Tag: One World: Science Connects Us

See Luke Jerram’s In Memoriam at The Botanic Gardens

Presented as part of this year’s Edinburgh Science Festival, Luke Jerram’s In Memoriam is a touring art work displayed at the Royal Botanic Garden, marking its first visit to Scotland.

The installation is a temporary memorial for the public to visit and remember all those we have lost from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In Memoriam is also made in tribute to all the NHS health and care workers who have been risking their lives during the crisis. Referencing those people who have been in hospital and care homes during this crisis, the flags are created from NHS bed sheets and arranged in the form of a medical logo.

Luke Jerram is a world-renowned artist whose multidisciplinary practice involves the creation of sculptures, installations and live arts projects. Luke is now known globally for his innovative large-scale public artworks, including the famous Museum of Moon, experienced by more than 10 million people worldwide. 

Luke Jerram said: “It’s amazing to be part of the Edinburgh Science Festival and to present my artwork In Memoriam in Scotland for the first time, in the beautiful surroundings of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

“I hope it will allow the space and time for reflection to those who need it.”

Amanda Tyndall, Festival Director said: “We have long been committed to the merging of science and the arts to provide the public with meaningful interactions with the science so central to all our lives.

“Luke’s work is a wonderful example of the power this can have and is a moving and fitting tribute to those we have lost and to the exceptional people that have helped us through such challenging times.”

Focusing on climate crisis, global pandemic of Covid-19 and celebrating women in STEM, the 33rd Edinburgh Science Festival is currently underway with a theme of One World: Science Connects Us.

Featuring over 220 in-person exhibitions, installations and a wide range of walks, tours and trails, the Festival is a perfect opportunity for people to safely get a live science experience this summer.

Its ambitious digital programme of talks, workshops and downloadable resources for people of all ages means that this year’s Festival truly connects sci-curious people around the globe.

Alongside Luke Jerram’s In Memoriam, some of the other outdoor and in-person exhibitions and walks on offer include Pale Blue Dot at the National Museum of Scotland, delving deep into all things marine, celebrating some of UK’s greatest engineering innovations – This is Engineering…As You’ve Never Seen It Before on The Mound, Women in STEM Street Art Trail, highlighting the achievements of 9 remarkable scientists through large-scale graffiti portraits displayed around Edinburgh or Oscillation in Light and Sound, an interactive exploration of light and sound using giant crystals scattered around St Andrew Square.

To browse the full programme of in-person events, walks and exhibitions in and around Edinburgh, visit www.sciencefestival.co.uk.

Calling all suckers for science!

Edinburgh Science Festival is bursting with excitement to kick off tomorrow

The 33rd Edinburgh Science Festival – the world’s first science festival and still Europe’s biggest – kicks off its hybrid 2021 edition tomorrow with a theme of One World: Science Connects Us and Cirrus Logic as its Headline Sponsor.

Featuring over 220 in-person exhibitions & installations and a wide range of walks, tours and trails (mainly outdoors), it is a perfect opportunity for people to safely get some live science this summer.

Its ambitious digital programme of talks, workshops and downloadable resources for people of all ages means that this year’s Festival truly connects sci-curious people around the globe. And with over 80% of its overall programme free it has something for everyone, from fun family activities to though-provoking discussions.

Exploring science of all sorts – from the depths of the oceans via Pale Blue Dot at the National Museum of Scotland which celebrates Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 2021 to the vastness of space and everything in between – the Festival’s fantastic live interactive events in and around Edinburgh turn the city into a science playground and kick-start a wider summer of science offerings from many of Festival’s partners.

Programming for the Planet as Scotland prepares for COP26 and celebrating women in STEM are two key focuses of the 2021 Festival.

The Festival champions and leads the way to gender balance in science events with 60% of the participants in this year’s Festival women.

The ambitious online programme is packed with inspiring speakers such as young climate activist Maya-Rose Craig, environmentalist and explorer Sacha Dench and sustainable food author Annie Bell, among many others.

Artists Shona Hardie and Kelly Wilson bring us a Women in STEM Street Art Trail and the team at Bright Side Studios deliver Elemental a new multimedia experience on the theory of the elements.

And in a year that couldn’t pass without some focus on the pandemic, the 2021 Edinburgh Medal is awarded to Prof. Heidi Larson for her work on vaccine confidence.

To explore the full Festival offer – just bursting with ideas – visit: www.sciencefestival.co.uk. 

Festival Director Amanda Tyndall said: “At heart we are deliverers of inspirational live experiences, and we are delighted that – while it won’t look quite the same as in a normal year – we are back in the live game, with a focus on getting out and about, connecting safely with science this summer and having some much-needed fun.”

Culture Minister Jenny Gilruth said: “This year’s Science Festival offers online and in person experiences that will connect audiences to an excellent line-up of speakers and events highlighting the urgency of taking action to combat the climate crisis. I urge everyone to get involved.”

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events said: “Now that the industry is taking its tentative steps back towards live events, EventScotland is delighted to be supporting Edinburgh Science Festival as it kicks off this weekend, complementing their digital programme with fantastic in-person elements that are sure to educate and entertain budding scientists and casual spectators alike.”