Edinburgh Science Festival continues this Easter break and brings more fun for young sci-curious minds at the National Museum of Scotland
Science Festival Favourites, which opened yesterday, is a series of children workshops and shows, an exciting selection of activities which would normally feature at City Art Centre.
Children can Dig Up a Dino! (ages 5+) in a special dig site and discover all about the creatures which ruled the Earth millions of years ago, become a forensic scientist in CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (8+), help solve a crime and catch the perpetrator or get their goo on in Splat-tastic! (5+), be creative with chemistry and make their very own slime to take home.
Also part of Science Festival Favourites, the whole family can take part in Mini-Medics: The Body Show (7+), inviting everyone to scrub up, don their masks and join Doctor Watson and Nurse It-Better as they explore the human body and how to keep it healthy. The Rocket Show (7+) makes the rocket science fun and accessible as children explore forces, test materials and prepare for a launch of a rocket fit for space.
Tech Decoded, supported by the Association for Science and Discovery Centres and SeaByte, features free drop-in activities that allow families to explore technology from AI to coding. Visitors will learn how the internet works and have the chance to create their own electrical circuits.
Edinburgh Science Festival continues until 19 April.
Following the global excitement surrounding Artemis II, and the beautiful new images of the Moon, Sharman was in conversation with former BBC presenter Dr Hermione Cockburn last night to consider how exploring space can help us to overcome some of the challenges we face on Earth, to improve medical treatment on Earth and how human beings reflect on life.
Helen Sharman CMG OBE, the first British astronaut, said: “Space exploration is not just history. It is happening now.
“With Artemis II, humans are travelling back to the Moon, testing the technology and teamwork taking us further into space. For audiences at the Edinburgh Science Festival and everyone around the world, we see how curiosity, science and collaboration can turn bold ideas into reality.
“I hope the next generation of explorers, engineers and scientists will be inspired by watching humanity take giant steps towards the future”.
Edinburgh Science Festival continues until 19 April with the prestigious Edinburgh Medal ceremony taking place today – Monday 13 April – and Science Festival Favourites opening today as well.
DON’T miss Planetarium Lates As part of Edinburgh Science Festival 2026, enjoy an adults-only science night out with classic films inspired by the creatures that roamed the Earth over 65 million years ago in the Planetarium at Dynamic Earth.
Jurassic World (2015) Saturday 11th April 2026 | 8pm
Godzilla (2014) Sunday 12th April 2026 | 8pm
Discover more showings for ages 18+ including ‘Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon’, and stargazing with our in-house astronomers.
Book your ticket with Edinburgh Science Festival, or visit our website:
First British astronaut Helen Sharman to give a talk this Sunday, 65 years to the day since Yuri Gagarin’s historic flight to space
SUNDAY 12th APRIL 7pm USHER HALL
In this special event Helen Sharman, the first British astronaut, shares her unique, personal experiences from her historic 1991 mission aboard the Mir space station. Audiences will hear about some of her training, blasting off on a Soyuz rocket, what it’s like to live and work in space including conducting science experiments.
In conversation with Earth scientist and former BBC presenter Dr Hermione Cockburn, Helen reflects on the evolution of space exploration – from Tim Peake’s International Space Station mission to private space companies – and the growing international diversity in space programmes.
Helen Sharman said:“Space is getting really exciting again! I’m delighted to return to Edinburgh to share some insights, including my own experiences of what it’s like in space.”
Shell-abrate Easter with Edinburgh Science Festival, opening this week!
With the theme of Going Global, Edinburgh Science Festival (4 April – 19 April) is the world’s first and still one of Europe’s biggest science festivals. It presents a wide range of workshops, talks, exhibitions and much more, aiming to inspire people of all ages to get hands-on with science.
Some of this year’s speakers, among many others, include Scotland’s former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, first British astronaut Helen Sharman, the nation’s favourite wildlife photographer Hamza Yassin, the OBGYN Mum – Dr Brooke Vandermolen, and The Great British Bake Off 2020 winner Peter Sawkins and 2023 finalist Dr John Smalley.
Edinburgh Science Festival – the world’s first public celebration of science and technology as a festival – returns from 4 to 19 April.
