Northern Ireland Science Festival
Description
The annual Northern Ireland Science Festival features a wide range of interactive workshops, talks and exciting hands-on activities.
The festival offers a stimulating and wide range of events focusing on the wonders of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. These events present some of the best scientists from NI and beyond to discuss their work, cutting-edge research and what the future might hold.
During the day, the festival offers a range of workshops, tours talks and interactive activities for people of all ages. In the evening we present an eclectic mix of experiential events including scientific debate, talks, theatres, comedy, music, and film for adults and much more.
Let your mind wonder...
For the programme of events visit www.nisciencefestival.com, follow the festival on Facebook or contact info@nisciencefestival.com for further information.
Bronze - Green Tourism Accredited
- The Crescents Arts
- 2-4 University Road
- Belfast
- Antrim
- BT7 1NH
Contact Details
- The Crescents Arts
- 2-4 University Road
- Belfast
- Antrim
- BT7 1NH
Current Opening Hours
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Tuesday
10:00-17:00
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Wednesday
10:00-17:00
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Thursday
10:00-17:00
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Friday
10:00-17:00
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Saturday
10:00-17:00
The Animal Body Book with Jess French
Join children's author and vet Dr Jess French and explore how animal bodies work, and the amazing things they can do.
Crescent Arts CentreLook Closer (Screenings & Workshops) | NI Science Festival Roadshow
Enjoy an exciting adventure as the Regional Roadshow Team presents "Look Closer and Discover Nature!"
Various LocationsStoney Beginnings – Prehistoric Axe Heads and the Geology and Archaeology of Co. Antrim by Ian Enlander
This event will explore the link between the unique geological and archaeological history of stone axe production in Co. Antrim.
Chemistry & The Celts
Step back into the Iron Age and immerse yourself in the world of the Irish Celts with Scientific Sue!
Visualise Your Music
Charlie Hooper-Williams shares the tricks of his trade in this hands-on workshop as you develop your own interactive visuals.
The Ethics of AI – Navigating the Future
Join Dr. Charlotte Blease, health informaticist, Holly Toner for an engaging discussion on the ethical challenges of artificial intelligence.
Crescent Arts CentreThe Science of the Menopause
GP and women’s health expert Dr Philippa Kaye discusses questions on the menopause, including symptoms, lifestyle choices, and treatment.
Jules Howard – Infinite Life
Join zoologist Jules Howard as he explores the fascinating evolution of the animal egg, the unsung hero of survival and evolution.
Innovation in Action: An Engineering Research Showcase
This showcase event will feature a mixture of presentations, interactive displays, poster sessions and tours.
Retro Game Design
In this MakeCode Arcade workshop, young people will tap into their creativity and coding skills to build their own 8-bit video game!
Discover History and Myth Through Wimmelbilders
Explore the history and myths of historically significant buildings through drawing with pen.
Public Record Office of Northern IrelandNI Orienteering – Mussenden Temple
Come along and explore the stunning National Trust grounds of Mussenden perched above the north coast.
Fungi Fun / Spraoi na mbeacán
Delve into the magical and mysterious world of mushrooms in this family-friendly workshop.
Humanity’s Giant Leap: Exploring Space & Sustainability
Join for an exciting and interactive event that bridges the gap between planetary exploration, sustainability, and practical climate solutions.
2 Royal AvenueRelax More, Stress Less
This talk and workshop examines how stress impacts the body and mind, activating the sympathetic nervous system.
NI MedTech Saving Lives
A set of three short talks followed by a panel session will showcase how NI MedTech is helping save lives via new products, research and innovation.
The Wonderful World of Pharmacy: Living Longer, Better Lives with Medicines
Discover how Queen’s University Belfast’s School of Pharmacy advances healthcare through cutting-edge research and education.
A Beginner’s Guide to Aurora Chasing
Explore the science behind the aurora borealis with award-winning geography teacher Alistair Hamill.
Belfast ExposedEoghan Daltun with Joe Mahon
Join broadcast legend Joe Mahon as he interviews Eoghan Daltun about The Magic of an Irish Atlantic Rainforest.
A Beginner’s Guide to Aurora Chasing
Explore the science behind the aurora borealis with award-winning geography teacher Alistair Hamill.
Belfast ExposedCharlie Hooper-Williams
Award-winning pianist and developer of the app Shazam, Charlie Hooper-Williams bridges the worlds of technology and music like few others can.
Crafters of the Forge
Are you ready to ignite your creativity and delve into the world of traditional craftsmanship?
NI Orienteering @ Florence Court
Come along and explore the stunning National Trust grounds of Florence Court in Co Fermanagh.
MEGA 3D! The Biggest Animals that Ever Lived with Jules Howard
A fascinating celebration of the world's most enormous animals!
Crescent Arts CentreThe Golden Hare: Storytelling & Art with Paddy Donnelly
Join a Family Storytelling and Drawing Workshop as Paddy shares Meara and Grandad’s search for the mythical golden hare.
Synth Hackathon 2025
Join a hands-on, two-day workshop with Belfast’s Noise Guaranteed, where you’ll design and build unique electronic musical instruments and experiences.
Introduction to Pet Acupuncture
Join to explore the science behind veterinary acupuncture and how it might work in supporting your pet's health.
Queen’s Biology Showcase
Do you know your badger footprints from your hedgehog paws? Would you ever eat an insect? Do you know how to get the sequence of a…
Maritime Mile Sound and Light Photography Tour
Discover the Maritime Mile on a Sound and Light photography tour.
