The British Science Festival in Birmingham

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We hope you find lots of events to intrigue, amuse and enlighten you and your family.

For more information about events such as audience level and people taking part click on the name of the event. Where events are bookable through the British Science Association, you can book by clicking on the shopping trolley next to the event entry. Where no shopping cart is shown, click on the event title for more information about how to book.

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BETTER MEDICINES BY IMPROVED DRUG DELIVERY: RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME 13/09/2010   18:00-19:00 cost: free Venue: Main Building, Sumpner LT, Aston University Summary: Even the best drugs can't have a beneficial effect if they don't get to the right place within the body for the right amount of time. Designing appropriate drug delivery systems can ensure this. Come and explore how we can design new delivery systems to improve medicines and enhance healthcare.
THE BEAUTIFUL GAME: HOW CAN WE ALL PLAY FOOTBALL INTO OUR 50S AND 60S? 14/09/2010   10:00-12:00 cost: £ 5.00 Venue: MB550, Aston University Summary: With an ageing population and sedentary lifestyles, active living and lifelong participation in sport has never been more important. Football is the national game and is endlessly adaptable, but the number of men playing falls off dramatically from the early 30s. With the baby boom generation in middle age, can football be made accessible for the over 50s and contribute to healthier lifestyles?
BECOME AN EXPERT IN YOUR OWN MENTAL HEALTH AND ANY POTENTIAL RISKS 14/09/2010   13:00-15:00 cost: free Venue: MB370, Aston University Summary: Everyone's life has difficult periods when emotions and decision-making can become hard to control. GRiST is a web program that lets you explore how these periods may affect your mental health and associated risks (eg suicide or violence). Try GRiST on one of the computers and take the opportunity of learning about it at first hand from the developers and NHS clinicians.
THE BODY IN HEALTH AND DISEASE EXHIBITION 14/09/2010   14:00-19:00 cost: free Venue: Great Hall, Main Building, Aston University Summary: Our bodies now need to sustain us for 70 or more years. This interactive exhibition will expand your grasp of how the body stays healthy and how science is challenging disease and ageing – prepare to have your mind and senses stimulated.
WHAT'S SO BAD ABOUT STRESS? WHAT CAN SCIENCE TELL US? 14/09/2010   14:00-15:00 cost: £ 3.00 Venue: MB146, Aston University Summary: Discover how psychological stress can have a physical effect on your body and find out about the role of physical activity in enhancing well-being and reducing stress. See examples from cutting edge Birmingham research.
BLOODY ENGINEERING 14/09/2010   18:00-19:00 cost: free Venue: Main Building, Sumpner LT, Aston University Summary: Blood is a really strange fluid for an engineer to work with; 'normal fluids' are not easily damaged and don't clot and don't get 'thicker' when they slow down – but blood does! This talk explores blood and its engineering properties, review the design of artificial hearts and try to dispel some myths about designing for blood. Join us after for a drinks reception.
THE BODY IN HEALTH AND DISEASE EXHIBITION 15/09/2010   10:00-16:00 cost: free Venue: Great Hall, Main Building, Aston University Summary: Our bodies now need to sustain us for 70 or more years. This interactive exhibition will expand your grasp of how the body stays healthy and how science is challenging disease and ageing – prepare to have your mind and senses stimulated.
UNDERSTANDING THE MIND THROUGH THE DAMAGED BRAIN 15/09/2010   10:00-12:00 cost: free Venue: MB146, Aston University Summary: Did you know people who suffered some form of brain damage have provided tremendous insights into how we attend to events in our environment, how we recognise people and objects, and how we can communicate with and respond appropriately to others? Such insights not only help us to understand the workings of the brain, but also allow us to be more effective with targeted rehabilitation.
THE OBESITY EPIDEMIC: WHOSE FAULT IS IT ANYWAY? 15/09/2010   10:00-12:00 cost: free Venue: MB518, Aston University Summary: Obesity in the UK is now at epidemic proportions, but whose fault is this? Does the blame lie with our genes? Do we need to take personal responsibility for our weight and recognise that diet and exercise are the solution? Or can modern medicine provide us with a quick-fix to shrink our waistlines? Our expert panel will examine the key scientific issues to discuss where the portion of blame lies.