This year’s theme of Going Global reflects on science as a shared human story: connecting people across countries and continents, joined in scientific breakthroughs and failures, conducting experiments and sharing results. The Festival goes global while also celebrating the local: universities, laboratories, hospitals, schools and cultural spaces.
Science for Adults – Highlights
Amongst this year’s exciting line-up of speakers, former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon chairs a panel on the First Women of Science at the Festival’s special Opening Gala (2 April).
Great British Bake Off 2023 Finalist, DrJosh Smalley, teams up with Edinburgh’s own 2020 winner Peter Sawkins to present a mouth-watering, science-fuelled tour of Scotland’s Food and Drink (8 April).
On 12 April enjoy a science filled day on as Wildlife photographer Hamza Yassin shares his adventures in nature and Helen Sharman speaks about her remarkable experience as Britain’s First Astronaut.
Celebrating the extraordinary life and work of Jane Goodall PhD, DBE, her former colleagues will be sharing personal reflections alongside images and video from her remarkable career (15 April).
Science for Families – Highlights
Over half the Festival is devoted to young science-curious minds, and families can enjoy a selection of workshops and shows including ‘Dig Up A Dinosaur’ and ‘The Rocket Show’ as part of Science Festival Favourites (From 13 April), and delve into Hands-on Exploration at Science Under the Lens (4 – 19 April) alongside the newly commissioned large-scale installation The Great Instauration.
The Great Instauration by British artist Gayle Chong Kwan takes over the Grand Gallery of the National Museum of Scotland for the duration of the Edinburgh Science Festival (4 – 19 April).
Commissioned by Edinburgh Science Festival, Gayle Chong Kwan has created an art installation that brings together contemporary sculpture and reflections on science’s cultural legacy.
Chong Kwan explored the theme rethinking scientific histories through research into scientific artefacts and archives across eight major collections and through speaking with communities. These included: National Museums Scotland, Wellcome Collection, Wellcome Collection at the Science Museum, Science Museum Collection Centre in Swindon, Royal Botanical Gardens Edinburgh, Surgeons Hall Museum Edinburgh, and community gardens in Edinburgh.
Chong Kwan has explored the history of thescientific canon and the Scientific Enlightenment in Scotland,rethinking science’s stories and reframing who and what gets to be remembered.The artworkfocusses in on Scotland’s complex historical connections with slavery, enslaved people, plant and botanical origins of medicine, the University of Edinburgh, medical infirmaries, the advent of geology, and scientific instruments.
Installed in the Grand Gallery, The Great Instauration is an underground, upside-down world filled with forms hanging from railings and columns.
Large-scale sculptures of scientific instruments are transformed into fantastical roots, hanging fabrics of the geological strata of Edinburgh with archival and painted images, and steel plinths inscribed with lesser-known histories fill the space.
Chong Kwan connects exploitative and extractive histories, the scientific gaze, and roots, upturning the stories that shape our understanding of scientific knowledge and discovery.
Chong Kwan’s research highlighted how we tend to think of science, the scientific method, scientific instruments, and the Scientific Enlightenment as bringing understanding and clarity – light to see things we did not understand.
Dr Gayle Chong Kwan, Artist, said: “I am truly excited to present ‘The Great Instauration’, an installation in the Grand Gallery of the National Museum of Scotland that explores science as a culturally embedded process shaped by social history, power, and omission.
“I have been inspired by objects and narratives across multiple collections and museums, the history of the scientific canon, and the Scientific Enlightenment.
“My research included scientific instruments, the botanical origins of medicine, and Scotland’s historical connections with slavery.
“I was interested in how we tend to think of the scientific method, scientific instruments, and the Scientific Enlightenment as bringing understanding. I have explored histories connected with the theodolite, microscope, thermometer, clock, chronometer, and the telescope.
“The resulting three-dimensional, surreal sculptural and printed works act as forms of resistance. Developed through archival collage and painting, I was inspired by forms from microscopic slides and medical illustrations, and working through two-dimensional forms, redolent of flattened and sliced scientific specimens.
“The title ‘The Great Instauration’ refers to Francis Bacon’s 17th-century founding text on the scientific method, but this time as a contemporary call to restore and renew perspectives on the complex histories of science.”
The Great Instauration will form part of the wider exhibition Science Under the Lens, where visitors can experiment with some of the instruments which inspired the installation, make their own versions to take home and play with the science of light. Younger visitors can use art to tell their own science stories, exploring how light works and the power of story in sharing information.
