PRESS RELEASE: 7 October 2013: Leading lights of science put on show for Festival

Glow in the dark chemicals, dinosaurs and nanotechnology are amongst the hands-on science activities showcased by The University of Manchester at an event for the Manchester Science Festival (24 October – 3 November).

Science Spectacular features scientists and engineers from throughout the University who will demonstrate their work through fun activities and workshops and the science buskers will be back on Oxford Road to show off their science tricks for everyone to learn. Visitors can find out about luminescent chemicals, how to make graphene and use laser scanning techniques to study dinosaurs.

The science buskers will challenge passers-by to understand the laws of physics and other science with things you can find at home, such as balancing tricks with a fork and corks or making music with baking trays and straws. There will be roaming ‘pop-up scientists’, who will talk about their science in 60 seconds or less, as well as face painting and crafts. From the secrets of meteorites to the diseases associated with worms, to the mysteries of skin or the insides of a nuclear reactor, this event shows visitors the very latest research and encourages them to get involved.

Julian Skyrme, Director of Social Responsibility at The University of Manchester, said “Engaging our local community with the work of the University is one of our key priorities. The Science Spectacular provides a brilliant opportunity for our scientists and engineers to enthuse children and adults from across Manchester about the wonders of science.”

The annual Festival, now in its seventh year, is an 11-day celebration of science, which is produced by MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry, Manchester) in partnership with Siemens. Visitors are invited to play, create and experiment with science through surprising installations, immersive science experiences and hands-on experiments in over 100 events for all ages at venues throughout Greater Manchester.

Manchester Science Festival encourages us to look at science differently and demonstrates how it affects our lives – from the aesthetic beauty of a microbe, to designer Helen Storey’s unique installation in which visitors interact with real eyes. Some of the most innovative and progressive architecture of the Antarctic is showcased in the exhibition Ice Lab: New Architecture and Science in Antarctica, which is organised by the British Council and curated by The Arts Catalyst.

The festival’s family programme features hands-on activities which give visitors a chance to learn about research, meet real scientists, and try out simple experiments, while the fantastical Rube Goldberg Machine is a playground of physics, with vortex rings, seesaws and domino rallies. Chemistry shows will entertain the crowds with the flash-bang side of science, and there will be comedy, quizzes, films and conversations to engage all ages about the big questions of science today.

A new Citizen Science project, #Hooked, will be launched at the Festival to get thousands of people involved in research to find out the science behind what makes music catchy.

Siemens is the Headline Sponsor for Manchester Science Festival 2013. Waters Corporation, Electricity North West and the University of Salford are Major Sponsors of the Festival.

Science Spectacular is held on 2 November from 11am – 4pm at the Whitworth Hall and Manchester Museum. Free entry.

To find out more or download the programme for Manchester Science Festival look up www.manchestersciencefestival.com
Follow the Festival on twitter @mcrscifest
Like the Festival at facebook.com/manchestersciencefestival
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Press enquiries for Manchester Science Festival
Sarah Roe (Press & Publicity Officer)
Museum of Science and Industry
Email: s.roe@mosi.org.uk
Tel: 0161 606 0176

Notes to Editors

About Manchester Science Festival
Manchester Science Festival is an annual multi-venue festival that engages and inspires people with science (science, technology, engineering and maths), building their confidence in exploring and questioning science in the most creative ways possible. It is the North West’s premier cultural celebration of all things science.