Plan your visit to the Edinburgh Science Festival 2012!
From March 31 to April 14 Edinburgh will host the largest International Science Festival in Europe! Events are divided into themes, which means it will be much easier to choose what to attend according to specific interests.
Here we give you examples of some interesting events taking place during the 2 weeks of the festival. Start planning your visit to so you don’t miss the best science events of 2012.
Movement, Motion, Sport & Dance
A series of workshops, performances and interactive exhibits based on the study of the human movement and performance in relation to sport, technology and dance. InMotion will take place at the Grand Gallery of the National Museum of Scotland. Among other highlights, the public will have the chance to compare their muscle-power against that of elite athletes.
Make a Move
at the Grand Gallery of the National Museum of Scotland
March 30 – April 15
10.45am, 11.45am, 12.45pm, 2.30pm & 3.30pm
Duration: 45min
£3.50
Ages 7+
Learn how scientists are using new robotic technologies for the development of prosthesis to replace missing body parts.
It promises to be a very interactive workshop where the public will have the opportunity to try and explore the anatomy of limbs.
Designer Athletes: Fair Play or Foul?
at the National Museum of Scotland Auditorium
April 5
5.30pm
Duration: 60min
£8
Ages 16+
Ethicist Professor Andy Miah, former Olympic athlete and exercise scientist Professor Greg Whyte, physiologist Professor Chris Cooper and Sporting Integrity’s Michele will speak about the science behind enhancing the performance of athletes to produce super-athletes of the future.
Science & The Arts
Events based on an interesting combination of science, art and philosophy.
Invisible Worlds
at St Andrew Square
February 7 – April 15
8am-6pm
Free
All ages
An exhibition of images invisible to the naked eye that reveal the complexity and the beauty of nature.
Images are from NASA, The National Maritime Museum Astronomy Photographer of the Year (2009-2011), Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition 2011 and The Royal Photographic Society International Images of Science Exhibition 2011.
Bright Club: Bodies
at the Ghillie Due
April 5
8pm
Duration: 3 hours
£10
Age 18+
Academics doing stand-up comedy hosted by Andy Zaltzan. It promises to be very original and brilliantly entertaining.
Earth & Environment
Current environmental issues such as climate changes and energy sources are to be explored in a series of events that aim to bring a fresh look and expose positive aspects of the environment and technology.
How Big Can we Go, How Small can we Go?
at the Scottish Storytelling Centre
April 4
1pm
Duration: 60min
£4
Ages 6+
With Engineer Jamie Gallagher, this event will explore the hidden worlds around us from different perspectives.
Biofuels; An Ethical Solution?
at the National Museum of Scotland Auditorium
April 14
3.30pm
Duration: 90min
£8
Ages 14+
Joyce Tait, Chair of the Nuffield Council on Bioethics Working Party on biofuels together with a panel of experts will present the environmental and ethical issues in the industry.
Food for Thought
This is the set of events for those who love food! The science behind every food and drink is what is going to be explored and explained by scientists, psychologists, chefs and sommeliers.
Junior Chef Challenge
at the Royal Botanic Garden
March 31 – April 9
Ages 5+
Drop-in food events for children and families. Interactive activities for children that will help then learn about food preparation and healthy eating.
Aphrodisiac Cocktails and Canapés
at the Royal Botanic Garden, Gateway Restaurant
April 8
7pm
Duration: 2 hours
£20
Ages 18+
Author and aphrodisiac expert Mark Douglas Hill and nutrition scientist Dr Alexandra Johnstone will explore and expose the facts, history, biology and psychology behind aphrodisiac ingredients.
Technology & Innovation
Events dedicated to new ideas, discoveries, innovation and creativity. A day-long showcase by the best and brightest creative minds.
Adventure-Bots and the Temple Gods
at the City Art Centre
March 31 – April 14
10am-4pm
Duration: 45min
Ages 8+
A robotics adventure. Build and program robots using a specially designed version of LEGO MINSTORMS NXT technology.
The Thinking Robot
at the National Museum of Scotland Auditorium
April 12
8pm
Duration: 90min
£8
Ages 14+
Professor Alan Winfield, Director of Science Communication Unit at the University of West England, Bristol will bring to light the subject of robot intelligence.
Special For Families at the City Art Centre
March 31 – April 14
9.30-4.30pm
A huge science playground on 6 floors with circuits, skeletons, robots, etc. The popular events must be booked in advance.
It’s recommended that visitors allow 4-5 hours for their visit as there is so much to do and discover!
Day Passes:
Adults£ 6.90, child aged 7+ £8.90, child aged 3-6 £6.50 and child under 3 free
Unwrapping the Mummy
10am-4pm
Duration: 45min
Ages 7+
As the name suggests, it will be an experience of a lifetime to unwrap a mummy and try to find out how the mummy died.
Jungle Safari
10am-4pm
Duration: 40min
Ages 5+
A journey through the jungle to discover and learn about the world of animal sounds.
**For more details and information about what’s on during the Edinburgh International Science Festival, please check the Festival programme.**
