Let’s go wild: Conservation events at the British Science Festival

Today (28 July) is World Conservation Day, dedicated to promoting the importance of preserving a healthy environment and natural resources for future generations. From watching Blue Planet to reading articles, most of us are keen to support conservation efforts – but where do we start?

At this year’s British Science Festival, we’re offering a diverse line-up of free events focused on the natural world and discovering real-life ways we can use science to help protect it.

The British Science Festival will be taking place between Tuesday 13 – Saturday 17 September 2022 across the city of Leicester. With over 100 free engaging and off-the-wall talks, performances, and experiences on offer – you’ll be spoilt for choice. But before you explore the full line-up, check out our top picks of conservation events…

Upcycling stationPerson making artwork out of scrap materials

Get your ‘green’ on by stopping by the British Science Festival’s very own upcycling station. Run by De Montfort University lecturer and artist, Mary O’Neill, create beautiful art pieces and meaningful artifacts from old textiles and everyday waste.

You’ll also discover more about upcycling and how it can contribute to a ‘circular economy’ - holding solutions to a more sustainable future.

This is a drop-in event, no booking is required.

Friday 16 September, 18:00 – 23:00 at the LCB Depot, Leicester.

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Clean, green technology

Wind turbines and solar panels are greener energy solutions however, their production requires rare metals such as tellurium. Mining these produces a lot of pollution, so finding a more energy-efficient and environmentally compatible source of metals is a priority.

Step into the world of green technology in this talk with Gawen Jenkin (University of Leicester), and learn about ‘deep eutectic solvents’ which might just be the solution we’re looking for.

Thursday 15 September, 12:00 - 13:00 at De Montfort University.

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2051: A food odysseyFour cows in a field

Take a journey through time - from the windswept marshes of the past to the technology-filled skies of the future - to consider what shape our food might take in 2051 with animal scientist, Lisa Collins (University of Leeds).

In this talk, we’ll unpick the dilemma of producing enough food to feed a growing population, whilst reducing our carbon footprint.

Friday 16 September, 11:00 – 12:00 at De Montfort University.

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Recycled prostheticsA person having a prosthetic arm fitted

Plastic waste is still a huge environmental issue across the world. To combat it, scientists and engineers are continually finding innovative ways to recycle them. 

In this talk by Farukh Farukh (De Montfort University), you’ll be taken through the process of grinding down and spinning plastic bottles to create the first-of-its-kind prosthetic limb sockets made from recycled plastic bottles.

Thursday 15 September, 11:00 - 12:00 at De Montfort University.

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Making nature for everyoneA group of people placing their hands on a tree branch

Green spaces have a marked, positive impact on our physical and mental wellbeing. But these landscapes haven’t always been accessible to everyone. 

Through storytelling, Geeta Ludhra (Brunel University) and Dadima’s Community Interest Company will unpack some of the issues surrounding inclusion, representation, and the enjoyment of natural landscapes experienced by ethnic minority communities.

Friday 16 September, 12:00 – 13:00 at De Montfort University.

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Attending any of the events mentioned in this post? Let us know via social media!

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To discover the full line-up of 100+ British Science Festival events on topics from robotics to food, visit the website: https://britishsciencefestival.org/

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