There will be two tie-events linked to the installation: Exclusive Viewing: The Great Instauration(Sat 4 Apr) allows visitors to view the installation after hours followed by an in-depth discussion of the process with the artist and experts who assisted with research, and Artist Tour: Dr Gayle Chong Kwan(Fri 17 Apr), presented by Edinburgh Art Festival, where visitors join the artist for a guided tour of the artwork, as she speaks through the artist, material and research process that underpin the commission.
World’s first and still one of Europe’s biggest science festivals, Edinburgh Science Festival takes over the city during the Easter break, between 4 and 19 April, with a wide range of workshops, talks, exhibitions and much more, aiming to inspire people of all ages to get hands-on with science.
This year’s theme of Going Global reflects on science as a shared human story: connecting people across countries and continents, joined in scientific breakthroughs and failures, conducting experiments and sharing results.
The Festival goes global while also celebrating the local: universities, laboratories, hospitals, schools and cultural spaces.
The Great Instauration has been commissioned by Edinburgh Science, developed with support from Creative Scotland through the Scottish Government’s Festivals Expo Fund, additional funding from the Henry Moore Foundation, and guidance and support from Edinburgh Art Festival, National Museums Scotland, Scottish International Storytelling Festival and Wellcome Collection.
Orbex, the Scotland-based spaceflight company, has landed its Baby Prime model rocket in Edinburgh’s city centre to mark the launch of Edinburgh’s annual Science Festival.
Orbex’s arrival comes as this year’s festival, which kicks off this Saturday, centres on the theme of “Spaceship Earth”, exploring the challenges of living on a planet with finite resources, through the lenses of science fiction and space exploration.
The 2-metre-tall replica model of Orbex’s micro-launcher, Prime, will be on display at the National Museum of Scotland alongside carbon fibre components from the space rocket. Space enthusiasts can learn first-hand about the company’s role in Scotland’s space sector.
Orbex Prime will deliver flexible, dedicated and sustainable access to space for the small satellite industry, direct from Scotland. It has been engineered to leave zero debris in orbit and uses a renewable form of propane known as bio-propane, set to produce up to 96 percent lower carbon emissions than comparable space launch systems in a single launch.
Pictures by Michal Wachucik/Abermedia
The Edinburgh Science Festival will be taking place between 5th – 20th April and is expected to attract almost 200,000 visitors.
The festival programme features explosive shows and hands-on activities in venues across the city, including Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh Zoo, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and The University of Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Science Festival, the world’s first festival of science and technology, is pleased to partner with the Royal Academy of Engineering to this year host acclaimed artist Kelly Anna’s sculpture ‘What Makes an Engineer?’ which represents engineer Alice Kan who played a key role in the manufacture of the Covid-19 vaccine.
The sculpture will be displayed at City Art Centre as part of DiscoveryLab, its first display outside of London. Created to mark National Engineering Day 2024, the sculpture was part of an art project to celebrate inspirational engineers and represents Alice Kan, a mechanical engineer who played an important role in the manufacture of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.
Starting with a production line and team of one, Alice led efforts to grow the team, develop the process, set up manufacture and produce 100 million doses for use in the UK. Her work continues today developing Ebola vaccines.
The pivotal question – what makes an engineer? – rings as strongly today as ever before with women still making up only 15.7% of UK engineering workforce – down from 16.5% in 2023 – and a lack of visible role models is seen as a key factor in why fewer women are considering a career in engineering. By showcasing a story as inspiring as Alice Kan’s, Kelly Anna’s sculpture champions the fact that engineering is for everyone.
The sculpture encapsulates Alice’s remarkable journey, achievements, and personal resilience in engineering and vaccine production.
The central, dynamic figure of Alice stands strong with an empowered posture, symbolizing her resilience, leadership, and unwavering determination. Alice is shown looking upward, representing hope, optimism, and her visionary approach to the future.
The statue is constructed from various blocks and shapes, representing her ability to build teams and overcome obstacles.
These blocks embody persistence and inclusiveness—demonstrating how diverse perspectives come together to create strength.
An accompanying QR code will take visitors to an augmented reality experience created by Atlantic Productions.
