The British Science Festival is Europe’s longest standing science Festival, travelling to a different place in the United Kingdom each year and celebrates the people, stories and ideas at the heart of science.

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Each year, we bring an inspiring programme of free events to the public over four or five days, bursting with exciting opportunities to get involved in. Our talks, workshops and drop-in events span a diverse range of subjects that encompass science in the broadest sense, promising something for everyone.

In 2022 the Festival brought over 100 free events to Leicester with our host, De Montfort University. Everyone from astronomers, authors, athletes, artists, comedians to musicians from all over the world descended on the streets of Leicester including mind-bending performances, immersive experiences, and interactive workshops.

The British Science Festival 2023, will be hosted by the University of Exeter. The Festival will be held between Thursday 7 and Sunday 10 September 2023, with events being held on the University’s campus, as well as at venues across the city.

Propose an event through the 2023 Festival Open Call

Anyone can propose an event and the Festival celebrates science in its broadest sense. We are looking for proposals from individuals, researchers, industry professionals, artists, writers, organisations, charities, academic institutions, and more.

Festival proposals should be aimed at non-specialist adults (16+) with a broad interest in science. We are looking for events that showcase cutting-edge science, celebrate the latest developments in science and technology and engage their audience in open discussion about relevant issues that affect culture and society. We aim to programme a range of formats from talks to drop-in activities and creative content that challenges perceptions of what science is and can be.

We are no longer accepting applications for the 2023 programme. Watch this space for the 2024 applications!

Award Lecture nominations

Are you, or do you know, an exceptional early career researcher? 

Every year the British Science Association asks for applications for the seven Award Lectureships available to early career academics who are skilled at engaging people with their research. These Award Lectures aim to promote open and informed discussion of science and related disciplines. Awards are available in seven different areas: 

• Social sciences

• Engineering, technology and industry 

• Environmental sciences

• Agricultural, biological and medical sciences

• Physical sciences and mathematics

• Digital innovation

• Science and the arts

More information can be found here, or you can contact Louise at [email protected] with any questions.

The selected lecturers receive an all-expenses paid trip to the British Science Festival where they will present their lecture, as well as public speaking coaching and a £250 honorarium. There may also be other opportunities to present the Award Lecture at other science festivals in the UK. 

We are no longer accepting applications for the 2023 Award Lectureships. Watch this space for the 2024 applications!

Opportunities to get involved in 2023 Community grants

Each year, the British Science Association provides grants of £500 to community groups/organisations in the host festival city that work directly with audiences who are traditionally underrepresented and currently not engaged in science activity. We want to empower and support community groups to run their own science activities as part of the British Science Festival, enabling new local audiences to engage with science. 

Watch this space for application details for grants for community organisations in Exeter to participate in the Festival in 2023.

Sponsorship

For information on the sponsorship packages available for the British Science Festival, please contact Amy MacLaren, Director of External Relations at the British Science Association.

Festival evaluation reports

• BSF 2017
• BSF 2018
• BSF 2019
• BSF 2021

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Visit the British Science Festival website here.