NI Science Festival has announced its return with an interstellar programme of over 120 public events.
The STEM celebration, which has grown to become the largest of its kind on the island of Ireland, will return for a packed 10 days of discovery from Thursday 17 – Sunday 27 February.
Covering everything from the natural world, our planet, and the vast expanse of space to engineering, the mind and body, food and much more, the festival presents some of the most prominent scientific minds, thought-leading academics, and captivating authors.
Leading this year’s festival is BODY, an immersive night-time installation dominating the grounds of the Belfast’s Botanic Gardens (17-20 Feb).
Inspired by anatomical science and using cutting-edge technology to create a deeper understanding of the science of the human form, journey through six different zones blending human biology with light, special effects, sound, and fire.
Commenting on the launch of the 2022 festival, NI Science Festival director, Chris McCreery, said: "We’re privileged to play host to some of the most recognisable names in science communication, whose expertise in the physical, life and social sciences satisfy our thirst for knowledge and understanding year after year.
"Our festival exists to engage audiences, stimulate discussion, and ignite interest in the wonders of science, technology, engineering and mathematics – and we’re confident this year’s diverse programming will expand the horizons of festival goers of all ages and abilities across Northern Ireland."
For the better part of two years, hard-hitting statistics – seven-day rolling averages, rate of infection, excess deaths, and more – have been an integral part of the national conversation, and never before has it been more important that we understand and think about them clearly. In Covid by Numbers (27 Feb), Professor Sir David Spiegelhalter and Dr Anthony Masters crunch the data in a timely, concise and accessible discussion.
Among the other highlights is the welcomed return of many festival favourites, including notable names such as Professor Alice Roberts, who will guide us through a prehistory of Britain, told through seven fascinating burial sites that teach us about ourselves and our interconnected global ancestry (20 Feb).
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For younger audiences, the festival will host the most outrageous science show in the world, Fartology with Gastronaut (26 Feb). Hosted by Gastronaut Stefan Gates, embark on an unforgettable, explosive edible adventure exploring the bizarre science behind our food.
Closing NI Science Festival is renowned wildlife and documentary cameraman Doug Allan. Having worked on documentaries including Blue Planet, Planet Earth, Life, Human Planet, Frozen Planet, and much more, join Doug as he looks back on an illustrious 35 years of natural history film making during which time he has witnessed first-hand the impact of climate change.
NI Science Festival is supported by the Department for the Economy, Belfast City Council, Tourism Northern Ireland, Derry City and Strabane District Council, Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University, British Council Northern Ireland, MCS Group, The Open University NI, Innovate UK, Matrix NI, Film Hub NI and Arts & Business NI.
Source: press release