Edinburgh Science Festival is the first and still one of Europe’s biggest science festivals, taking place over the Easter holidays, between 5 and 20 April.
With the 2025 theme of Spaceship Earth, the Festival continues its years-long commitment to Programming for the Planet. It urges everyone to live like an astronaut, a battle to learn from the constraints of living on a space station where resources are impossibly constrained, and every gram of material and watt of energy is precious.
Edinburgh Science Director and CEO, Hassun El-Zafar said: “When programming our Festival we focus on ways to combine art and science, as art is often the most powerful way to bring science to life.
“By engaging the imagination, complex concepts or scientific achievements become all the easier to understand. We’re delighted that the Royal Academy of Engineering has chosen our Festival to showcase What Makes an Engineer? for the first time outside of London – a chance for all our visitors, young and old, to be inspired by Alice Kan’s work saving lives as an engineer.”
Dr Hayaatun Sillem CBE, CEO of the Royal Academy of Engineering, said: “Engineering is driven by countless unsung heroes and teams who shape our world in profound ways every day.
“the UK, modern engineers—despite their remarkable contributions to our society—remain noticeably absent from public statues and artworks. I am delighted we can bring this sculpture of Alice Kan to Edinburgh Science Festival and I hope it will help to inspire young people to join this creative, rewarding profession, which improves lives every day.”
The worlds of STEM and arts also combine in this year’s Festival programme for a selection of genre-defying events. Hear exclusive first readings at Sci-Fi Futures (8 April), a creative collision of science fiction and science fact, bringing together Scottish writers Martin MacInnes, L R Lam and Eris Young, and Professor of Applied Space Technology and Scotland’s leading space expert Prof Malcolm Macdonald.
This exciting collaboration between Edinburgh Science Festival and Edinburgh International Book Festival commissioned three brand new writings envisioning a utopian future truly living within our means.
Theoretical physicist and industrial musician Prof Bob Coecke is here to open our minds and ears with Quantum Music (10 April). Bob illustrates how the coming quantum revolution can be used to compose new kinds of music and will “play his guitar on a quantum computer”. In The Sound of Galaxies (16 April), an interactive sound-forward session, you’ll listen to galaxy data and gain a deeper appreciation for the innovative ways scientists explore the Universe.
Can arid lands be spaces for new ecological world-making? Desert Future (11 April) is a film screening of Wanuri Kahiu’s Pumzi and discussion explores climate fiction, environmental humanities, history of science and Black/Africana studies.
The Edinburgh Conservation Film Festival (19 April) is a celebration of conservation stories from around the world that will inspire, engage, and inform you about some of the many projects helping to protect the world’s biodiversity.
Visit Dynamic Earth’s Planetarium for Planetarium Lates: Earth From Above (10 – 12 April & 17- 19 April) to enjoy an evening of extra-terrestrial entertainment as they screen some of your favourite science films including Gravity, Apollo 13 and The Martian.
Edinburgh Science is a world expert in producing live science events and the 2025 Festival is the prime example of the power of bringing people together to explore the fascinating world of science, technology, engineering and maths and arts.
Join us on Spaceship Earth as Edinburgh Science Festival blasts off from 5 – 20 April
From the depths of sea trenches to the far reaches of outer space; from the beginnings of life in the womb to living forever; from the sound of galaxies to the minibeasts in your garden, the Festival welcomes everyone to explore the theme of Spaceship Earth and how we can all live like astronauts for the good of planet Earth.
Edinburgh Science Festival 2025 delivers a programme which is both down to earth and out of this world, showcasing the cutting-edge technology and science to help us all live ‘like an astronaut’ aboard Spaceship Earth and together create a more sustainable future.
All-star names this year include Professor Richard Dawkins, former NASA astronaut and oceanographer Dr Kathy Sullivan, and Edinburgh-born Director of Community Clothing and judge on the BBC’s Great British Sewing Bee Patrick Grant
DiscoveryLab at City Art Centre gives families five floors of hands-on science to get to grips with: the perfect family day out this Easter break.
Guaranteed sell-out every year, Science Nights Out are back with more creative ways to get everyone hands-on with science in a relaxed environment.
