Northern Ireland Science Festival
Description
The annual Northern Ireland Science Festival features a wide range of interactive workshops, talks and exciting hands-on activities.
Northern Ireland Science Festival features a wide range of interactive workshops, inspirational talks and exciting hands-on activities. The packed programme includes day time shows and workshops for children and young people, while the evenings will come alive with an inspiring programme to entertain the adults.
Sponsored by the Belfast City Council, the Department for Employment and Learning, Queen's University and Ulster University, NI Science Festival events take place across Belfast and beyond. With events hosted throughout the city in venues such as W5, the Black Box and the Ulster Museum, the breath of activity is sure to captivate, educate and inspire all.
For the programme of events visit www.nisciencefestival.com, follow the festival on Facebook or contact info@nisciencefestival.com for further information.
Bronze - Green Tourism Accredited
- Innovation Centre
- Queen's Road
- Belfast
- Antrim
- BT3 9DT
Contact Details
- Innovation Centre
- Queen's Road
- Belfast
- Antrim
- BT3 9DT
Current Opening Hours
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Tuesday
10:00-17:00
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Wednesday
10:00-17:00
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Thursday
10:00-17:00
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Friday
10:00-17:00
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Saturday
10:00-17:00
Cleaning Water in an Ever Changing Environment
Join NI Water at historical Belfast Wastewater Heritage Centre to discover the journey of their water from source to tap.
Orienteering at the Planetarium
A family adventure exploring Armagh's Astropark! Pick up a map and science question sheet from the Planetarium reception and navigate your way!
Armagh PlanetariumSperrin Metal Products Limited Factory Tour
Discover innovation at Sperrin Metal Products Ltd! Join an exclusive factory tour revealing metalworking mastery.
Stem Fleming Agri Products Factory Tour
Join Fleming Agri-Products on a factory tour, you’ll get the opportunity to explore the company’s heritage and values.
The Super Nature Show with Chantelle and Rory | NISF Roadshow
Join CBeebies' Teeny Tiny Creatures animal experts Chantelle and Rory in Bangor!
Pox, Plagues & Paupers – Horrible Histories of Belfast
Pox, plagues, cholera - all just part of life for people in 19th-century Belfast. How did they cope with the constant outbreaks of disease?
An Anatomical Workshop on Respiration and Deglutition (Breathing and Swallowing)
Discover the science behind respiration and deglutition (breathing and swallowing), in this fun, interactive workshop.
Mid Ulster MEGA Factory Tours – Greiner Packaging Dungannon
Find out more about the packaging processes behind everything from food products like Quality Street® chocolates, to detergents.
Orienteering at Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne
This is an orienteering activity within the grounds of Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne.
Mussenden TempleGreen Software | Science Sandwich
Explore the future of sustainable software, and how eco-friendly innovation and sustainable practices shaping a greener, more responsible digital landscape.
The Science of Jurassic World | NISF Roadshow
An entertaining exploration of the science behind THE movie franchise that helped change the way we see dinosaurs - Jurassic Park.
Feeling the Heat: Belfast Heat and Climate Change Walking Tour
Embark on a guided tour exploring Belfast's heat risk, mapped by the Met Office and University of Bristol, in partnership with Climate Northern Ireland.
Ormeau ParkExtinction Explorers
Join for a free, family friendly tour of the nature galleries at the Ulster Museum. Travel through time and search for signs of species long extinct.
Ulster MuseumCom-bat
This talk will take you on a journey of the evolutionary arms race between bats and their prey.
Ulster MuseumFish For Families
A family-friendly workshop hosted by celebrity chef Paula McIntyre MBE, who will show how to choose, prepare and cook delicious meals, using fresh local fish.
Right to the Night
This event will focus on the question: How do we access the night sky in Belfast and how can citizens get involved?
The Compass
This installation will show you how scientific endeavours and processes directly resonate with your daily life.
2 Royal AvenueGranny Jackson’s Dead
Granny Jackson’s Dead…but her story isn’t. Her family invites all those who knew her to 47 Malone Road, to pay their respects and give her a…
Beer and the Biology of Taste
Explore the science of taste at Out of Office Brewing. Enjoy a brewery tour followed by a sensory experience for your taste buds!
Out of Office BrewingChloe Duckworth – Never Work With Children, Animals, or Archaeologists | The Jack Kerr Memorial Lecture
Dr. Chloe Duckworth merges expertise in experimental archaeology, ancient recycling, and traditional craft practices.
Why Do We Watch Movies?
Love movies and wonder why we love them so much? Nobody knows for sure. Just kidding.
