Parents and children enjoying the Manchester Science Festival

A word from...

Annie Keane, European City of Science Director

Science in the City will celebrate the wonders of science from 22 - 29 July, with over 40 free public events bringing science to life across the city centre.

The festival is an important and long-standing tradition of ESOF - taking place simultaneously with the conference. The festival is free and is designed for people of all ages who are curious to learn more about the wonders of science. The festival is also a great opportunity for delegates to experience the different ways that science can connect with the public. We have been working with many partners to develop activities including events, experiments, arts, talks and shows that will take place in museums, galleries, libraries, the town hall, shopping centres and public squares. From food, to the human body, from the future of transport to climate change, there will be something for everyone to learn and experience.

I am delighted to announce that further details of the programme will be announced next week, please visit www.manchestersciencecity.com to explore the events we have planned.

Women in science: how to reboot the system?

Women have historically been under-represented in the different fields of science. Despite progress in many countries in attracting women to research careers over recent years, the most influential and high profile positions are still predominantly occupied by men and much still needs to be done to get female scientists into these posts. Why do women continue to be under-represented in high level positions in science, be that management, leadership and/or highly competitive awards?

This session will feature Professor Dame Athene Donald, recipient of L'Oréal-UNESCO Awards for Women in Science Award (2009).

Big projects – going beyond the realm of science

The Square Kilometre Array (SKA), the world’s largest, most powerful radio telescope, will extend over 2,000 miles across eight Sub-Saharan states, with cores in South Africa and Australia.. The SKA project offers a canvas on which a new kind of science diplomacy takes place: one that has the potential to support development agendas in a progressive way, empowering nations and people through training, education and access and exposure to new technologies.

Are we ready to accept the challenge of exploiting the numerous possibilities created by global science projects like the SKA?

Announcing our topical sessions, including Professor Brian Cox

Our topical sessions will discuss and debate the issues the ESOF 2016 Programme Committee have identified as essential to a complete and current scientific programme. With sessions on gravitational waves, global pandemics, doping in sport, and scientific advice and innovation, these sessions will explore the latest scientific breakthroughs, the challenges science is facing, and debate the policies that will ensure continued scientific progress in a rapidly changing world.

Scientific research at the University of Manchester

Opening Doors on Responsible Research and Innovation

This special pre-conference event takes place on Sunday 24 July at the main conference venue, Manchester Central, and focuses on the theme of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI). The event will feature debates and practical workshops and reflects the significant number of strong RRI proposals submitted to the ESOF programme.

You can find out more about this special pre-conference event on our website here.

bluedot tickets still available

We have a limited number of day-passes for bluedot festival up for grabs! Bluedot coincides with the ESOF opening weekend celebrations and features music, talks and science.

These passes are only available to registered delegates and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Included in your pass is access to the festival on Saturday 23 July and coach transport from the city centre to the observatory. To get your ticket email info@esof2016.eu.

Grant Recipients

Grants to attend ESOF have always been an important part of ESOF. They ensure that the media have the chance to attend and get the first scoop on the breaking news that happens at ESOF.

We are delighted to announce the recipients for the Nature Travel Grant and the ESOF Media Grant have been selected and will see over 30 media delegates attend the conference in the summer.

We look forward to welcoming them to Manchester!

The ESOF 2016 team are hugely grateful to the following organisations who have committed to supporting the Forum and the Science in the City Festival in Manchester in July. These organisations are; at Principal level, BT, Johnson & Johnson, Manchester Airport, MSP, Siemens and Wellcome Trust. Also joining us are Addleshaw Goddard and KPMG as Principal Supporters and Nature, Unliver and Waters at Executive level. Our Supporting Partners include COST, La Caxia Banking Foundation, NCP and Elsevier. Without their support, it would not be possible to deliver ESOF 2016. Thank you.