University Scientists Join Cheltenham Science Festival Line Up

Excitement is building for the Cheltenham Science Festival with today’s launch of the Discover Zone (May 13) and schools and family programme, featuring lots of content from the University of Gloucestershire.

The University of Gloucestershire is delighted to again be working with the festival, which takes place from Thursday 10 to Sunday 13 June. Adam Hart, Professor of Science Communication, will be joining a panel discussing the Ridiculous Diversity of Life on Earth, while Dr Rachel Sumner, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, is presenting a Living Room Lecture – Being the Change in the Fight Against Covid.

Professor Hart and Dr Lucy Clarke, Senior Lecturer in Physical Geography, have also shared their own stories in online careers videos, while schools can flex their forensic computing skills with our Discover Zone quiz.

Some of our students will be taking their learning to the next level with placements and working alongside the festival team, who are presenting a unique hybrid festival this year with both physical and online events.

The star-studded line-up includes physicists Brian Cox and Jeff Forshaw, comedian Robin Ince, autism advocate Camilla Pang and author Gina Martin.

As lockdown eases, audiences will be welcomed in person for socially-distanced talks and workshops at Cheltenham Town Hall and the Apollo Free Stage in Imperial Gardens. People at home can watch the events streamed online for free on Cheltenham Festivals website and catch up until 14 September 2021 by subscribing to the CheltSciFest Player.

A schools and family programme of more than 50 events will be available online to watch for free at any time between 13 May and 13 September 2021. The Discover Zone moves online with lots of activities at each virtual stopping off point, opening on 13 May as a warm-up to the Festival.

Professor Adam Hart, Professor of Science Communication at the University of Gloucestershire, said:
“The University has long been involved with the Science Festival, including academic speakers, sponsorship, hosting events and students working behind the scenes. Last year was online only, and it worked well, but it feels great to be back doing live events at the festival this summer.”