The British Science Festival is under way in Southampton, bringing five days of free talks, exhibitions, performances and interactive events to venues across the city.
The 195th British Science Festival began on Wednesday 16 September and continues until Sunday 20 September, hosted in partnership with the University of Southampton.
It is the first time Southampton has hosted the festival since 1992.
Around 100 free events, exhibitions, performances and installations are included in the programme, celebrating research and ideas from across science, technology, medicine, engineering, the arts and social sciences.
Events are taking place across the University of Southampton’s campuses and at locations around the city, including Mayflower Studios, John Hansard Gallery and Turner Sims.
This year’s programme tackles subjects ranging from artificial intelligence and human genetics to sustainable farming, the deep sea and how people communicate with dogs.
Visitors can also explore questions including why a robot might go to church, what happens during an autopsy and what role artificial intelligence could play in the future.
There is also a Portsmouth connection to this year’s festival.
Dr Juliane Kaminski, Associate Professor in Comparative Psychology at the Dog Cognition Centre at the University of Portsmouth, is one of the festival’s Scientific Section Presidents.
Her event, “Lassie’s Got Talent”, explores how dogs understand and communicate with humans.
Other contributors include Dame Wendy Hall, Regius Professor of Computer Science at the University of Southampton, who will discuss the future of artificial intelligence with BBC Technology Editor Zoe Kleinman.
University of Oxford researcher Yan Wong is exploring the human genome, while other sessions cover topics including psychology, food, climate, sustainable agriculture and connections between humans and nature.
The festival is also combining science with the arts.
New projects commissioned with Southampton cultural organisations include The Ocean Remembers, which brings together music and marine research; The Skate Equation, exploring the mathematics behind skateboarding; and creative performances examining the human impact of artificial intelligence.
The British Science Festival traces its origins back to 1831 and is described by organisers as Europe’s longest-standing science festival. It moves to a different UK location each year.
Get the latest ALERTS for BREAKING NEWS in the SOUTH on your phone by downloading the V2 RADIO APP today!
V2VOUCHERS.CO.UK is offering half-price deals on a wide range of experiences across the South, from meals out at local restaurants to tickets for some of the region’s biggest events.
Selsey Shantymen cancel RNLI performance
Chichester Festival Theatre nominated for two Great British Theatres Awards
Human remains identified as missing Southampton woman
Nine arrests made during targeted police operations in Bognor Regis and surrounding areas
Brighton day centre for vulnerable adults is set to close
Goodwood Revival returns today for three days of historic racing, style and entertainment
Gatwick passengers heading to Oktoberfest warned over little-known German laws
Tributes paid to woman who died in Portsmouth
West Sussex families urged to plan ahead for future care costs
Chichester man jailed for 15 years after grooming and raping teenage girl
