Edinburgh Science Festival

09/09/2024

📣 We are thrilled to welcome our new Director & CEO, Hassun El-Zafar, to the Edinburgh Science family!

In his recent inspiring LinkedIn post, Hassun shared his reflections from a journey to the base of Nanga Parbat in Northern Pakistan. His experience, from the stillness of the mountains to the pressing realities of climate change, highlights the profound impact of science on our world and the importance of science engagement in communities.

We've put this in a blog form so it's accessible to everyone to read. 👉 https://bit.ly/3AMBYn9

Hassun brings with him a deep passion for science communication, rooted in his background as a former science teacher. He’s committed to advancing our world-class programmes, from the renowned Edinburgh Science Festival to our extensive work in schools and communities across Scotland.

As we face new challenges in the landscape of science communication, Hassun’s vision and leadership will guide us forward, ensuring that we continue to lead in innovative and creative science engagement. We’re excited for the journey ahead and the impact we’ll make together under his guidance.

Welcome aboard, Hassun! 👏 🚀

09/09/2024

🌟 Inspiring Career Path with Fatima Asif! 🌟

Fatima Asif joined us in 2023 to share her inspiring journey of finding the right career path. Initially, she tried accountancy but soon realised it wasn't for her. Thanks to her school career advisor, Fatima was directed towards engineering, where she truly found her passion.

In her story, Fatima offers valuable advice on staying true to yourself and emphasises the importance of creating a strong work portfolio. Her journey is a testament to the power of good guidance and following your heart. 💼✨

Watch the full video 👉

Fatima Asif joined us in 2023 and shared her inspiring journey of finding the right career path. Initially, she tried accountancy but soon realised it wasn't...

06/09/2024

We have saved a seat just for YOU this year at Careers Hive! 💡 Help inspire the next generation of engineers, scientists, medics, coders, makers and thinkers.

We are looking for enthusiastic, friendly volunteers currently working in any STEM field to share their experiences with our young visitors.

What YOU get out of it:
🤲 Inspire the next generation of engineers, scientists, coders, makers and thinkers
Help young people understand the breadth of job opportunities open to them
📈 Take advantage of a unique personal development opportunity
🗣 Network with other professionals in STEM careers
👏 Attend a free half-day Communicating with Confidence training course

Volunteer Roles at Careers Hive:
1️⃣ Meet the Professional – Using fun hands-on STEM activities, break the ice and chat to students about what you love about your job, how you got there and your future industry predictions.

2️⃣ Think Tank – Participate in quick-fire conversations where small groups of young people will have five minutes to ask you some face-paced career questions.

👉 Get involved – Apply now! https://bit.ly/3yYrDUR

02/09/2024

🌟 From Hospitality to Science – Hannah De Angelis’s Inspiring Journey! 🌟

Hannah De Angelis shares her remarkable journey of earning her N2 in Biology and achieving the higher qualifications needed to enter university after leaving school at just 15. Her time working in hospitality ignited a passion for Food Science and Nutrition, which eventually led her to study Pharmacology.

This dedication and passion for science have paved the way for her current role as an Associate Scientist at Merck BioReliance. Hannah's story is a powerful reminder of how perseverance and following your interests can lead to incredible career opportunities. 🔬✨

Watch the full video 👉

Hannah De Angelis shares her remarkable journey of earning her N2 in Biology and the higher qualifications required to get into university after leaving scho...

01/09/2024

Join Our Sci-Ku Competition for 2025! ✍️

As part of our 2025 Festival, we’re excited to host a major exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland, Spaceship Earth. This exhibition will explore the possibilities of a sustainable future, inspired by science fiction. And we want YOU to be a part of it!

We’re launching a Sci-Ku Competition, challenging you to imagine Earth 100 years from now. What does a thriving, sustainable planet look like to you? Put your vision into a Sci-Ku – a short, 3-line poem about science. While the traditional pattern is 5–7–5 syllables, feel free to be creative as long as it’s short, snappy, and thought-provoking.