The Festival, renowned for its unique presentations of arts colliding with STEM, creating STEAM, delves deep into the worlds of speculative fiction, art exhibitions, sci-fi film screenings and music of the spheres
The Festival takes place all over Edinburgh with events, talks, workshops and exhibitions taking place at the National Museum of Scotland, Dynamic Earth, The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, and Edinburgh Zoo.
This year’s Festival shows for children 5+ including a baking show that’s out of this world with The Great British Bake Off finalist Josh Smalley.
Edinburgh Science Festival is the first and still one of Europe’s biggest science festivals, taking place over the Easter holidays, between 5 and 20 April.
With the 2025 theme of Spaceship Earth, the Festival continues its years-long commitment to Programming for the Planet. It urges everyone to live like an astronaut, a battle to learn from the constraints of living on a space station where resources are impossibly constrained, and every gram of material and watt of energy is precious.
This year’s theme of Spaceship Earth draws on inspiration from science fiction and science fact, questioning how we might better live on Earth. As scientists begin to ponder the wonders of long-term space travel, the Festival invites visitors to enter the mind of an astronaut as a poignant reminder that resources on earth are finite and that we have the tools to utilise to create a sustainable future for us all.
Edinburgh Science Director and CEO, Hassun El-Zafar said: “It’s a great privilege to welcome guests and visitors, from near and far, to the 2025 Edinburgh Science Festival – my first as Director and CEO.
“For 35 years, Edinburgh Science has been fostering curiosity, discovery, and wonder, and this year continues that tradition. This Spring, we invite you to explore how we can collaborate to build a fairer, more regenerative world – one that preserves and nurtures our Spaceship Earth.
“Our Festival programme showcases an inspiring line-up of distinguished scientists, intrepid explorers, and visionary thinkers, including Richard Dawkins, NASA astronaut Kathy Sullivan, The Great British Sewing Bee’s Patrick Grant, and sustainability expert Mike Berners-Lee. This year also marks the launch of DiscoveryLab, our reimagined family experience at the City Art Centre.
“We hope this year’s festival will spark ideas, ignite passions, and encourage a collective sense of responsibility for the world we share. We are thrilled to share these experiences with you and look forward to the journey ahead aboard our fragile, beautiful vessel, Spaceship Earth.”
Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “The Edinburgh Science Festival is an eagerly awaited event – sparking curiosity, showcasing innovation, and celebrating Scotland’s world-leading strengths in science and creativity.
“The Festival makes science accessible to all, while playing a vital role in inspiring young people, supporting STEM learning, and nurturing Scotland’s next generation of scientists.”
City of Edinburgh Council Culture and Communities Convener Cllr Val Walker said: “We are once again excited to support the Edinburgh International Science Festival, which transforms the city into a vibrant celebration of science and technology for all ages.
“Throughout the Festival, our City Art Centre will be a dynamic space filled with family-friendly events, offering five floors of hands-on science for children as young as three. Whether you’re making slime, becoming an animal conservationist, solving a crime scene mystery, or programming your own robot, there’s endless exploration to be had!
“Inspired by both science fiction and science fact, and with the theme Spaceship Earth the jam-packed programme has something for everyone and it’s the perfect way for families to enjoy the Easter holidays together.”
Edinburgh Science is a world expert in producing live science events and the 2025 Festival is the prime example of the power of bringing people together to explore the fascinating world of science, technology, engineering and maths and arts.
The Festival is pleased to continue the fantastic collaboration with the venues around the city, including National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh Zoo, the Royal Botanic Gardens, The University of Edinburgh, and Dynamic Earth, each presenting a number of science events for children and adults. This year’s programme is spread across 30 venues and 40% of the offer is free to access.
2025 Highlights
DiscoveryLab, the Festival’s reimagined flagship experience at City Art Centre offers five floors of immersive workshops and activities for children between 3 and 12 years-old and their families to explore. From making your own slime, to becoming an animal conservationist, investigating a crime scene, or programming your own robot, DiscoveryLab is the most fun a family can have this Easter break! DiscoveryLab is supported by Cirrus Logic.
Edinburgh Medal (16 April) is a prestigious award founded by the City of Edinburgh Council in 1989. This year’s Medal’s recipient is Prof Johan Rockström, a scientist internationally recognised for his work on development of the Planetary Boundaries framework. Prof Rockström will be joining this year’s Festival with an address which examines Navigating Humanity’s Future on Earth. The award-winning professor was recognised in TIME100: Most Influential People, his TED talks have over seven million views, and his popular science books Big World, Small Planet, Breaking Boundaries, and The Human Quest encourage a shift toward more sustainable management of planetary resources.
