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Exeter to host prestigious science festival
For Immediate Release
28 April


Wind farms, genetics, hypnosis and obesity – just some of the issues that will be explored at the BA Festival of Science when it comes to Exeter this autumn. From 4-11 September, the city will be alive with science, with everything from talks and workshops for the public at the University of Exeter to forums and film festivals in the city and beyond.

“Each year, the BA Festival of Science moves around the UK, connecting science and its related issues with the public,” said Roland Jackson, Chief Executive of the BA. “This year at Exeter, not only can everyone meet and discuss burning scientific issues with the UK’s top scientists, but they can also take part in a wide variety of stimulating, challenging and entertaining events throughout the city and beyond.”

The BA Festival of Science attracts over three hundred of the UK’s top scientists. This year speakers will include Lord Robert Winston and Suzi Leather, Chair of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority. The core of the BA Festival of Science will be hosted by the University of Exeter.

Speaking about its involvement, Professor Steve Smith, Vice-Chancellor, said: “At Exeter, in addition to our strong and wide ranging science teaching, our research goes from strength to strength, with modern new laboratories, two new research centres and the Peninsula Medical School, which we opened jointly with Plymouth University. Our University campus is close to the delights of Dartmoor, the South Devon coast and the best country pubs in the world. Great science in a great location – what better place for the BA Festival of Science?”

In addition to the programme at the university, the Science in the City programme will bring a laser light show above the city centre, a debate for the farming community headed by National Farmers’ Union director Anthony Gibson and an all night Sci-Fi film festival amongst a wealth of events.

Juliet Williams, Chairman of the South West Regional Development Agency, which is sponsoring the event on behalf of South West England, said: “I am delighted that this prestigious gathering of scientists and the widespread audiences it draws is to come to our region. South West England has been instrumental in driving advancement in science and technology for generations, in particular in such areas as transport, flight and computers. We continue in that vein today. Information and Computer Technology, aerospace, marine, biotechnology and environmental technologies are all pillars of our regional economy. Indeed, we offer our scientist visitors the best that the UK has to offer not only in the variety of the South West’s cultural heritage but with its commitment to tourism.”

More information, including an online searchable programme can be found at the-ba.net/festivalofscience.

ENDS