Here is a Sci-Ku from our team for inspiration:

Lush, green horizons
Living simply but thriving
A challenge to greed
– Emily Raemaekers

Find out more about the key aims and learning objectives of this Sci-Ku challenge on our website. Let your creativity flow and help us imagine a brighter future! ✍️ https://bit.ly/479ylE2

31/08/2024

🚀 Generation Science 2025 is Now On Sale! 🚀

We’re bringing our interactive science shows and workshops directly to primary schools across Scotland from 3 February – 1 April and 6 May – 6 June 2025. Don’t miss out—book by Friday, 11 October to secure your spot at last year’s rates! 🕒

Workshop Highlights:
🌍 Day or Night? – Travel the world and explore the roles of day and night.
🌡️ Our Changing Climate – Discover how our planet's climate is changing and what we can do to protect it.
⚡ Electric Explorers – Generate green electricity with your own movement and race mini-robotic creatures!
🔬 Fizz, Boom, Bang – Dive into chemistry and create colorful chemical reactions in this hands-on workshop.

For more info or to book your Generation Science visit, call us at 0131 553 0321 or email [email protected].

Secure your school’s spot today and get ready for a year of science fun! 🎉

Thank you to our 2025 supporters: The City of Edinburgh Council, Edina Trust, The Scottish Government, STMicroelectronics NV, Baillie Gifford & Co, Elgin Energy, The Gannochy Trust, Syngenta, Walter Scott & Partners, and our Catalysts those who remain anonymous.

30/08/2024

🌬️ Children Were Blown Away by the Wind Turbines at Fringe by the Sea!

Earlier this month, North Berwick was buzzing with excitement as families and kids were captivated by the wonders of wind power at the Fringe by the Sea!

SSE Renewables in collaboration with Edinburgh Science, hosted the Energy Makers workshop – a free, hands-on event where children got to design and test their very own paper turbines in a wind tunnel. This fun, interactive activity not only sparked curiosity but also educated young minds about the importance of renewable energy and the role offshore wind plays in a sustainable future.

Held in the Lodge Grounds, the event ran from August 2 to 11 and was part of the larger Fringe by the Sea festival, a 10-day celebration of arts and community. The workshop was a hit, drawing in many eager young engineers and their families, all keen to learn about how wind turbines can help combat climate change.

SSE Renewables and Edinburgh Science share a common goal of achieving a net-zero future, and this event was a fantastic way to inspire the next generation to take part in that mission. The backdrop of the upcoming Berwick Bank offshore wind project served as a reminder of Scotland's leadership in green energy, with the potential to power over six million homes!

🌱 This event was more than just fun – it was a step towards educating and empowering young minds about the future of energy. Here's to a future driven by the wind and powered by creativity!

29/08/2024

🌟 Join Us at Careers Hive 2024! 🐝

We are gearing up for our exciting STEM careers event, Careers Hive, held at the National Museum of Scotland. Designed for S1–S3 pupils, Careers Hive is an immersive experience that inspires young minds to explore their future in STEM. We’re looking for passionate individuals to join our team in two key roles:

1. Zone Leader
As a Zone Leader, you’ll oversee one of our five event zones, ensuring everything runs smoothly and safely.

2. Experience Guide
As an Experience Guide, you’ll be on the front lines, engaging with students as they explore the Careers Hive exhibition and auditorium.

What We’re Looking For:
🗣️Natural Communicators: You can easily connect with young people.
🤝 Leadership Skills: (For Zone Leaders) Experience in supervising teams and managing events.
👥 Facilitators: Confident in presenting and engaging groups of students.
❤️‍🔥 Passion for Youth Development: Whether or not you have a STEM background, your enthusiasm for inspiring the next generation is key.

Application Deadline: Sunday 15 September
🔗 Find out more and apply now: Zone Leader https://bit.ly/46UlghT
Experience Guide https://bit.ly/4dLRX3m

Join us in making a difference in the lives of young people!

28/08/2024

🐝 Buzzing with Collaboration 🍯

This summer, we hosted Energy Makers – a wind turbine workshop at Fringe by the Sea in North Berwick. As part of the activity, we needed 1,500 little wooden blocks drilled with 2 holes each. Quite the task! Luckily, the talented folks at the Lyceum Edinburgh workshop were recommended to us, and they stepped up to help us out.

But here's where it gets even better – we found out that we could repay the favour to the team at the Lyceum in Edinburgh by supporting their buzzing bee project! We couldn’t bee-lieve it! 🐝

And speaking of bees, as we gear up for our commissioned project in Los Angeles, USA this November, we’re bringing a workshop all about pollinators, including elements from our Little Giants workshop, which focuses on bees and the crucial role they play in our ecosystem. ♻

It's a full circle moment – building wind turbines at mini-festivals, supporting local bees, and spreading the word about pollinators to L.A.! 🌼

🤝 SSE Renewables teamed up with Edinburgh Science to bring the Energy Makers workshop – a free, hands-on event designed especially for curious young minds.