EXTENDING THE LIFE OF THE TRANSPLANT 15/09/2010   10:00-12:00 cost: £ 5.00 Venue: MB517, Aston University Summary: What's it like to receive a new kidney? Why is transplantation successful for some, but results in early failure for others? Join BBC’s Vivienne Parry and author Sue Townsend and follow the real-life story of a transplant patient; learn about exciting new discoveries that extend the life of a transplant and take part in a challenging debate on the ethical issues facing transplant science today.
WHAT YEAST CAN DO FOR YOU 15/09/2010   11:00-14:00 cost: free Venue: Great Hall, Main Building, Aston University Summary: Join in this fun and informative drop-in session to see yeast in action, making bread rise and brewing beer. Discover the secrets of how pharmacists and scientists are using yeast as an important ingredient in the manufacture of new drugs.
CHARLES DARWIN AWARD LECTURE: HIT ME WITH YOUR RHYTHM SCHTICK 15/09/2010   12:00-13:00 cost: £ 3.00 Venue: Main Building, Sumpner LT, Aston University Summary: Moving to music is an instinctive, often involuntary activity, experienced by humans in all cultures throughout history. Even the brains of new born babies respond to music even though there is no movement. Come and explore the cultural influences on everyday musical abilities, touching on interesting evolutionary theories about why we developed a musical culture at all.
STRUGGLING FOR BREATH: LATEST ADVANCES IN MEDICAL RESEARCH FOR ASTHMA PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES 15/09/2010   16:00-18:00 cost: free Venue: MB108, Aston University Summary: Asthma is one of the most common, chronic and sometimes life threatening diseases. A series of talks explain the science underlying the disease, clinical treatment issues, what it is like to live with this disease and some exciting recent research developments that may improve future treatments. So if you have asthma, or have a professional or general interest, come and join in the discussion.
PLAYING WITH MINDS 15/09/2010   16:00-19:00 cost: £ 5.00 Venue: Vision Science lecture theatre -VSG03, Aston University Summary: Want to find out how good your memory is? Join in our interactive memory games as we play with your minds and discover how your abilities compare across the generations. Learn about the latest Alzheimer's disease research and discover how simple lifestyle interventions may reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in the future.
GRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION: AT HOME WITH THE MICROBES 15/09/2010   17:00-18:00 cost: £ 3.00 Venue: Main Building, Sumpner LT, Aston University Summary: People are increasingly aware of the intimate relationship between microbiology and their daily lives, however few people consider the microbes living happily in their homes and on their bodies. Find out what happened when Dr Anthony Hilton took his mobile laboratory to the streets to reveal the hidden world of the microbes.
DRUGS, DIAGNOSTICS AND DELIVERY: FROM PERSONALIZED MEDICINE TO GLOBAL HEALTH 15/09/2010   17:30-21:00 cost: free Venue: Recital Hall, Birmingham Conservatoire Summary: The face of healthcare is changing as our genomes are mapped and treatments become tailored. Speakers include Professor Philip Johnson who will present the latest developments from Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials Unit he directs in Birmingham. Biomedical technologies that are transforming your healthcare system will be presented, followed by discussions and networking over food and drinks.
CURE FOR CANCER? THE DREAM RECEDES 15/09/2010   17:30-18:30 cost: free Venue: Cadbury Lecture Theatre, Aston Business School Summary: Today's most successful brain tumour drug, temozolomide, was discovered thirty years ago by a small team of Aston University research pharmacists who successfully managed all aspects of the discovery and development process. Could such a remarkable success happen today? Original programme leader, Professor Malcolm Stevens, surveys cancer drug discovery suggesting critical areas for investment.
REGULATING GENETICS: AN URGENT NECESSITY OR AN IMPOSSIBLE CHALLENGE? 16/09/2010   10:00-11:30 cost: £ 3.00 Venue: The Library Theatre, Central Library Summary: The development of genetic and genomic science has created new ethical, legal and regulatory dilemmas. As the technology advances, can regulation keep up? Should we be concerned about regulating genetics? Do law and ethics play a part or is the prospect of regulation an unnecessary inhibitor to scientific progress? We explore the case for regulation and related medical, legal and ethical issues.
A SIGHT FOR SORE EYES 16/09/2010   10:00-13:00 cost: £ 5.00 Venue: MB155, Aston University Summary: Explore the secrets of how the eyes adapt to infection and inflammation. Learn how bugs infect the cornea (window of the eye) and the body's response in repelling these unwanted invaders; find out why eyes get inflamed and how the body's immune system sometimes fails to protect against inflammation. Specialised white blood cells are key players with genetic factors playing a role.
