Festival of Science and Curiosity returns to Nottingham

What is FOSAC?

The Festival of Science and Curiosity (FOSAC) is a two-week festival aimed to make science accessible to children and families across Nottingham and inspire generations to be curious about the world around us. Now in its ninth year, FOSAC once again invites families to explore, experiment and examine; to be curious, to ask questions, and to seek answers.

Running from Monday 5 to Friday 16 February, the festival will focus firstly on exciting experiments and sharing world-leading research in schools and colleges. During the second week, over half term, it’s open to the wider public with lots of free family-friendly events and workshops across the city.

Over 25 scientists and researchers at the University of Nottingham have embraced the opportunity this festival presents to share their passions with the public. They will encourage young minds to engage with science through hands-on experiments and activities. Here at the Institute, we are passionate about public engagement and relish in taking every opportunity to inspire people of all ages to gain insights and be curious about the ever-changing world around them.

The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing

Igniting curiosity

The Nottingham Festival of Science and Curiosity is produced by local education charity Ignite!, with support from a wide range of festival network organisations including the Institute for Policy and Engagement and the wider University of Nottingham team. Megan Shore, Festival Producer at Ignite!, shares her excitement for this year’s event:

We’re delighted to bring the festival back for another year. Our aim is to ignite curiosity and offer families, particularly those who may not typically have access to STEM-based activities, the opportunity to experience hands-on, enriching STEM experiences. We’re sure this year’s programme will once again, delight and inspire budding young scientists and their families!

With over 9,500 people engaged in last year’s festival it is easy to see how this event, centred around this very belief, continues to grow and succeed.

What to look out for

The public activities will kick off over half-term. A key highlight is a Science Fun Day at the newly opened Central Library on Saturday 10 February, and we’re delighted that lots of our researchers will be taking part!

Lisa Yon, Associate Professor in Zoo and Wildlife Medicine at the University of Nottingham, will be sharing her passion for improving the lives of elephants. Through interactive games and 3D holograms, festival attendees will be encouraged to explore how research supports the wellbeing of these powerful and intelligent animals:

I love sharing my passion for elephants and the work we've been doing with facilities all around the world, to try and help provide the best possible lives to elephants

Lisa will be joined by other academics and speakers, including Jez Turner, Assistant Professor from the Faculty of Engineering. Jez will be sharing his passion for space through the story of the lunar landing, with some exciting demonstrations and a few surprises.

Our activity shines a spotlight on the role engineers played in the mission and introduces this important event to another generation.

Dr Daniel Jolley, Assistant Professor in Social Psychology, will also be there, inviting families to explore ‘The Conspiracy Kitchen’. He has a specific motivation for wanting to engage with younger audiences on his research, as he explains:

I hope that guests leave our exhibit feeling excited about learning something new and knowing that the conversations also help inform our future work at the University

Come say hello!

There is lots more to see too as we have been busy supporting University of Nottingham staff to promote their research and show the impact of public engagement on key topics. Check out the full programme of events to find out more about what we’re up to, with stalls in libraries and community spaces across Nottingham.

For example, the public plays an important role in informing researchers at the School of Medicine to develop clinical trials for new treatments. Making models of your skin and designing a hat to help keep your skin safe in the sun are some of the fun, hands-on activities being delivered by the Rapid Eczema Trials team.

For full information about the festival visit the website. We’ll also be keeping you up to date on our social media with all the latest updates from the festival.

Help us celebrate curiosity, ask questions and take a leading role in finding out the answers!