The Swansea Science Festival returned  on the weekend of  26th and 27th October 10am - 4pm, at the National Waterfront Museum -the largest Festival of its kind in Wales! We were delighted that the festival welcomed 2120 people through the doors on Saturday and  2784 on the Sunday.

The Festival kicked off with a pre-weekend highlight at the Taliesin on Friday, 25th October, featuring 'The Magical Mr West' and his enchanting performance, Crafty Fools. The grand finale on Monday, 28th October, showcased the much-loved TV presenter Andy Day with his exciting show, Andy’s Dino Rap. 

Throughout the weekend there were free  exhibitions showcasing groundbreaking research at Swansea University where members of the public could just drop in to explore hydrogen energy, meet robotic dogs and cats, uncover the secrets of ancient Egyptian mummification, and even learn how to love a maggot!
The Swansea University Maggot Research Group have spent many years
looking at the science behind a particular wound therapy, available worldwide,
and on UK NHS Prescription, called Maggot Therapy.

We have discovered and isolated key antibacterial and biological molecules
secreted by maggots, which work to disinfect and heal chronic wounds.
BUT, public awareness and knowledge regarding the clinical use of maggots to
heal wounds is not very well communicated or understood in the UK, nor are
these lovely and useful creatures looked upon very favourably by the public! The Love a Maggot! exhibit is designed to turn the fear, disgust or disdain for
maggots on its head! It aims to change the cultural pre-existing negative perceptions towards maggots, and showcase what these marvellous maggots
can do, the science behind what they do, and whythey should be revered and loved by all!!

There were also lots of hands-on workshops and inspiring talks that delve into the mysteries of oceans, the wonders of electricity, and the incredible stories of people shaping our world and  highlights over the weekend  included a science rap workshop with presenter Jon Chase, insightful talks with TikTok star Big Manny, renowned explorer Ray Mears, and wildlife TV presenter Megan McCubbin.

Whether you're making, exploring, or discovering, there was  something to inspire everyone at the Swansea Science Festival 

The theme for National Engineering Day 2024 is 'engineering role models'.

Our national awareness day aims to make the UK's engineers and engineering more visible and celebrate how they improve everyday lives and shape the world around us for the better. This year, we want to move the public to marvel at engineers, be amazed by their achievements, and be awestruck by their feats of engineering.

We are asking engineers a question: who inspired you to be who you are today? 

Our research shows that engineering-specific role models are a strong influencing factor on young people to choose engineering. So we are seeking role models to inspire the next generation to take up careers in engineering - and we need your help. In a bid to recruit a new, more diverse generation of engineers, we're asking for nominations of engineering role models. 

If you know an inspirational engineering role model, please ask for their permission to nominate them. On National Engineering Day we will be unveiling statues of your chosen role models, brought to life in creations fit to move and inspire the next generation.Download our toolkit to find out more about the many ways you and your organisation can get involved with National Engineering Day.
Get invovled :Download our toolkit to find out more about the many ways you and your organisation can get involved with National Engineering Day.

National Engineering Day Toolkit.

DVLA Code Challenge 2024

After a brilliant response to last year’s competition and hundreds of questions about when the next one would be starting, we have launched the DVLA Code Challenge for 2024.

This year the Challenge is open to children and young adults from the age of 7 to 18, so your School, College or Group can enter any or all of the three categories

• DVLA Code Challenge for students aged 7 to 11
• DVLA Code Challenge for students aged 11 to 16
• “Commerce in Code Challenge” for students aged 16 to 18

The Code Challenge enables students of all ages to develop their problem solving, teamworking skills and improve their knowledge of computer programming in a fun and innovative way and also to win thousands of pounds of IT Equipment for their schools or Groups.

The competition prize giving event will be hosted by Sian Lloyd (Journalist and Broadcaster) on Tuesday 3rd December 2024 and a Prize Draw to win IT Equipment.

To register for the event in any of the categories just read the Competition Terms and Conditions and send us the completed registration form. You’ll find all the information you need on our Downloads page.

You can get free tickets to join us on site at the Richard Ley Development Centre in Swansea or online from our Ticketsource page, just click here. 

The Big Bang Competition

Know the next space explorer or climate change hero? Got an idea that will transform people’s lives?

Inspire inquisitive minds to think big, challenge facts, ask questions and invent solutions with the UK’s top annual science, engineering and technology competition. Young people are amazing – help them shine and change the world.

Join the fun! (…and develop skills along the way)

• Build confidence and teamwork skills
• Solve problems
• Get expert feedback
• Celebrate and share your work

The Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Competition is free, and is open to young people in the UK aged 11 to 18 in state-funded secondary education, who are home educated or who enter as part of a community group. Competitors can only enter one project, either on their own or as part of a team. 

The Big Bang Competition will open in the autumn term. Sign up here