An Introduction to Archaeological Illustration
A brief overview of the history of archaeological illustration will be presented and participants will then access a selection of artefacts.
Crescent Arts CentreMount Stewart’s Amazing Microclimate
Explore Mount Stewart's unique gardens filled with Mediterranean flora amid a changing climate and potential sustainability challenges.
Mount StewartMount Stewart’s Amazing Microclimate
Explore Mount Stewart's unique gardens filled with Mediterranean flora amid a changing climate and potential sustainability challenges.
Mount StewartGet Fired Up! – Blacksmithing
During this hour-long introduction you’ll learn traditional forging and blacksmithing techniques!
Patterson’s Spade MillThe Merchants Who Grew A City – A Walking Tour of Belfast’s Industrial Heritage
Embark on a guided tour through the oldest parts of Belfast, delving into the city's industrial history from the 1700s to the early 1900s.
Big FishDugie The Dinosaur – Belfast
Hear the story of Dugie, a long-necked dinosaur who lives on the Isle of Skye. Written by Anne and Steve Brusatte.
Ulster MuseumRathlin’s Rocks with Mike Simms
Rathlin’s pebbles are mostly black and white. But why? Of what are they made? How did they form, and when?
Specialist Group Factory Tour
Experience a captivating factory tour unveiling the artistry behind bespoke joinery and craftsmanship.
From Grey Wolves to Grey Squirrels
Join for a free, family-friendly tour exploring the history of the island of Ireland through its landscape and wildlife.
Ulster MuseumHuman 2.0 – A Celebration of Human Bionics
Imagine being able to hear for the first time, or see in full-colour, or take your first steps on Earth.
Crescent Arts CentreTrash to Treasure – Composting
Get your hands dirty as we explore how compost is made, how it works and how it is used in the garden.
Rowallane GardenThe Sea at Night
Dr Jade Berman, Coastal Advisor for the National Trust will share secrets of the local seas at night…
Help Build a Health Information Jigsaw!
Help piece together the health information jigsaw by getting creative and working in groups to create your data puzzle piece.
2 Royal AvenueBakineering in Space with Andrew Smyth
Join aerospace engineer and judge of Netflix’s Baking Impossible, Andrew Smyth, on a journey to explore surprising connections....
The Rise and Reign of the Mammals
Professor Steve Brusatte delves into the 325-million-year journey of mammalian evolution in his talk The Rise and Reign of the Mammals.
Ulster MuseumBeyond The Hype – The Inside Story of Science’s Biggest Media Controversies
In Beyond the Hype, Fox shines a light on the truth behind some of the headline-grabbing stories of the last two decades.
Crescent Arts CentreVirtual Past & Present – 3D Technologies in Archaeology & Geography
Join the survey and digital archaeology team Centre for GIS and Geomatics and ArcPal to explore the magic of 3D scanning and 3D printing.
Queen’s UniversityFamily Tree Planting Day in Faughan Valley Woodlands
Grab a spade and help us plant native trees on the Woodland Trust's new sites to create new and expand existing woodlands.
Sourdough Skills
A sourdough skills class hosted by Ciaran from The Hundredth Monkey Bakery, with breakout tutorials, mini workshops and some very bready experiments!
Ulster Sports ClubCut & Paste
Dive into the revolutionary world of Gene Editing, exploring its potential to tackle global challenges while raising ethical concerns.
Step into the World of Simulation in Healthcare
An insider's look at healthcare professional training through simulation, where participants delve into hands-on experiences with cutting-edge technology.
Exploring the Fascinating Science of Human Milk
Join Breastival, QUB microbiologist Dr Simon Cameron and the human milk bank to explore the fascinating properities of breastmilk.
Queen’s UniversityHow Do We Learn About Learning?
This family-oriented event by Ulster University offers interactive activities designed to engage parents and children alike.
Eye, Eye!
Embark on a mesmerizing journey into the world of creativity with "Eye, Eye!"
What is the Perfect Body?
Delve into centuries of debate about physical fitness, combining historical perspectives, strength demonstrations, and audience participation.
Mini Moon Relaunch Party
Join DJ Twister on the decks with special guest scientist, space lover, and dancing earthling Liz Conlon for an unmissable Cosmic Dance Party!
The Secret Lives of the Elements with Kathyrn Harkup
The Secret Lives of the Elements reveals that the periodic table is more like a sprawling extended family – with its own black sheep, rebels and…
Ulster MuseumScience of the Olympics
Science and Sport team up in this dynamic show with physicist, TV presenter and former professional footballer, Mark Langtry, aka “The Science Guy”.