Spaceship Earth, free at the National Museum of Scotland (5 – 20 April),is aninteractive exhibition explores the challenges of living on a planet with finite resources, through the lenses of science fiction and space exploration. Exploring the latest technological advances involving the burgeoning UK space industry, we look Earthwards to consider re-designing everyday life to run on less.
Starry Names
The award-winning author of The Selfish Gene, Prof Richard Dawkins introduces his latest groundbreaking book, The Genetic Book of the Dead (14 April).This is an unforgettable opportunity to hear from one of the world’s leading scientific figures and to unlock the door to evolutionary history, seen through wholly new eyes.
In Less with Patrick Grant (5 April), join Director of Community Clothing and BBC’s Great British Sewing Bee judge Patrick Grant in conversation with broadcaster and climate writer Lucy Siegle as they consider the crisis of consumption and quality in fashion.
In Above and Below: An Astronaut’s View of our Planet (5 April), hear firsthand from Dr Kathy Sullivan, both the first American woman to walk in space, and the first woman to visit the deepest spot in the oceans, about her unparalleled experiences as a NASA astronaut and oceanographer, as well as an advisor to Joe Biden.
Every day, Arup works to shape a better world. But, in a rapidly changing environment what does “better” truly mean? Join Dame Jo da Silva, Arup’s Global Director for Sustainable Development, as she explores how we can tackle these changes in Shaping A Better World (17 April).
Get ready to make some noise at an unmissable night of fun, facts and fabulous entertainment with FameLab UK: Scottish Finals (7 April), the ultimate evening of quick-fire science. Scotland’s best new voices in science, technology and engineering will each have just three minutes to convey a scientific concept to you and our expert panel of judges, before a winner is chosen to represent Scotland at the final of FameLab UK.
Climate Change
Scotland has set ambitious targets for achieving net zero carbon emissions, but with 80% of Scottish buildings currently reliant on fossil fuels, how can this be achieved? Join experts in sustainable heating Vital Energi and grassroots movement Clean Heat Edinburgh Forum for a myth-busting discussion at Clean Energy Communities (9 April). In A Climate of Truth (15 April), sustainability expert Mike Berners-Lee looks at the challenge of the climate emergency from new angles and reveals how the need for radically higher standards of honesty in our politics, media, and business is the single most critical point for those seeking change. Researchers from Edinburgh Climate Change Institute (ECCI) will showcase our climate change work and together we’ll draw a vision of a thriving future, living with climate change In Decide Your Climate Future (14 April).
How do we ensure that later life is a healthy life? Join Professor of Elderly Care Gillian Mead, Patient and Public Involvement Coordinator Daria Ihnatenko, Senior Lecturer in Global Health Policy Dr Emily Adrion, artificial intelligence expert Prof Jacques Fleuriot and Immunologist Prof Neil Mabbott for an interactive session Who Wants to Live Forever? (7 April). Memory Lane: The perfectly Imperfect Ways We Remember (18 April), psychologists Ciara Greene and Gillian Murphy explore the cutting-edge science of human memory, the ethical implications of memory manipulation and the pitfalls of false recollections. Are sins really moral failings or are they simply important and useful functions that aid us? Join Professor of neurology Guy Leschzinefor Seven Deadly Sins (15 April) as he reveals the hidden science and humanity behind our so-called flaws and follies.
Soon it will be possible to diagnose health conditions such as Alzheimer’s years ahead of time – but would you want to know? A panel of experts put together by the University of St Andrews will come together for Alzheimer’s: To Test or Not to Test (9 April) to discuss the complex, ethical questions that society must face. In Transplanting Hope (10 April) renowned surgeons Prof Richard Smith and Isabel Quiroga share the extraordinary and world-changing story of a 25-year journey which led to the first UK human womb transplant in 2023.
