York Festival of Science & Technology

11 - 20 March 2011
Venues Across York
SPACE BUSES, SUPER SONIC CARS AND GADGETS GALORE! –

IT MUST BE THE YORK FESTIVAL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2011

It’s almost time again to ditch those science text books and park those painful memories of bamboozlement. You can even leave the lab coat and safety specs at home.

This March, the York Festival of Science and Technology returns and the city promises to be bursting with special exhibitions, talks, film screenings, live performances and a host of hands-on activities – all offering the chance to get truly hands on with science and delve into the depths of discovery.

Now in its 14th year and held annually within the UK’s National Science and Engineering Week, between 11 – 20 March in 2011, the York Festival of Science and Technology spans a 10 day, packed programme of events put together by Science City York (SCY) and partners, and involving the collective talents of an array of top names from the world of science.



Topping the bill in 2011 will be Ortis Deley and Pollyanna Woodward from Five’s flagship programme The Gadget Show.

Ortis and Pollyanna will launch the science festival in style on Friday 11 March with a whistle stop tour of the wonderful world of gadgetry.

The opening weekend also sees science literally popping up in all sorts of unexpected places across York’s city centre with special busking treats, table top experiments and even a space bus where intrepid festival goers can build their own rocket.

Festival favourite Dr Marty Jopson makes a welcome return to explore the crazy early history of communication devices; and there’s even a fantastic opportunity thanks to St Peter’s School in York to find out more about the extraordinary ‘Bloodhound SSC (Super Sonic Car) – The 1000 mph Car’ from world land speed record holder Andy Green OBE.

The 2011 Festival stages a very special public debate on Friday 18 March organised by the University of York in partnership with Research Councils UK. ‘Energy for Our Future: Have Your Say’ will explore the possibilities and key issues surrounding future energy provision.

To tackle climate change, there is a clear need to reduce our carbon footprint and alongside reducing our demand for energy, it is likely we will need a mix of different low carbon technologies such as nuclear, wind, biofuels and carbon capture and storage. But what are the pros and cons of each of these and where should the emphasis be?

This debate brings some of the UK’s leading academics working at the cutting edge of energy research to talk about the possibilities for our future energy provision and provides a chance to put your queries and concerns to the assembled panel of experts.

Full details of all Festival events and activities are available from www.scy.co.uk/yfst