Hands-on Science

Feb 03, 07:15 AM

Current Headlines: Newcastle Science Festival chair Linda Conlon introduces a nine- day extravaganza of workshops, exhibitions and family activities.

Now in its fifth year, the Newcastle Science Festival has come a long way in a short space of time, with more than 100 exciting events taking place in March. It is one of the largest and most popular festivals of its kind in the country, and welcomes leading scientists, writers and broadcasters to the region.

Coinciding with National Science Week, the festival offers lots of great events, hands-on family activities, debates and demonstrations.

There will be a wide range of topics for everyone to get involved with and enjoy, from contemporary issues such as climate change and stem cell research to the mysteries of body language and the science of taste.

Highlights this year include talks from TV presenter Kate Humble on British birds, BBC 2's Penny Poyzer on going green and the chance to join the Northern Kites team to track rare Red Kites.

The ever popular Dr Bunhead, star of Sky TV's Brainiac, will be making an explosive appearance, and visitors can discover the science behind chocolate in the Chocology lecture. You can also learn about the science behind the World's Funniest Joke with Professor Richard Wiseman.

Science plays a crucial role in all our lives and we can boast a proud scientific heritage, with many world firsts stemming from the North-East. This pioneering spirit continues today with the region at the forefront of leading research in the fields of genetics, stem cells, ageing and energy.

This work has been boosted by the Newcastle Science City initiative, which aims to establish North-East England as one of the world's premier locations for the integration of science and business. The festival plays an important role in making science accessible to everyone.

jOrder your festival brochure on (0191) 243-8292 or email: lectures@life.org.uk. All the information is available at: www.newcastlesciencefestival.co.uk

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