Greater Manchester is known as a powerhouse of innovation, with leading academic and research institutions, home of many leading experts and the birthplace of a range of scientific discoveries. The region regularly attracts scientific experts to celebrate the latest innovations and developments in their fields, making the most of our world-leading universities, academics and cultural offer. The region also attracts investment from global companies inspired by our research and development credentials, proving that Greater Manchester is a world-leader in bringing new ideas to the fore.
From splitting the atom to developing the first stored-program computer, Manchester is known as a leading region for science and technology, and no event proves that more than the Manchester Science Festival.
Celebrating scientific innovations past, present and future, the Manchester Science Festival invites people of all ages to get involved and learn more about game-changing ideas and how they can shape our world.
Running from Fri 18 – Sun 27 October and largely based at Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum, the festival invites visitors of all ages to get involved with interactive events, unmissable adventures and captivating discoveries. This includes adult-only evenings hearing from experts in the field, a headline artistic installation and a free major exhibition, as well as a selection of science-inspired spectacles located around Manchester, it’s a great way to gain an insight into our region’s key sectors and innovation ecosystem.
Does AI Have a Place in Space?
One of the festival’s headline events, and a must for tech and space enthusiasts, is a conversation between STEM champion, social entrepreneur and computer scientist, Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE, and the UK Space Agency’s Head of Space Exploration, Libby Jackson OBE. The experts will explore how AI can be applied to Space exploration and how it can benefit our lives back on earth. ‘In Conversation: Does AI have a place in Space?’ takes place on Friday 18 October at 7pm, tickets cost £7 or £5 for concessions and is over 18s only.
Brain Waves
The Manchester Science festival will also explore the world of neuroscience with an afternoon of talks and hands-on activities in Brain Waves. Split over three sessions, this event gives attendees a chance to discover cutting-edge research and learn more about the secrets of science and cinema. Hear from leading neuroscientist Professor Adrian Owen, who will delve into research about the effects of gaming and exercise on our brain’s health. As well as this, double Oscar-winner Paul Franklin will be involved in a Q&A about how neuroscience innovations are shaping modern cinema. There’s also a chance to learn more about the Festival’s headline installation State of Mind which demonstrates how the brain responds to sound and light. This is a free drop in event on Saturday 19 October with the first talk starting at 2pm.
20th Anniversary of Graphene
The festival falls on the 20th anniversary of Graphene, which was discovered at the University of Manchester and remains one of our biggest achievements in advanced materials and manufacturing.
The one-atom-thick sheet of carbon is considered to be the world’s thinnest material but also one of the world’s strongest and is used to enhance the strength, heat conductivity and sustainability of other materials. It has many applications from batteries to aerospace and even use in concrete, so it’s no wonder it’s often described as a wonder material. Now, Greater Manchester is pioneering the way in Graphene research. The University of Manchester is home to the National Graphene Institute and the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre, which both collaborate with industry to find new applications for the material to make game-changing products.
To celebrate, throughout the festival, guests can see the pioneering Vollebak jacket, on display for the first time. In this jacket, the graphene can store and redistribute heat to regulate the wearer’s temperature and reduce humidity next to the body.
The Manchester Science Festival is the perfect way to gain an insight into our region’s innovative nature and our thriving science sector; you’re sure to be inspired.
Learn more about the Manchester Science Festival here.