HIVEsplaining concert – ‘Growing Up’
HIVE Choir is back with their concert series 'HIVEsplaining', where they attempt to explain everything you need to know about a scientific topic through song!
Potty about Prehistoric Pots with Dr Eileen Murphy
Participants will have the opportunity to make and decorate a clay pot for themselves and to find out more about prehistoric pottery in Ireland.
Éanna Ní Lamhna – Wonders of the Wild
Join Éanna Ní Lamhna to discover animal-eating plants, what rises from the dead, sea life that glows in the dark, and many more weird and wonderful…
Fossil Hunting and The Good Dinosaur (Film)
Join the National Trust for an afternoon of fossil hunting followed by a screening of the Pixar animated film, The Good Dinosaur.
Dugie The Dinosaur – Derry~Londonderry
Dugie is a long-necked dinosaur who lives on the Isle of Skye. When he is separated from his family in a storm, he needs the help…
Women in Leadership – Dismantling the Gender Myths
Professor Karise Hutchinson and Professor Pragya Agarwal challenge and disrupt some of the myths around leadership.
Crescent Arts CentreLieven Scheire – A.I.
In this show, Lieven Scheire introduces this new superhero of technology in an entertaining and accessible way.
Wonderdog: How the Science of Dogs Changed the Science of Life with Jules Howard
Join zoology correspondent & Guardian writer Jules Howard in this celebration of the role that dogs are playing in the science of animal minds.
SP-Ace (A sensory journey through sound)
What is a sensory experience? How is it that we can have these sensory experiences through therapeutic sound?
Lego Cartography 2.0 – Map the World!
Using a Lego World Map set you will create a map showing important environmental & climate data sourced from world climate observations and scientific research.
Kidney Canvas: Hot Desk Your Way Around the Science and Art of Kidney Disease
Join for an afternoon of hot desking, where experts and talented artists from the QUB Renal Arts Group will guide you through hands-on art interventions.
Niamh Nic Daeid – The Future of Forensic Science
Join award winning Chartered Chemist and Authorised forensic scientist, Professor Niamh Nic Daeid, at Whitla Hall.
The Who, What, Why of Zoology
Join the scientists uncovering the secrets of the animal kingdom in this funny, fact-packed introduction to zoology.
Ulster MuseumSpace Colouring for Kids
Enjoy an afternoon of Apollo 11 colouring and celebrate the first moon landings by NASA.
Alice Roberts – Crypt: Life, Death and Disease in the Middle Ages and Beyond
Join Professor Alice Roberts as she talks about her new book, Crypt: Life, Death and Disease in the Middle Ages and Beyond.
Athene Donald – Not Just For the Boys: Why We Need More Women in Science
Join Dame Athene Donald as she explores the factors that drive women to give up on a career in science.
Crescent Arts CentreA is for Arsenic: The Poisons of Agatha Christie
Fourteen novels. Fourteen poisons. Just because it's fiction doesn't mean it's all made-up ...
Sight-Read: A Poetry Workshop with 3D-Printed Braille
This inclusive workshop delves into innovative forms of poetry by incorporating tactile images, 3D-printed Braille fragments, and the Ekphrasis technique.
Queen’s UniversityDark Matters – A Night of Short Fiction Inspired by John Stewart Bell and CERN
Explore the remarkable life and scientific contributions of physicist John Stewart Bell, born in Belfast.
John Bell HouseThe Art & Science of the Classic Martini
Join for an immersive experience where you'll delve into the history, techniques, and nuances of crafting the perfect martini.
RattlebagMayflies in the Mist of Time | Science Sandwich
Mayflies are an ancient lineage of freshwater insects, with fossil records extending back some 300 million years.
Aethereal Material
Explore the symbiotic relationship between sound, conversation, and music through the ‘Aethereal Material’ project, culminating in an LP launch event.
Planet Earth III – Our Changing World
Dr. Miranda Dyson examines the influence of longstanding collaborations between the Open University and the BBC on natural history programs.
W5Doctoring James Joyce
Prof Mark Lawler delves into the lesser-known medical aspirations of James Joyce and his profound influence on literature, science, and medicine.
Astronomy on Tap
Astronomy on Tap is launching a satellite event at a bar near you! Where science and socializing collide under the stars.
Supporting Your Child In Sport
Join the Ulster University Sport Psychology Research Team in this interactive workshop as they explore the latest research to help parents support their child.