( #1, #2 Photo credit: Lyceum Edinburgh)

28/08/2024

We couldn't bee-lieve we could repay Lyceum Edinburgh the favour of drilling holes into 1,500 wooden blocks with compost for their bees to keep warm!🍯🐝

27/08/2024

We're Hiring a Director of Sales and Marketing!

Edinburgh Science is the creative force behind the world’s first science festival, and we're expanding globally! We're on the hunt for a dynamic Director of Sales and Marketing to lead our commercial growth and take our brand to new heights.

What You’ll Do:
🌎 Drive revenue and expand our global reach
📊 Lead innovative sales and marketing strategies
💼 Manage high-profile clients and a passionate team

What You Need:
🚀 Proven B2B sales and strategic marketing skills
🎨 Leadership experience and a love for creativity
🌐 International sales experience is a plus!

Ready to make an impact? Apply Now 👉 https://bit.ly/3AHxcYf

We also have opportunities for Experience Guides, Zone Leaders and a Senior Manager – Production and Technical. Check our website for more information. https://bit.ly/3SvbtJd

26/08/2024

🔧 Inspiring Career Journey! 🔧

Anni Piirainen shares how her passion for math and physics led her to study Mechanical Engineering. Reflecting on her journey, Anni emphasises the importance of self-confidence, which played a crucial role in her path to becoming a Technical Project Manager for BlueFloat Energy.

Her story highlights how dedication to one's interests and belief in oneself can open doors to exciting career opportunities. 🌟

👉 Watch the Video

Anni Piirainen shares how her passion for math and physics led her to study Mechanical Engineering. Reflecting on her journey, Anni emphasises the importance...

19/08/2024

📚 Attention Teachers – Unlock a World of Opportunities for Your Students! 📚

We're excited to invite S1–3 students to experience Careers Hive at the National Museums Scotland from October 28 to November 2. This unique event is designed to inspire and engage students as they explore diverse career pathways in STEM fields.

Each visit includes interactive exhibitions and discussions with early-career STEM professionals who will share their journeys and answer students' questions. The event is free for state schools, offering an invaluable opportunity to showcase how STEM skills are transferable and applicable across various industries.

Don't miss this chance to help shape your students' futures. Book your school's visit today and inspire the next generation of STEM innovators!

🌟 Book Now https://bit.ly/4fIp9dF

19/08/2024

🚀 Join Our Team at Edinburgh Science as a Senior Manager - Production and Technical! 🌍

Edinburgh Science delivers one of Europe’s largest science festivals, a nationwide primary school program, and international projects. We're dedicated to inspiring people of all ages to explore and understand the world around them.

About You:
We're seeking a skilled leader to oversee the operations of our major UK and international projects. You'll lead our Production and Operations team to deliver top-tier science events.

About You:
🌟 Strong event production expertise, ideally in large-scale festivals
🌟 Excellent organisation, project management, and technical skills
🌟 Experience in health and safety, with a NEBOSH qualification preferred
🌟 Ability to collaborate effectively with partners and colleagues

Find out more about this role on our website – https://bit.ly/3SvbtJd

How to Apply:
👉 Visit our careers portal to apply with your CV and cover letter
📝 Applications close on Thursday, 5 September
🗣️ Interviews will be held on Wednesday, 18 September

18/08/2024

🔍 Journey into Forensic Science with Ashleigh Whiffin! 🦋

In 2022, Ashleigh Whiffin joined us to share her dream of becoming a forensic scientist. Her passion led her to an exciting career path at the National Museum Scotland, where she now works as a curator of entomology, managing a fascinating collection of insects.

Ashleigh reflects on her journey and offers advice she would give her teenage self, emphasising the importance of following your passions and being open to unexpected opportunities. Her story inspires those who aspire to carve out a unique career path by staying true to their interests. 🌟

Watch the full video 👉

Ashleigh Whiffin joined us in 2022 and shared her dream of becoming a forensic scientist. Her passion led her to an exciting career path at the National Muse...

17/08/2024

🚨 Attention all parents and teachers 🚨

This year, the Edinburgh Science Festival featured custom-designed BSL (British Sign Language) posters! 🪧🦖 These beautiful and informative posters were thoughtfully created to enhance the festival experience for our Deaf and Hard of Hearing community members.