INTERACTIVE HEALTH MOT 16/09/2010   10:00-14:00 cost: free Venue: Faculty of Technology, Engineering & the Environment, Millennium Point Summary: Come along and have aspects of your health and wellbeing assessed by a range of modern technologies. Discover how cutting edge virtual and high fidelity simulations are transforming the education of future healthcare practitioners. Meet students and staff of Birmingham City University, who can demonstrate equipment, help you get hands-on experience, and show you around some amazing technology.
THE BODY IN HEALTH AND DISEASE EXHIBITION 16/09/2010   10:00-17:00 cost: free Venue: Great Hall, Main Building, Aston University Summary: Our bodies now need to sustain us for 70 or more years. This interactive exhibition will expand your grasp of how the body stays healthy and how science is challenging disease and ageing – prepare to have your mind and senses stimulated.
WHAT YEAST CAN DO FOR YOU 16/09/2010   11:00-14:00 cost: free Venue: Great Hall, Main Building, Aston University Summary: Join in this fun and informative drop-in session to see yeast in action, making bread rise and brewing beer. Discover the secrets of how pharmacists and scientists are using yeast as an important ingredient in the manufacture of new drugs.
SEEING BEHIND THE EYES 16/09/2010   14:00-17:00 cost: £ 5.00 Venue: MB518, Aston University Summary: Join Professor James Wolffsohn, President of the Medical Sciences Section, and leading researchers from Aston University on a fascinating journey behind your eyes. The eyes are small, but they are a window to view your brain and blood vessels non-invasively. Explore the sensation science of seeing, bionic eyes, ocular nutrition and assessing your body's health through the eyes.
SLEEP ON IT: HOW ANTHROPOLOGISTS ARE EXPLORING THE NIGHT TIME WORLD 16/09/2010   17:00-19:00 cost: £ 5.00 Venue: MB517, Aston University Summary: We spend a third of our lives asleep. But why did sleep evolve? Is it good for us? And can dreams guide us? Investigate sleep in mammals, examining links with strong immune systems. See how new parents cope with disrupted sleep and why understanding sleep improves well-being. Explore dream incubation techniques that help resolve dilemmas, including marriage choices, in daily life.
INTERACTIVE HEALTH MOT 17/09/2010   10:00-14:00 cost: free Venue: Faculty of Technology, Engineering & the Environment, Millennium Point Summary: Come along and have aspects of your health and wellbeing assessed by a range of modern technologies. Discover how cutting edge virtual and high fidelity simulations are transforming the education of future healthcare practitioners. Meet students and staff of Birmingham City University, who can demonstrate equipment, help you get hands-on experience, and show you around some amazing technology.
TACKLING TUBERCULOSIS: FROM THE LABORATORY TO YOUR GP 17/09/2010   10:00-17:00 cost: free Venue: Lecture Theatre NG08, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham Summary: Tuberculosis (TB) is an ancient scourge that is still a major cause of death in many parts of the world. This symposium is a common forum for scientists, doctors and the pharmaceutical industry to discuss and co-ordinate their efforts to discover new drugs and better vaccines against the TB-causing bacterium. The days events will include talks from eminent scientists and clinicians.
VIRUSES AND CANCER: FROM CAUSE TO CURE 17/09/2010   13:00-16:00 cost: £ 5.00 Venue: Cancer Science Seminar Room, University of Birmingham Summary: Infection is estimated to cause around 20% of all cancers. However, viruses can provide crucial insights into basic causes of cancer as well as opportunities for intervention such as vaccines and gene therapy. Through tours & talks explore viruses as tools for understanding; see how some viruses cause cancer; and examine how immunotherapy can be used to destroy virus-induced tumours.
PREVENTING CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IN AN OBESE WORLD 17/09/2010   13:00-14:00 cost: £ 5.00 Venue: MB155, Aston University Summary: Join Professor Jon Gibbins from the University of Reading to explore the impact of scientific research on preventing heart attacks and strokes, particularly looking at blood clotting. Find out how the success of reducing cardiovascular disease is currently being held back by rapidly increasing obesity and learn about current research into possible solutions.
HUMAN GUINEA PIGS - DISPELLING THE MYTHS OF HUMAN RESEARCH 17/09/2010   14:00-16:00 cost: free Venue: Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility, UHBFT, Queen Elizabeth Medical Centre, University of Birmingha Summary: A chance for you to see how new drugs are developed and tested. See how an idea gets from the laboratory into clinical trials, how long it takes, how much it costs and all of the safeguards in place to ensure the safety of people involved. You will also have a chance to look around a clinical research facility where the trials take place and meet the people involved.