That Time It Rained For Two Million Years… | Science Sandwich
In 1987 two geologists, Mike Simms and Alastair Ruffell, both now in Northern Ireland, discovered evidence for a huge increase in rainfall 233 million years ago
The Science Behind Digital Mental Health Apps
Join us for a 2-hour workshop at Ulster University Belfast Campus, where we will discuss how digital mental health applications can support young people.
Forensic Entomology – Facts from Flies
A talk by Dr Marise Heyns on forensic entomology - facts from flies.
Foundation for Science & Technology Podcast
The FST podcast showcases one-off discussions with senior figures across science, research, technology and innovation.
Causes and Consequences of Toxic Masculinity
Join Dr Paul Caplat from Queen’s University Belfast as he explores the economic cost and societal impact of ‘toxic masculinity’.
The Whiskeys of Ireland
Join Peter Mulryan, the Founder and CEO of Blackwater Distillery, as he takes you on a captivating exploration into the rich history of Irish Whiskey.
Unravelling Stress: Debunking Myths Through the Science of Resilience
Dive into the fascinating world of stress and resilience in this talk hosted by Psychologists from Queen's University Belfast.
Crescent Arts CentreFameLab – Northern Ireland Final
Experience the thrilling showcase of scientific talent and communication at FameLab Northern Ireland’s live final.
Ulster Sports ClubSaving Island Wildlife by Air, Land and Sea | Science Sandwich
Join to learn just how important islands are and hear about the RSPB’s work to prevent extinctions on islands at home in Northern Ireland and further…
Hearts & Crafts Workshop: An Anatomy Art Workshop
Come along for a relaxing evening of art and anatomy! Be inspired by fascinating anatomical models, images, and our very own Egyptian mummy.
Beauty, Books & Botany
Where science and art meet in the garden at Rowallane. Join Claire McNally our Head Gardener for an in-depth exploration of the historical plant collection.
Rowallane GardenBeauty, Books & Botany
Where science and art meet in the garden at Rowallane.
Rowallane GardenThe Science of Living
Ever wondered whether breakfast really is the most important meal of the day? Or when is the perfect time to drink a cup of coffee?
Farming for Nature Ambassadors
Join as six new ‘Farming for Nature Ambassadors’ who have embraced innovative practices that balance agriculture with nature are introduced.
What’s the Blooming Problem with Lough Neagh?
Take this chance to gain a deeper understanding of the science behind the Lough Neagh bluegreen algae crisis.
Lev Parikian – Taking Flight
This is the miracle of flight as you’ve never seen it before: the evolutionary story of life on the wing.
AFBI Research Vessel Tours
The popular Agri-food and Bioscience Institute (AFBI) Research Vessel - the R.V. Corystes - will open its doors once again as part of NISF 2024.
Surveying The Surveyors: How Divis Helped Map Ireland
Come to Divis & the Black Mountain and hear more about how the Ordnance Survey (OS) mapped Ireland from this lofty point.
Can You Dig It? | Science Sandwich
Join Dr. Stuart Farrimond, renowned for simplifying science, in an enlightening session demystifying gardening.
Where’s the Justice? The Impact of Trauma Insensitive Systems
A panel discussion with professionals of neuroscience, psychology, and justice discussing the challenges survivors of domestic violence face when navigating the
Queen’s UniversityClaudia Hammond – The Keys To Kindness
Broadcaster and author of the Keys To Kindness, Claudia Hammond takes on an eye-opening tour of kindness.
Crescent Arts CentreSeven Drinks for Seven Cheese
This evening will take you on a Legenderry journey as we introduce some of the best craft drinks and pair them with award winning local cheese.
Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research’ Public Open Day
The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research is excited to throw open its doors and invite you to see the front line of cancer research…
Jumbles of Sound
Sometimes background noise makes it hard to understand speech, sometimes it doesn’t, and there are even situations where more noise makes speech clearer.
Dogs that Sniff Out Data! – Conservation Detection Dogs – Dr Caroline Finlay
Dr. Caroline Finlay will guide us through how dogs are using their noses to collect information on a range of species and how they help conservation…
Ulster MuseumThe Foyle Science Showcase
An engaging and interactive experience, featuring robotics experts discussing cutting edge research, a mobile planetarium for solar system exploration and more!
Queen’s Biology Showcase
Come and meet local marine life! How can we feed ourselves more sustainably? Why does climate change mean that diseases are on the move?
What is the Northern Ireland Longitudinal Study, and how does it use Census and administrative data to research our population?
This is an interactive session focusing on the Northern Ireland Longitudinal Study - what it actually is, how it was created and how it is used.