Join women’s health expert and documentary maker Kate Muir in Demystifying the Menopause (13 April), a shame-free discussion fighting the myths and sharing the truth about the perimenopause. Known for her activism and approachable, practical advice, Kate was the Producer for Channel 4’s documentary Davina McCall’s Pill Revolution, investigating contraception chaos. Injecting Hope: The Race for a COVID-19 Vaccine (27 April), at the National Museum of Scotland is a new, free exhibition at that presents the science behind the COVID-19 vaccine and explains the logistics behind its global roll-out. A curator tour with Sophie Goggins, Senior Curator of Biomedical Science, will also take place on the 9 April.
Mosquitoes might be the world’s most dangerous animal, but they are also a cool tool for encouraging an interest in biology. Dr Aidan O’Donnell and Dr Petra Schneider have been awarded the University of Edinburgh’s Tam Dalyell Prize for Excellence in Engaging the Public with Science in recognition of their work to help pupils experience being a scientist and improve teachers’ confidence with STEM. They will present the Tam Dalyell Prize Lecture on 6 April.
The worlds of STEM and arts combine in this year’s programme for a selection of genre-defying events. Hear exclusive first readings at Sci-Fi Futures (8 April), a creative collision of science fiction and science fact, bringing together Scottish writers Martin MacInnes, L R Lam and Eris Young, and Professor of Applied Space Technology and Scotland’s leading space expert Prof Malcolm Macdonald. This exciting collaboration between Edinburgh Science Festival and Edinburgh International Book Festival, commissioned three brand new writings envisioning a utopian future truly living within our means.
Theoretical physicist and industrial musician Prof Bob Coecke is here to open our minds and ears with Quantum Music (10 April). Bob illustrates how the coming quantum revolution can be used to compose new kinds of music and will “play his guitar on a quantum computer”. In The Sound of Galaxies (16 April), an interactive sound-forward session, you’ll listen to galaxy data and gain a deeper appreciation for the innovative ways scientists explore the Universe.
Can arid lands be spaces for new ecological world-making? Desert Future (11 April) is a film screening of Wanuri Kahiu’s Pumzi and discussion explores climate fiction, environmental humanities, history of science and Black/Africana studies.
The Edinburgh Conservation Film Festival (19 April) is a celebration of conservation stories from around the world that will inspire, engage, and inform you about some of the many projects helping to protect the world’s biodiversity.
Enjoy a series of unique and engaging nights out in the city this April with Science Nights Out. Awaken your inner detective at Who Dunit? (8 April) and experience a behind-the-scenes tour of the oldest medical library in Scotland while you delve into the ghastly and most extraordinary world of historic forensic science. Celebrate An Evening of Cosmic Exploration (4 April) at this intergalactic night out that’s just for adults! Choose from a programme of quick-fire talks, interactive experiences, or relax with a drink.
Join expert astronomers at Dynamic Earth’s Planetarium Lates: You are Here (10,11, and 12 April) on a journey and delve deeper into the Universe than ever before. There’s cause for optimism with Planetarium Lates: Don’t Panic! (17, 18 & 19 April) and you can enjoy your favourite science fiction films at Planetarium Lates: Earth from Above (10 – 19 April), including Gravity, Moon, Apollo 13, Star Trek IV, The Martian and Contact.
Brace yourself for an out-of-this-world collision of science and fact, as the doors of the National Museum of Scotland are thrown open for Spaceship Earth After Hours (11 April). At this adults-only event, immerse yourself in the Spaceship Earth exhibition, marvel at new works in a costume show from the Edinburgh College of Art, and ask what it’s really like living on the International Space Station when you meet Turkish Astronaut Alper Gezeravci.
Families
Families this year have plenty to explore at this year’s Festival, including with a special talk from NASA’s Dr Kathy Sullivan with Walk Like An Astronaut (5 April). Specially curated for younger science curious minds, this a family-friendly opportunity to ask an astronaut and eyeball an oceanographer.
At The Ornithopter (5 April), a pioneering step in human powered flight, a visionary creation set to change the course of human history… or maybe it’s just a complete disaster. A celebration of spectacular failure based on the myth of Icarus, this new work-in-progress is an intimate walk-through performance experience. At The Ultimate Bubble Show (5 April) Help Ray, International Bubbleologist (yes, that’s a real job!) and Guinness World Record Holder, on his quest to make… The ultimate bubble! This is chemistry as you’ve never seen it before!
