Our researchers are in action at The Manchester Science Festival
28 Oct 2013
Did you know that our researchers and academics are involved in a wide range of events and activities taking place during the Manchester Science Festival? Here are some of our festival top picks where you can see them in action…
Snowballs in Space: the science of comets - 21 October–1 November, 10am-5pm, Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre
Find out all about comets, asteroids and meteors in this interactive science show. Discover what comets are and where they come from, watch us make our very own comet – and maybe see a real comet in the night sky…
Science Showoff – 25 October, 7pm, MOSI
Join your host, Steve Cross, geeky joke-teller and veteran of over 30 Science Showoffs, plus ten of Manchester's best science communicators as they tell stories, play songs, perform demonstrations, give interesting talks, introduce videos, read poetry - or do anything else they can to share their knowledge and entertain you for the evening. At Science Showoff anyone can communicate any kind of science in any way.
Gigantic Graphene - 26-27 October, 10.30am–4pm, MOSI
Aravind Vijayaraghavan, Manchester Science Festival’s science communicator in residence, is building a huge molecular model of graphene and needs YOUR help. Aravind, from the famous Manchester Graphene group that was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics in 2010, will show you how to create small portions of graphene and turn them into giant graphene sheet that grows and grows…
Our Wormy World - 26-27 October, 10am–4pm, Exchange Square
Did you know that there are more worms living inside human guts than there are people on the planet? Witness the good, the bad and the downright ugliness of gut worms. Create a unique worm mural and discover how worms contribute to ill health and global poverty and how science can help.
Chroma: Art meets Science – 26 October, 3.30-5.30pm, UoM, Chemistry Building, G51
A highly visual lecture-event exploring the role of colour within science and visual art. Through live chemical experiments by Dr Frank Mair and a narrative of art, history, memory and science from Jenna Carine Ashton, you are invited to revisit and remember Derek Jarman’s haunting text, Chroma.
Brains and Computers – 28 October, 6pm, MOSI
Does the brain work like a computer? Can a computer ever function exactly like a human brain? Join technology/IP expert Mark Lewney and Professors Raymond Tallis and Steve Furber as they debate the similarities and differences between brains and computers.
Planetary Odyssey - The Origins of Earth & The Solar System – 29 October, 11am-4pm, Manchester Museum
Ever wondered how the world around you was formed? Venture into the world of planetary science with our moon and meteorite samples, learn how the Earth has changed and plan your very own space mission. Come and explore the wonders of our solar system with scientists at the cutting edge of space research.
LIVE Podcast by the Barometer: Is breathing bad for you? - 29 October, 6.30pm, Manchester Museum
Take part in a live podcast with the Barometer podcast team and climate experts. What impact does poor air quality have on our health- at home, in the kitchen, at work or when taking a stroll down a busy street like Oxford Road? This is your opportunity to ask a panel of experts anything you ever wanted to know about air pollution.
Understanding the Higgs Boson - 31 October, 11am-4pm, MOSI
What do magnets, trains and Mexican hats have in common? They can all help teach you about the Higgs Boson! Come to this interactive, drop in session to learn more about particle accelerators, the ATLAS detector and the elusive Higgs Boson particle.Three leading and acclaimed scientists, Professors John Pickstone and Matthew Cobb and Dr Reinmar Hager from The University of Manchester’s Faculty of Life Sciences, talk about their leading work in the fields of Evolutionary Biology, Genetics and Manchester’s Medical History.
Cafe Scientifique: The hottest place in the universe - 30 October, 6pm, Kro Bar
Could controlled nuclear fusion be the solution to our future energy needs? Join Café Scientifique and Professor Phillippa Browning to discuss this hot topic and discover if a viable fusion power station can ever be built on Earth
Diving into the data pool: exploring how medical data is shared - 31 October, 6pm, Manchester Museum
Many everyday activities generate huge amounts of data that provides valuable information for marketing and research. Most of us accept this as part of modern life, but how do we feel about our medical data being used in a similar way? Discuss your views about the value and challenges of sharing medical data with Manchester’s ‘big data’ experts.
Science Spectacular - 2 November, 11am–4pm, UoM, Whitworth Hall & Manchester Museum
Join us on a whistle-stop tour of research at the University and take part in some great science challenges. Explore the insides of a nuclear reactor, go on a journey through the hidden body, take a closer look at the moon, and snuggle up to some unusual creepy crawlies. Meet the scientists and engineers behind our amazing research and take part in fun activities throughout the day including face painting, craft making and science busking on the go. And see if you can spot our pop-up scientists who will talk about their science in 60 seconds or less!
Flash-Bang - 2 November, 3.30-4.30pm, UoM Chemistry Building, G51
Enjoy a noisy introduction to the world of atoms, molecules, solids, liquids and gases, as well as learning about some cutting-edge Manchester research into hydrogen-storage materials, plus live graphene synthesis.
Bright Club Manchester: Monster - 31 October, 7.30pm, Gorilla
In this Halloween special, Bright Club Manchester goes MONSTER. Bright Club blends comedy, science, music and anything else that can happen on stage. Your compere, Sam Gore, brings you the best and brightest from the last year of regular shows, including bio man Pete Mills, brain woman Tasha Bray, and the atomic Matt Gunther.
How Small Can You Get? Entering and Defining the Nano World - 3 November, 5pm, Manchester Museum
Professor Paul O’Brien explores all things nano, revealing the origins of nanoscience and nanotechnology, and discussing the potential importance of technologies based on nanodimensional objects.
Image of Research Competition – Voting closes 4 November
We challenged researchers at The University of Manchester to share their work using only a single, inspiring image and a short description. Now you get the chance to decide on the winning entry. Tell us who captured your imagination, raised your curiosity or showed how their research makes a difference to you.
All about Manchester Science Festival
But of course there are even more fun-filled activities and events taking place during this 11-day festival, so be sure to check out the full details at: