Pioneering British Science Festival heading to North West next year
The British Science Festival, one of Europe’s longest-established science events, will be held in Liverpool next year.
The British Science Association (BSA), Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) and the University of Liverpool said the event will take place over five days next September, between 10th and 15th, featuring roughly 100 free events, exhibitions, performances and installations that celebrate the people, stories and ideas at the heart of science.
Celebrating the 194th anniversary of the Festival, and working in partnership with the two co-hosting universities, the BSA will bring its flagship event to the city of Liverpool for the first time since 2008.
Hannah Russell, Chief Executive of the British Science Association, said: “The vibrant and diverse culture of Liverpool make it the ideal setting for our Festival, and I know that as a result the programme will be spectacular.
“It is a real honour for the BSA to be working alongside not just one, but two, world-leading research institutions in 2025, and I feel confident that we will achieve our shared goals of showcasing the transformative research and innovation taking place at Liverpool John Moores University and University of Liverpool.”
Established in 1881, the University of Liverpool is a globally-recognised institution that delivers world-class research and education.
Associated with nine Nobel Laureates, the university has an illustrious association with science and innovation. In 1896, an X-ray of a bullet in a boy’s hand was taken by the university’s Professor of Physics, Oliver Lodge – the first time X-ray photography was used for surgical purposes in the UK.
Today, the university is spearheading innovative approaches to materials discovery for net zero solutions, transforming medicine and healthcare through therapeutics, and uncovering the deepest secrets of the universe with unique technology and expertise in particle physics.
Prof Anthony Hollander, Pro Vice Chancellor for Research and Impact at the University of Liverpool, said: “Liverpool is a vibrant centre of research, education, science, and storytelling which will provide a fantastic setting for the Festival.
“As a world-leading Russell Group University embedded in our wonderful city, we have a cutting edge research and science portfolio with both local and global impact. We look forward to collaborating with Liverpool John Moores University and wider regional partners to deliver a brilliant Festival programme for everyone to enjoy.”
Liverpool John Moores University is a distinctive, unique institution, rooted in the Liverpool City Region but with a global presence.
Over the past 200 years, LJMU has pioneered the first formal classes in navigation studies, when astronomy was used to guide ships across the seas and was the first UK university to launch the BSc Climate Change degree.
Today, its scientists are operating the largest robotic telescope in the world, inspiring the next generation of space explorers, using AI to aid wildlife conservation, conducting forensic research and facial depiction to assist the criminal justice system, and utilising its sports science expertise to support Olympic research and inclusion.
Prof Keith George, Pro Vice Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange at Liverpool John Moores University, said: “The Festival will showcase the impactful and transformational work the universities and others undertake to promote innovation, social responsibility and a change for good.
“A festival of celebration that brings people and science together for mutual benefit and learning is going to be a flagship event for Liverpool and the city region.”
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “As Mayor, building on the region’s history of innovation, I’m working to make our area an R&D powerhouse, forging ahead with new developments in health and life sciences, artificial intelligence and a wide range of other areas.
“Inclusive events like this are perfect opportunities to capture the imagination of the next generation and get them interested in the sciences.”