At The Rocket Show (13 April) our backyard scientist discovers what it takes to build a rocket fit for space in this explosive family-friendly adventure. And at Incredible Inventions (6 April) discover how to design your own amazing inventions in this hilarious, interactive show with Blue Peter award-winner, writer and cartoonist Mike Barfield.
Beastlands with Jess French (12 April) will transport you to a magical world full of imaginative creatures with presenter of the BBC’s Minibeast Adventure with Jess and zoologist Jess French.
From hot cross buns to chocolate eggs, chemist and Great British Bake-Off finalist Josh Smalley explores the science behind our Easter treats in The Easter Baking Show (18 April). Josh also presents Mission Bake: From Bake Off to Blast Off (18 April) showcasing the wonders of space through the art of baking.
At the National Museum of Scotland learn how to use Scratch computer programming with a mini LEGO® rover at Code Your Own Mars Mission (11 April), or learn a new language not spoken anywhere in the world at Let’s Grow a Language! (14-17 April). Unleash your creativity at Your Robot Friend (15 April) by designing the robots you want for the future. Meanwhile Eye, Eye Doctor! (16 April) gives you the chance to be an optometrist and uncover the mysteries of how our eyes reflect our overall well-being. Or become an e-waste scavenger and make some amazing robotic musical instruments from upcycled electronic junk at E-Waste Scavengers (19 April).
Free Events for Kids:
At Discover Our Science with The University of Edinburgh (7-10 & 14-17 April) meet scientists and discover what they’re working on in the drop-in space and have a go at being a scientist. Activities will be different each week of the Festival.
Calling all child scientists –the Festival is conducting a survey that aims to understand how children and adults think about conservation and insects, with prizes offered to those who take part in Moral Minds (7-10 April).
There is lots more to enjoy for families across the city at Edinburgh Science Festival partner venues The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Edinburgh Zoo and Dynamic Earth.
At the Botanic Gardens, highlights include hands-on workshops, Botanic Labs, talks on Plant Power, Botanics Lab, events using LEGO® bricks to explore how plants thrive, and explorations of the incredible Botanics’ Herbarium. More Royal Botanic Garden highlights here.
Families can have a wild day out at Edinburgh Zoo with animal experiences, natural resource workshops and conservation events aimed at all ages. More Edinburgh Zoo highlights here.
At world-class science centre and planetarium Dynamic Earth, families can meet microorganism, marine and sustainability scientists, explore a nature nursery trail, come face to face with some real creepy-crawlies and find their inner palaeontologists. More Dynamic Earth highlights here.
Around the City and beyond
You’ll find Science Festival events all over the city and in some of Scotland’s picturesque coastal towns. Let the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) experts lead you on a free and exciting journey, answering questions on the possibility of life on other planets and the technologies of the future with Family Day in Space (5 April).
Discover Edinburgh’s storied history of theoretical physics in Higgs Theoretical Physics Walking Tour (5,7,12,14 April), a tour which guides you through the nooks and crannies of beautiful Edinburgh, highlighting places associated with extraordinary physicists who have called the Scottish capital home.
At Edinburgh’s Veterinary History (9, 11, 12 April) veterinary Prof Andrew Gardiner and cairn terrier Annie treat you to a creaturely 2km walk exploring the history of veterinary education in Edinburgh and the links between human and veterinary medicine.
Perfect for all ages, dive into hands-on space-themed activities at Wonders of Space Family Festival (11 April) at Archerfield Walled Garden. Be sure to also embark on a captivating tour of the solar system along the Dirleton Solar Walk, stretching from Archerfield Walled Garden to Dirleton Village. Geologists from the Edinburgh Geological Society explore local beaches at Beach Explorers (15-18 April).
At Sustainable Skies (14-18 April), explore the future challenges faced by flight through fun, family activities with a guided tour of the Civil Aviation Hangar to find out more about the future of sustainable flight at the National Museum of Flight.
At DiscoveryLab within City Art Centre, sensory backpacks and ear defenders are available free of charge from the ticketing desk on the ground floor, and there will be a Quiet Space on the third floor where visitors can take a break from the excitement. Although particularly designed for those with autism or sensory needs, these resources are available to everyone.
As in previous years, the Festival presents a series of BSL-interpreted events.
Visit the Festival website for more information on accessibility.
As part of 
Jurassic World (2015) Saturday 11th April 2026 | 8pm
