Science explodes back with the British Science Festival

But that’s just the beginning! Day one of the festival offers a packed schedule of activities, talks, and workshops that are sure to spark curiosity.

Here are just a few of the sessions, taking place at our Docklands Campus today, that you can pop along to and explore…

Step into the future with Professor Julia Davidson’s interactive dive into the metaverse. This emerging virtual space is reshaping the way we interact online, affecting everything from health to cybercrime. Join Professor Davidson for Step into the metaverse, an all-day drop-in session, where you don VR headset to explore how this evolving digital frontier might impact your life. 10.30am to 5pm – East Building, Atrium.

If nature’s mysteries intrigue you, don’t miss Sally Cutler’s all-day drop-in session, Nature’s Vampires. Here, you’ll learn what to do if bitten by a tick, examine these tiny creatures under the microscope, and discover how her research team is working to better predict and prevent tick-borne diseases. 10.30am to 5pm – West Building, The Lounge.

For those curious about modern health choices, To Vape or Not to Vape? led by Dr Mohammed Meah, delves into the ongoing debate about vaping as a healthier alternative to tobacco. Running throughout the day, this activity explores how different forms of smoke affect heart and lung cells and understand the long-term impacts on health. 10.30am to 5pm – West Building, The Lounge.

Meanwhile, Jamie Edwards invites you to test your diagnostic skills in Too Tired to Test. NHS staff often work under intense pressure, and Jamie’s eye-tracking technology shows how fatigue can affect decision-making. Step into the shoes of a healthcare professional and see how you’d fare in this fast-paced environment. 10.30am to 5pm – West Building, The Lounge.

Ever wonder why we sweat? The session BO and Beyond takes a deep dive into the biology of body odour. Discover the science behind smelly compounds and learn about cutting-edge technologies aimed at combating sweat's side effects. 10.30am to 5pm – West Building, The Lounge.

Another highlight is A Message from Afar, where Martin Dominick and his team explore the possibility of communicating with extraterrestrial civilisations. With the universe teeming with potential life forms, is it time we made contact? This session invites participants to consider what we might say - and how. 10.30am to 5pm – West Building, The Lounge.

Mental health in the digital age is another hot topic. In his presidential address, Professor Ian Tucker, alongside Research Fellow Ainul Hanafiah, will explore how digital technology is reshaping mental health care, presenting both challenges and opportunities for the future. 11am to 12pm – West Building, Auditorium.

Health and wellbeing also take centre stage with Dr Gulnar Ali’s introduction to SOPHIE, a reflective tool designed to promote psychological and spiritual well-being. In Heal Yourself explore how this innovative method supports healthcare professionals in navigating the existential questions that arise from their work. 4pm to 5pm – East Building, EB.G.10.

In Health Inequalities: More Sociology than Biology, Professor Winston Morgan challenges outdated notions of race and medicine. His talk highlights how historical misconceptions in science continue to marginalise certain communities and emphasizes the need for a more inclusive approach to healthcare. 1pm to 2pm – East Building, EB.G.08.

Dr Emma Cunningham will address one of the most pressing social issues of our time in her talk, Changing the Culture of the Police Force – Met Steps. Dr Cunningham sheds light on how institutional changes can transform policing practices and foster more equitable approaches. 2pm to 3pm – East Building, EB.G.10.

If you’re passionate about the environment, don’t miss Hanna Mroczka’s workshop Tiny Forests, which teaches participants how to become urban scientists. In this hands-on session, you’ll learn how to measure biodiversity and help support ecosystems in the heart of the city. 12pm to 1.30pm – East Building, EB.G.06.

For sports enthusiasts, The Winning Edge: How Elite Athletes Get to the Top of the Podium brings together a panel of Olympic legends, including Dame Katherine Grainger, Diane Modahl MBE, and Kelly Sotherton. Hear their stories and discover the science behind peak athletic performance. 4.30pm to 5pm – West Building, Auditorium.

Finally, the day closes with a thought-provoking In Conversation with Professor Kevin Fenton: BSA Presidential Address. In this intimate fireside chat, Professor Fenton will share his insights on the future of healthcare, exploring how technology, innovation, and new approaches can address health inequities and improve public health on a broad scale. 6pm to 7pm – West Building, Auditorium.