a truly inspiring programme of events which are sure to light a spark in everyone within every corner of the city and beyond. On a more serious level, the younger generation in particular can gain a truly interactive insight into the countless definitions of ‘science’, stretching both their imaginations and aspirations for the future.'
Professor Sir Philip Cohen said, 'Dundee is a city of science and a home to a number of the world's leading scientists. Dundee Science Festival will give the city a well-earned celebration of science, inspiring the scientists of tomorrow, and showing that the city is a great place to both work and play in science, with great science leisure and lifelong learning opportunities.'
For more information, email dundeesciencefestival@dundeesciencecentre.org.uk, visit www.dundeesciencefestival.org or telephone Jennifer Young, TechFest-SetPoint on telephone 01382 308571.
Notes for Editors
TechFest-SetPoint is an Aberdeen-based educational charity which promotes interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects to young people in the hope of inspiring them to become the scientists, technologists, engineers, mathematicians and skilled employees of the future.
Dundee Science Centre is an HMIE-inspected community learning resource and visitor attraction, with a mission to create a culture of curiosity, confidence and engagement with science for the community of Tayside.
For media enquiries contact:
Roddy Isles
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University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384910
E-MAIL: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk
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