TV presenters Adam Rutherford and Maggie Aderin-Pocock are set to headline the Chelmsford Science Festival, offering a week of free events and exhibitions showcasing world-leading research. The festival, scheduled from October 18 to 24, will take place in the city of Chelmsford, Essex and will feature talks and exhibitions by academics from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU).
The festival will kick off with two family days at ARU’s Chelmsford campus on October 21 and 22, offering a range of fun and hands-on activities for all ages. These activities will cover various topics, including the functioning of the human body, the role of AI robots in saving lives, video games, and drumming.
Maggie Aderin-Pocock, former President of the British Science Association and renowned presenter of shows like Out Of This World and The Sky At Night, will host an evening of discovery on October 19. Her talk will explore engaging young people in space science and the ongoing challenges of equality and diversity in the scientific community.
On October 24, geneticist, radio presenter, and writer Adam Rutherford will deliver a fascinating talk titled The Invention of Race. Rutherford will discuss how modern genetics has debunked the biological concept of race and how this knowledge can be used to combat bigotry, racism, and prejudice.
Throughout the week, visitors will have the opportunity to explore captivating exhibitions and events across the city, many of which will be presented by ARU academics and scientists. One workshop by ARU’s pharmaceutical research team will focus on the delivery of nano-medicines into cells.
Several thought-provoking talks will also be featured, such as Dr. Dan Gordon’s discussion on Mastering the Marathon, which explores the science and secrets of endurance running. Dr. Clive Boddy will delve into the rise of corporate psychopaths within organizations and politics.
Professor Viren Swami will unravel the enigma of love and whether science can decode it. Additionally, there will be a talk on October 23 discussing the possibilities of AI and how to unleash the power of ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI.
A captivating exhibition called The Art of Decision Making will run from October 19 to 22 at the Shire Hall, showcasing the interconnectedness between emotions, art, and decision making. Visitors can also learn about the industrial innovators of Chelmsford, Hoffmann and Marconi, and their enduring legacies during a week-long exhibition at the Library on the ARU campus.
For those eager to put their scientific knowledge to the test, the Big Science Quiz will be held on October 19 at 7.30pm.
All events at the Chelmsford Science Festival are free to attend, but pre-booking is essential. The full program, along with booking links, can be found at aru.ac.uk/Chelmsford-science-festival
Teledyne e2v, Willmott Dixon, Chelmsford City Council, and Chelmsford For You are proud sponsors of this year’s festival.
The Chelmsford Science Festival promises an exciting and enlightening week for science enthusiasts of all ages. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore cutting-edge research and engage with renowned TV presenters and academics. Book your slots now and embark on an incredible journey of scientific discovery.
