Bringing science to life for all the family
Find out how science shapes our world, from the importance of bacteria to discoveries in the solar system and beyond, at the University of Southampton’s annual Science and Engineering Festival from 15 to 22 March.
The festival, which is part of National Science and Engineering Week , includes two free public open days - Ocean and Earth Day on Saturday 15 March and Science and Engineering Day on Saturday 22 March.
Professor William Powrie, Dean of Engineering and the Environment, comments: "One of the aims of the University's Science and Engineering Festival is to inspire interest in these fascinating subjects and demonstrate just how exciting they can be. I really hope that these events spark enthusiasm and prove influential in persuading many of the young people visiting to choose science or engineering as a career."
Ocean and Earth Day is being held in collaboration with the National Oceanography Centre based at Dock Gate 4 from 10.30am to 4pm (last admission 3.30pm). We know less about our oceans than we do the moon and therefore visitors will have the opportunity to understand more about the impact of the oceans on our planet. They will be able to visit the sea life touch pools, take a closer look at fossils, experience a range of exciting hands-on activities and even get the chance to see the latest research ship RRS Discovery , named by HRH The Princess Royal, preparing for its first scientific cruise.
Science and Engineering Day takes place at the Highfield Campus from 10.30am to 4.30pm (last admission 4pm) with fascinating exhibitions, interactive displays, talks and shows. This stimulating and fun day is free and will be full of opportunities for children of all ages to get direct experience of science, including:
- Find out how your body fights infection
- Learn more about where your food comes from
- Come and see an electric car
- Learn how data is transmitted around the world
- Find out how crystals are formed
Plus there will be an overview of the largest experiment in the world - the Large Hadron Collider and visitors can see the Railway Research laboratory in action.
Other events taking place during Southampton Science and Engineering Festival include a TEAtime Lecture about ‘ Evolution ' and a Sustainability Game Show on Tuesday 18 March, plus the start of ‘ Fulcrum ', a three day arts and science festival at the Nuffield Theatre from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 March.
For more information on the Southampton Science and Engineering Festival, please visit www.southampton.ac.uk/scienceweek
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Related Staff Member
Professor William Powrie FREng MA MSc PhD CEng FICE
William Powrie is Professor of Geotechnical Engineering at the University of Southampton, having served as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Environment from 2010-2018. His main technical areas of expertise are in geotechnical aspects of transport infrastructure, and sustainable waste and resource management. He was elected Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering in recognition of his work in these areas in 2009. He is committed to sustainability in daily life, especially in the key areas of transport and resource management. He cycles to work most days, and, wherever possible, re-use and recycle goods and materials.
William enjoys cycling, walking, reading and music: He plays the pipe organ, piano, recorder and alto saxophone.
View profileNotes for editors
1. Members of the media are invited to come along and experience any of the activities during the Science and Engineering Festival. Please contact Media Relations to confirm your attendance and receive your press pass.
2. A selection of hi –res images from last year’s Science and Engineering Festival are available from Media Relations on request.
3. National Science and Engineering Week (14 to 23 March) is coordinated by the British Science Association and funded by the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills. Some 2,000 events will take place across the UK, celebrating science, engineering and technology and their importance in our lives. The programme is hugely varied with an eclectic mix suitable for people of all ages and abilities.
4. The University’s Science and Engineering Day has grown from its origins in the early 1990s to encompass activities from across the spectrum of science, engineering and medicine. Last year we had over 2,500 visitors on our Highfield campus for a day of demonstrations, lectures and interactive activities.
5. The University of Southampton is a leading UK teaching and research institution with a global reputation for leading-edge research and scholarship across a wide range of subjects in engineering, science, social sciences, health and humanities.
With over 23,000 students, around 5000 staff, and an annual turnover well in excess of £435 million, the University of Southampton is acknowledged as one of the country's top institutions for engineering, computer science and medicine. We combine academic excellence with an innovative and entrepreneurial approach to research, supporting a culture that engages and challenges students and staff in their pursuit of learning.
For more information:
Glenn Harris, Media Relations, University of Southampton, Tel 023 8059 3212, email
G.Harris@soton.ac.uk
www.soton.ac.uk/mediacentre/
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