Happy Dog Rules – Julie Haggerty from Dogs Trust Northern Ireland
Julie will inform dog owners how they can use role play, repetition and action to teach 5 safety rules about our own behaviour to ensure their…
Ulster MuseumLegacy Soundscape of ECOS Park
This event will highlight the varied sounds of ECOS Park in Ballymena, Northern Ireland.
Orienteering at Florence Court
Learn and practice navigational skills in the stunning landscaped National Trust grounds of Florence Court House in Fermanagh.
Tim and Pam Fogg – In Conversation
Tim and Pam Fogg talk about how they turned their climbing and caving passion into their work.
The MACNature Denatured
Immerse yourself in music played through the 48-speaker system of SARC’s Sonic Lab.
Dog Training Without The Dogs – The Science Behind It – Dr Tara Cooper
Tara explores the science of dog training, has a look at the behaviour in dog training and shows a surprise recording of rabbit training.
Ulster MuseumThrough a Vet’s Eyes
Through a Vet's Eyes reveals the injustices which animals experience every day and raises an important question: how can we choose a better life for animals?
Ulster MuseumBilly Conker’s Nature Spotting Adventure! – Newtownards
Journey into nature with acclaimed author, Illustrator and passionate conservationist, Conor Bussitill.
Ards Arts CentreNature-themed Karaoke
It's the big return of the most high-end karaoke sound system in the UK and Ireland, this time cranked up to play nature-themed songs.
Unlocked: The Real Science of Screen Time
Instead of clamouring for us to ditch our devices), UNLOCKED is a sustainable, realistic and vital guide to transforming our connection with technology.
The MACYasmin Ali – An Engineer’s Story
Yasmin Ali, an award-winning chartered engineer in the energy industry, champions renewable technologies and excels in science communication.
Ulster MuseumMore than Just Puppy Love – The Science of the Human-Canine Bond – Katharine Creagh MSc
Katharine Creagh explains the incredible science behind the Human-Canine bond, with some insights into how you can strengthen the bond with your own dog!
Ulster MuseumEnrichment for Kennelled Dogs – Dr Deborah Wells in collaboration with Dr Tara Cooper
Dr Tara Cooper presents Dr Deborah Wells (Animal Behaviour Centre, School of Psychology, QUB) extensive work on enrichment for kennelled dogs.
Ulster MuseumContextualising Representations of Dogs in the Irish Archaeological Record : Iconography, Ritual and Myth
This presentation by Bronagh Murray (Archaeology 2030 Project Officer) will explore the iconography of dogs found in the archaeological record across Ireland.
Ulster MuseumFree Agents: How Evolution Gave Us Free Will
In Free Agents, Kevin Mitchell, a prominent neuro-geneticist and popular science blogger, takes readers across billions of years of evolution...
Ulster MuseumSnow Leopard Trail Taster Tape Premiere
Local conservationist, entrepreneur and storyteller Dr Hanson premieres the taster tape of his in-development adventure conservation film, Snow Leopard Trail.
Ulster MuseumThe Causeway Cheese Experience
Join Cheese Maegdens Emma & Jo as they host a special evening of Irish Cheese & local drinks pairings in their Bushmills cheese shop.
Billy Conker’s Nature Spotting Adventure – Belfast
Journey into nature with acclaimed author, Illustrator and passionate conservationist, Conor Bussitill.
Ulster MuseumGordon Buchanan – 30 Years In The Wild
Gordon will be taking a look back at his incredible 30 years working both behind and in front of the camera.
Power Up – An Engineer’s Adventure into Sustainable Energy
Power Up is a definitive picture of the intricate world that humanity has built, and a rallying cry to face the challenges of climate change using…
Ulster MuseumMarcus Du Sautoy – Around The World in 80 Games
Marcus Du Sautoy explains his exploration, Around The World in 80 Games at Whitla Hall.
Turi King – DNA Detective: genetics, genealogy and forensics
Turi King is an expert geneticist combining the field of genetics with history, archaeology, anthropology, and forensics.
Back to the Cheeseboard!
Enjoy an exclusive evening celebrating the allure of cheese with food journalist Patrick McGuigan and cheese expert Johnny McDowell!
Crescent Arts CentreNext Practice in ESG, Green Computing and Sustainable Software Engineering
ESG is one of the current global buzzwords, yet prior to 2005 it was CSR that was on everyone’s lips…. What has changed?
NI Science Festival Super Sunday Ticket Deal
Save with the NI Science Super Sunday Ticket Deal!
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