🌟 Free downloadable BSL posters for parents & teachers 🌟
Our BSL posters were displayed throughout the festival, ensuring everyone can enjoy and engage with the fascinating exhibits and activities. The best part? These posters are now available to download for free from our website! 🪐

📥 Download the Posters from our website https://bit.ly/3X5Gw0x

👏 Special thanks to the talented designers at Vandepeear Creative who made this possible.

Help us spread the word about this fantastic resource and ensure that science is accessible to all! 🤟

16/08/2024

🐝💡These interactions are central to our Careers Hive project💡🐝

Anna Solek joined us in 2023 and shared her inspiring career journey with S1–3 pupils. She offered invaluable advice and tips on how she became a successful software engineer and an apprentice.

Watch the full video to learn from Anna’s experiences and discover how your children can follow a similar path!

👉 Watch Now

Anna Solek joined us in 2023 and shared her career journey with S1–3 pupils. Here’s some advice and tips about her journey and how she became a software engi...

13/08/2024

Energy Makers at Fringe by the Sea ♻️🌬️

Last week, SSE Renewables teamed up with Edinburgh Science to introduce kids to the fascinating dynamics of wind power through our Energy Makers event at Fringe by the Sea. ♻️🎪

This free drop-in workshop was designed for children and families, offering an engaging way to learn about renewable energy and offshore wind.

Windmills at the SSE Renewables Wild Side Tent

06/08/2024

📚🎊 Live Like an Astronaut – Edinburgh International Book Festival 👩‍🚀🚀

🗓️ Mon 12 Aug 1.45pm–1.45pm
📍 EFI Spiegeltent, Edinburgh
💷 £15.50 (concessions £13.50/£10.50)
🚀 Developed with support from Creative Scotland through the Scottish Government’s Expo Fund

What does the future hold for our fragile planet? Join us for Live Like an Astronaut, where science fiction meets science fact. Explore the concept of 'Spaceship Earth' and our finite resources. Hear innovative ideas from Scottish writers Martin MacInnes, L R Lam, and Eris Young, alongside technologists. This event is a unique collaboration between the Edinburgh Science Festival and the Book Festival, chaired by Charlie Pike.

Don't miss this exciting opportunity to envision sustainable living! Buy Tickets Now

From Mon 12 Aug - What future for our fragile planet? In this creative collision of science fiction and science fact, we explore the idea of ‘Spaceship Earth’ and envision our planet bound by the finite resources it…

03/08/2024

🚀📣 Be a part of our Mission – Are you interested in partnering with us for 2025?

We are currently welcoming event idea submissions for the next Science Festival, which runs Saturday 5 – Sunday 20 April. The Festival will explore the challenges of living on a planet with finite resources, through the lenses of science fiction and space exploration, with the theme Spaceship Earth. 🌏

🚀📣 This year, we are looking for... 📣🚀

📍Local visitor attraction or public-facing venue and want to host your event(s) in your own space.
🎙️ Talks and discussions – fascinating conversations for adults and young people
aged 12+.
🎪 Family Shows – engaging entertainment for children and families that can be run in a raked theatre-style setting.
📡 Digital – high-quality, immersive digital experiences and resources that can be shared with an online audience.

Every year around 150,000 people engage, interact and immerse themselves in science-related culture through our annual Science Festival. We produce a world-class Science Festival, support schools to educate young minds, create stimulating on-demand content, advocate for climate and sustainability, undertake community engagement and more, all to put that little extra bit of science and tech into the lives of many.

Submit your Idea now if you're interested in being a part of our mission! https://bit.ly/3Ah5qRW

02/08/2024

♻️ 🌟Upcoming Free Event 🌟♻️ Get blown away by the wonderful world of wind turbines at Fringe by the Sea ! 🌊 🎏️

Learn how air can exert force and why the blades of a wind turbine spin. Children can create their own turbines and test them in the awesome tunnel. This free drop-in event, Energy Makers is a great introduction to renewable energy.

📍Lodge Grounds, North Berwick (10–15 minute walk from the Train Station)
🎪 Wild Side tent
⏱️ 10am–5pm | Free drop-in activity
📆 2–11 August

SSE Renewables is a leading developer and operator of renewable energy generation with over 1,300 employees all playing a critical role in keeping global warming to a 1.5˚C pathway.