WHAT CAN GO WRONG INSIDE YOUR JOINTS AND WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT 17/09/2010   14:00-16:00 cost: free Venue: Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility, UHBFT, Queen Elizabeth Medical Centre, University of Birmingham Summary: Arthritis is very common. Recently there have been huge advances in our understanding of its causes and treatment – in particular for rheumatoid arthritis. Meet patients, scientists and doctors to gain gain a better understanding of arthritis, learn about the research that's going on around it, and get to have a peek inside your own joints using ultrasound.
STEM CELLS IN MEDICINE: HYPE OR HOPE? 17/09/2010   14:00-16:00 cost: £ 5.00 Venue: WF15, Medical School, University of Birmingham Summary: Stem cells have a hugely beneficial medical role, if underpinned by good science and careful clinical translation. Explore examples of successful clinical practice from stem cell research, new work in progress, and cases which have been over-hyped. Learn about the different types of stem cells, how they may be used for clinical benefit, and their associated ethical issues.
CANNABINOID RESEARCH - IS THE GRASS GREENER? 17/09/2010   16:00-18:00 cost: free Venue: MB155, Aston University Summary: Cannabis has been used medicinally for many years and the debate about 'medical marijuana' continues.The main psychoactive constituent of cannabis targets receptors,which are also targeted by 'endocannabinoids'-compounds produced in our own tissues.These can affect symptoms such as pain. Medicines acting on this endogenous system are in use and there is much interest in developing new ones.
THE TRUTH ABOUT CLINICAL TRIALS 17/09/2010   17:00-19:00 cost: £ 5.00 Venue: The Electric Cinema Summary: What are clinical trials? Why do we need them? How do they impact on healthcare? Are they dangerous? This event will answer all of these questions and many more. You will hear about cutting-edge clinical trials from leading international researchers, and find out from a trial participant what it's like to be in a trial. You will also have the chance to get involved and ask your own questions.
BLOOD, GUTS AND GORE: THE JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE 18/09/2010   09:00-17:00 cost: free Venue: MB708 A+B+C, Aston University Summary: From birth to death, Allied Healthcare Professionals (AHPs) play a vital role in our health. In our interactive exhibition you will get to find out who they are, and experience first-hand the tools used for training them. Speak to those on the frontline and ride the Skills Escalator. Look out for a familiar scientific face – TV’s Johnny Ball.
UNDER THE INFLUENCE? CONSTRUCTING FOETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME IN THE UK 18/09/2010   10:00-12:00 cost: £ 3.00 Venue: Blue Room, Students' Guild, Aston University Summary: Should women abstain from drinking alcohol during pregnancy? Many policies now link drinking to Foetal Alcohol Syndrome, but there is little medical evidence that low levels have adverse impacts. Why, then, is there such concern? Join Dr Pam Lowe to explore how this debate is shaped by social factors like parenting cultures, and beliefs about 'at risk' children and potentially 'dangerous' mothers.
STRESS AND STRAIN CAN MAKE YOU THIN (UNLESS YOU ARE MADE OF CUSTARD) 18/09/2010   10:00-16:00 cost: free Venue: Main Building, Upper foyer, Aston University Summary: The science of medicine is more than drugs; the ingredients dictate how the drug acts. Like cooking, it's all in the recipe. Some liquids have interesting and fun properties, some go thinner when we stir (how would we get ketchup out the bottle?) whilst others go thicker (how would we walk on custard?). So come along and learn more about how we turn drugs into medicines and how we walk on custard.
ALCOHOL: DO WE LIKE IT TOO MUCH? 18/09/2010   16:00-18:00 cost: £ 3.00 Venue: MB146, Aston University Summary: Drinking alcohol is part of life for many people in the UK. Unfortunately, our love affair with alcohol is doing us harm, responsible for record levels of hospital admissions and leading to violence and disruption in town centres at weekends. A panel of speakers will discuss how alcohol impacts on our society.
BATTLING THE BIRMINGHAM BULGE 19/09/2010   10:00-16:00 cost: free Venue: Centenary Square Summary: Overweight? Obese? How can scientific research help? Based on the Health Research Bus (a fully-equipped mobile clinical research facility), our researchers and community 'Obesity Ambassadors' present interactive displays and demonstrations highlighting exciting research, from basic biology & psychology, health effects of being overweight, through to new treatment programmes.
38 events

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