Manchester Science Festival has a packed programme for grown-ups as well as kids. Here’s a preview of what’s in store:
1. In Conversation: Does AI have a place in Space?
Sit down with STEM champion, social entrepreneur and computer scientist, Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE, and the UK Space Agency’s Head of Space Exploration, Libby Jackson OBE, as they discuss how their worlds collide in this interactive forum. Can AI be applied to Space exploration? What can you trust AI to do in Space? How will it better our lives back on Earth? The opportunities seem endless with the likes of rover navigation, satellite design and lasering space junk. But are we just talking science fiction?
2. Cosmic Quiz
Take top prize in a dynamic evening of surprise rounds, pop-up performances and laid-back cosmic vibes, where you’ll be challenged on all things space and artificial intelligence. Compete on your own, or in a team of up to 4, in an out-of-this-world event produced in collaboration with The Quiz Team, featuring specially commissioned content from The Poetry Place. The quiz will take off at 20.00, but doors will open at 18.30 giving you exclusive after-hours access to the Revolution Manchester gallery and Experiment, our hands-on interactive gallery.
3. Museum After Hours with Venture Arts
Explore the museum after hours and dive into a world of extremes at this special adult-only evening event. Celebrate the final weekend of Manchester Science Festival with exclusive after-hours access. Don’t miss the premiere of new works from artists Liam Ashworth and Luca Agathogli, presented in partnership with Venture Arts, an award-winning visual arts organisation working with learning disabled artists. Explore interactive performances, a zine and a digital display inspired by the Festival themes of sport science and space. Plus, our events bar will be popping up, selling a range of wines, beers and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as Festival-exclusive cocktails and mocktails created by AI technology—available to pre-order.
4. Brain Waves
Meet leading neuroscientist Professor Adrian Owen, who will reveal the results of an impressive large-scale study into the effects of gaming and exercise and our brain’s health. The surprise findings are part of the Brain and Body study, a collaboration between Western University, Canada, and the Science and Industry Museum. Discover how the Festival’s headline installation, State of Mind—an immersive sensory experience created by Squidsoup—demonstrates how the brain responds to sound and light. And finally, pick the brains of double Oscar-winner Paul Franklin in a Q&A all about how innovations in neuroscience are shaping modern cinema. Plus, compete against friends and family with a whole host of brain games to get those neurons firing with the Brain and Body Study.
5. State of Mind by Squidsoup
Dive inside the human brain in this new large-scale installation created by pioneering light, sound and technology artists Squidsoup. Immerse yourself in a rich and colourful audio-visual experience which explores the impact of smartphones, apps and media on our lives and minds. Soak up the atmosphere in this abstract and playful representation of our digitised world, saturated with sensory stimuli from ever-changing media technologies. Move between the order and chaos created by rhythm in light and sound representing the millions of sensory inputs we receive every day.
6. Maternal Instinct
Take a look inside the mind of a mum in this brand-new project from Malandra Jacks and Mindful Mums. Explore hands-on activities, authentic soundscapes and surprising science in this interactive exhibition inspired by personal stories from mums, families and professionals, as well as scientific research revealing how motherhood affects our brains, bodies and mental health. This unique and creative experience will be popping-up at Harpurhey Sure Start Children’s Centre throughout the festival period with a programme of free activities and events.
7. Injecting Hope: The race for a COVID vaccine
Uncover inspiring stories of scientists and innovators collaborating around the globe in this free exhibition. Journey through an incredible variety of artworks and personal objects that illustrate the worldwide effort to develop vaccines in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Discover how scientists and researchers adapted and collaborated during this challenging time to find solutions and save lives, and the impact this had on the world we live in today. Manchester’s unique experience of the pandemic as well as innovative healthcare developed and delivered in the city are revealed through objects and stories that have never been seen before.