🗺️ Find out more about getting to Fringe by the Sea: https://bit.ly/3M7weHj

01/08/2024

👀🌟 Sneak peak today of the blooming 22-year-old Amorphophallus titanum (Titan Arum) at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

This endangered plant, Titan Arum famously known for its foul smell – is blooming for the fifth time.

The odour it produces when flowering every few years attracts pollinators that love to feed and breed on flesh. The flower only lasts three to four days before entering a rest period!

New Reekie is now 252cm tall, following the weekend's warm weather! Conservation activity is happening behind the scenes and the plant is beginning to bloom for the fifth time. ✋📣

01/08/2024

🎉 We’re delighted to have received funding from The National Lottery Community Fund (The National Lottery Community Fund) to support our year-round community outreach work! Thank you, National Lottery players, for helping us make a difference! 🎉

Thanks to this funding, we are able to share our fun and immersive science activities with an audience who don’t usually have the chance. 👏 This includes guided visits to the Science Festival, delivery of STEM workshops to community groups and mini-Festivals in community hubs. This funding from the The National Lottery Community Fund will help us reach 2000–2500 participants.

📣 Kate Still, Scotland Chair of The National Lottery Community Fund, said: 📣 "Every day National Lottery funding is changing the lives of thousands of people in communities across Scotland. This project delivered by Edinburgh Science Foundation is a great example of community activity in action, showing just what can be achieved when people come together for a common cause or to help others."

Thank you, National Lottery players, for helping us make a difference! 🌟

🤝 Find out what this funding is going towards – https://bit.ly/3YqCp0o

25/07/2024

Last week, we had the pleasure of performing family-friendly science activities and adventures at three local community groups in Edinburgh – Craigmillar Library, Wester Hailes Library, and North Edinburgh. 🌟

We welcomed around 750 community members who had the opportunity to dive into the wonders of science.
🔥The event included a pop-up science show featuring exciting experiments
🪸Children got the opportunity to explore the secret world of coral through art
🦖Children learnt about fascinating creatures by building enormous dinosaurs from foam bones

A huge thank you to Pizza Geeks for donating 60 pizzas – their gift stole a "pizza" everyone's hearts. 🫶🏼

👏 Events such as this wouldn't be possible without our community supporters: Baillie Gifford & Co, Scottish Children's Lottery, The National Lottery, The Scottish Government, Stafford Trust, our Catalysts and those who prefer to remain anonymous.

19/07/2024

Join our team and help us with our mission to make science accessible to all! We're currently recruiting for three roles at Edinburgh Science:

Trusts Officer (Fundraising)
✨ £27,000–£29,500 per annum
🗓 Permanent
🕐 Full-time

The perfect opportunity for an enthusiastic and organised individual with fundraising experience, this role is responsible for identifying and securing financial support from a wide range of trusts and foundations.

Volunteer Coordinator
✨ £420 per week pro rata
🗓 Mid-August to early November
🕐 21–35 hours (initially part-time, increasing to full-time hours)

We are looking for a confident, and enthusiastic Coordinator to recruit and manage STEM volunteers to participate in Careers Hive.

Education Sales Assistant
✨ £420 per week pro rata
🗓 Mid-August to mind-November
🕐 21 hours

We are looking for a clear communicator who can build strong relationships to sell our Generation Science shows and workshops to schools across Scotland.

Find out more on our website:

Jobs & Opportunities In this section About Us Latest News Our Policies Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Environmental Policy Ethical Policy Jobs & Opportunities We believe in inspiring, encouraging and challenging people of all ages and backgrounds to explore and understand the world around them. We are...

15/07/2024

✨ We're looking for a Volunteer Coordinator to join our team!

This fixed-term role will recruit and manage STEM volunteers for our Careers Hive event. This role runs from mid-August to early November.

🚨 Deadline is Sun 28 Jul – find out more here: https://bit.ly/3SvbtJd

Jobs & Opportunities In this section About Us Latest News Our Policies Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Environmental Policy Ethical Policy Jobs & Opportunities We believe in inspiring, encouraging and challenging people of all ages and backgrounds to explore and understand the world around them. We are...

12/07/2024

Join us next week for some free family fun as we take some of our exciting hands-on science activities into to the community!

Enjoy pop-up science shows, explore the wonder of magnets and build enormous dinosaurs out of giant foam bones!

🗓️ Thu 18 Jul 2024, 11am–3pm
📍 West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre

🗓️ Fri 19 Jul 2024, 11am–3pm
📍 Wester Hailes Library