From light bulbs to stem cells, Newcastle can boast some world-class scientific achievements.
Discover what the future holds at a day of free events at Newcastle University. There’s something for everyone, from sparkling conversations to mind-blowing gadgets. No prior knowledge needed!
Newcastle Science Future - Lectures
Curtis Auditorium
11am-3pm
Adults and interested teens
The central venue for the day will be the Curtis Auditorium (located in the Herschel Building) which will host a series of free hour-long talks. Booking: Free, Just turn up!
Past, present and future
10am
The day will begin with a celebration of Newcastle’s past, present and future scientific achievements, with a panel discussion introduced by Newcastle University’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Engagement, Professor Paul Younger.
The future of our climate
11am
Half the population still believe that either global warming isn’t taking place, or that humans aren’t responsible. Professor Chris Kilsby and others will explain the evidence and discuss what impact it might have in our own region.
The future of genetics
12 noon
North East England has led the way in genetic research and practice. Here Sir John Burn explores what we can expect in terms of gene therapy, diagnostics, and pharmacogenetics in the next twenty years, and debate the social and ethical implications.
The future of energy
2pm
If we aren’t going to depend on fossil fuels, then how can we keep the lights on? Join Steve Caseley, Director of Distributed Energy at NaREC and other researchers and industrialists, to debate the way forward.
The future of ageing
3pm
We can all expect to live longer, but are we adding years to life, or life to years? What can we do now, to cope with our changed expectations. Lecture by Professor Louise Robinson of the Institute for Ageing and Health, and a speaker from the Biomedical Research Centre.
My brain and eye
4pm
Neuroscientist Dr Jenny Read of Newcastle University will explain how your brain turns the patterns of light on your eyes into a rich experience of the visual world.
Meet the Scientist: Curtis Auditorium Foyer
10am-5pm (Introduction 12-2pm)
Perspectives is a poster exhibition with a difference. Science and engineering researchers from all areas of the university will be on hand to talk to you about the social and ethical implications of their work.
Booking: None required, just turn up.
Future Technology - Exhibitions
Curtis Auditorium Atrium
10am-5pm
Adults and interested teens
Throughout the day, there’ll be drop in activities in the Curtis Auditorium Atrium. Come along and explore new innovative technologies. Booking: Free, Just turn up!
What are you thinking?
10am-5pm
The Institute of Neuroscience will demonstrate recent advances in ‘mind reading’ technology which may be used in the future to help paraplegics to control external devices or even their own paralysed limbs.
Honesty, Trust and your Brain
10am-5pm
The use of ‘lie detectors’ or brain imaging can help us determine how much an individual is telling the truth, but members of the Institute of Neuroscience will consider how far we can trust ourselves…
Technologies for Healthy Ageing
10am-5pm
We are living longer than ever, and this hands-on exhibition from the Institute for Ageing and Health will show you some of the technologies and devices which promote independence in older people.
Meet the Scientist
10am-5pm
Researchers working at the cutting edge of science, technology and engineering will be on hand to talk to the public and explore the social and ethical implications of their work.
Booking: None required, just turn up.
CSI Newcastle
Moorbank Botanical Gardens & Curtis Auditorium
10am-12pm & 2pm-4pm
Families and adults
Join one of our investigation teams as we examine a single crime from different perspectives.
Investigation Team 1: Moorbank Botanical Gardens
Using techniques used by real criminologists, take a closer look at leaves, pollen and cells in this amazing tropical setting to determine where the victim died and what they last ate.
Investigation team two
Investigation Team 2: Curtis Auditorium
Using the Institute of Neurosciences interactive displays, discover how far we can trust clues given by witnesses, and analyse the evidence to help solve the crime.
Booking: Essential for each half day investigation. To reserve your free place, call Katy Barnard, Moorbank Botanical Garden on 07902 647633.
Touch the Past - Imagine the Future
Robinson Library
11am-3pm
Adults and over 16s
Explore the nearby Robinson Library to discover how scientists find information in the 21st century, including interactive electronic books and digital maps of the oceans. Listen to talks showcasing the rare Special Collections, such as 17th Century magic books, herbals and engineering plans.
Booking: Free, Just turn up!
Getting Real About Climate Change
Herschel Building, Newcastle University
9.30am-4.30pm
An exciting, interactive day exploring humanity's response to climate change, including active debates OPEN TO ALL on Food and Water Security, Geoengineering and The Future of Energy. There is also a film-making workshop for young people with a thirst for cutting edge documentaries, providing an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in film-making and working behind and in front of the camera. Speakers include Tony Allan, Greg Bankoff, Jennie Barron, Julia Brown, Ben Campbell, Tim Foxon, Joanna Haigh, Phil Macnaghten. Come along, hear the arguments, have your say! Full details can be found here.
Booking: Workshop has limited capacity – booking essential. To book for the film workshop call 07790 470846, and for the debates call 0191 515 2800.
Organised by The Great Debate, RCE North East and North East Centre for Lifelong Learning. Part of Economic and Social Research Council Festival of Social Science. Sponsored by Economic and Social Research Council, Newcastle University and Newcastle Science Festival.
Closing Performance: MUST the inside story
Culture Lab
5pm
To celebrate the 175th anniversary of Newcastle University’s Medical School, the day will culminate in a North East premiere of MUST with legendary New York performance artist Peggy Shaw and Clod Ensemble.
MUST weaves together the stories of a lifetime - giving birth on the way to Woodstock, her mother’s electric shock treatment in 1950s America, the loss of a loved one – with projected microscopic images, and live musicians performing a powerful score for piano, double bass and violin. Renowned for her own gender bending autobiographical work, Peggy Shaw recounts her extraordinary experiences of the medical profession from her current perspective as a 65-year-old lesbian grandmother.
“Exquisite… This is open-heart surgery of the artistic kind, performed without anaesthetic.” The Guardian
Booking: Free – purchase your ticket on the door at Culture Lab.
Produced by Fuel and supported by The Wellcome Trust.