Maritime Belfast TrustAll Things Dog: Sentient Beings in Northern Ireland
Join Tara Cunningham from Causeway Coast Dog Rescue charity for an engaging talk exploring All Things Dog.
Paws and Play – Safe and Happy Dog Interactions for Families
"Paws and Play" is a fun and interactive session led by Dogs Trust as part of NI Science Festival 2025.
How To Survive in Space with Dr Dan & Dr Raph
CBBC’s Operation Ouch! presenters Dr Dan and Dr Raph bring the exhilarating experience of space adventure, space science and space medicine to Earth.
How Clean is Your Phone?
Discover how everyday objects, like your phone, can harbor germs—and explore the best ways to keep them clean!
Healthcare Heroes – Step Into the Simulation
This event invites young people and families to explore healthcare professions through interactive experiences.
Dogs that Sniff Out Data! – Conservation Detection Dogs NI
A talk by Dr. Caroline Finlay from Conservation Detective Dogs Northern Ireland as part of NI Science Festival 2025.
Microbes and Medicine: A Journey from Oral Health to Cancer Research
Explore the fascinating interplay between microbes, health, and cutting-edge cancer research in two engaging talks by QUB researchers.
Doctoring James Joyce
Dive into the wonderfully weird world of James Joyce, Ireland's literary icon with an unexpected scientific twist.
Mini Moon – Space Robot Party
Join for an afternoon of joyous dancing with colourful friends and take part in a fun, learning event about funky robots.
Dog Training: The Science Behind It
In this talk Dog Behaviourist Dr. Tara Cooper will invite you to explore the science of dog training and behavior.
Inside the Lab – The Science of Cell Culture at QUB
Join for an engaging event where you’ll discover how scientists grow and study human cells—like blood vessel, nerve, muscle, and immune cells—in the lab.
Visualised Karaoke
The best science-themed karaoke in the country returns and this year the singing will be analysed and rendered visible right in front of your eyes.
National Geographic Explorers Talk
Dr. Lucy Hawkes, a migration expert, earned her PhD from Exeter in 2007, pioneering sea turtle tracking.
QUB Experimental Medicine: Imaging Core Facility Tour
Are you curious about the hidden world of microscopic life and cutting-edge research?
Paws on the Ground: The Realities of Search and Rescue Dog Team
Join Trevor Hartley and his mischievous cocker spaniel, Tess, for a 30-minute talk about the world of search and rescue dogs.
Digging Up the Past: Dogs in Archaeology
Join HERoNI archaeologist Bronagh Patricia Murray to explore our relationship with our four-legged friends as evidenced in the Irish archaeological record.
Sound on Paper
Sounds can be harder to think about than sights, so we often make pictures of sounds. What can we see in these images and what do…
Canine Care – Tips for Happy, Healthy Dogs
In this talk the wonderful trainers and carers from Dogs Trust will provide essential information on good dog ownership.
Wild hills / Cnoic fiáin
Join forager and folklorist Aoife de Bhál for a guided walk through Cavehill country park.
Belfast Castle Estate & Cave Hill Visitor CentreAstrophysics for Supervillains with Matt Bothwell
Learn how to destroy the universe with the power of astrophysics!
Crescent Arts CentreDodos Are Not Extinct with Paddy Donnelly
Dodos are extinct, right? WRONG! They’re not! They’re just in disguise, and they’re not the only ones.
Ulster Museum‘Love Your Beach’ Valentine’s Litter Pick
Come along this Valentine’s weekend to Portstewart Strand for a spring litter pick with Mae Murray Foundation.
Belfast’s industrial Heritage: The Signs of Past Industries on our Streets
Join a two-hour walking tour through Belfast’s city centre, uncovering remnants of the linen, shipbuilding, whiskey, printing, and engineering industries.
Belfast City HallExploring the Universe with Maggie Aderin-Pocock
Join space expert Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock for an inspiring talk on the groundbreaking James Webb Space Telescope.
A Palette of Possibilities: Celebrating Kidney Health
Join for an afternoon filled with interactive activities and inspiring talks.
Meep and the Mission to Mars – Book Launch
Join award-winning author Máire Zepf and illustrator Paddy Donnelly for the launch of their new picture book, Meep!
Crescent Arts CentreMount Stewart’s Amazing Microclimate
Explore Mount Stewart’s unique gardens, known for their Mediterranean and exotic plants, while learning about the impact of climate change on their future.
Mount StewartPox, Plagues & Paupers: Horrible Histories of Belfast
Explore 19th-century Belfast's struggles with disease, poverty, and body-snatching on this tour led by historian Dr. Robyn Atcheson.
Living with Lynx: Sharing Landscapes with Big Cats, Wolves and Bears
Join Dr Jonny Hanson for the launch of his book Living with lynx: Sharing landscapes with big cats, wolves and bears.
The Science of Superheroes in Film and Television
Using clips from films and shows, Prof. Francis Keenan of Queen’s University Belfast explores the science behind abilities like flight and super-strength.
Not Quite The Mensa Quiz
Test your brainpower at ‘Not Quite The Mensa Quiz’! Join for a fun-filled evening of hard(ish) science trivia, mind-bending questions, and plenty of laughs.
Oh Yeah Music CentreFollow the Raindrop
‘Follow the Raindrop' at Dorisland Water Treatment Works with NI Water's Scientific Team.
An Anatomical Workshop on Respiration and Deglutition (Breathing and Swallowing)
Explore the science of breathing and swallowing in this interactive workshop using 3D animation and advanced graphics.
Caddisflies – Sculptors of the Stream Bed
This talk introduces you to some of the amazing members of this insect group, showing some of the intricate cases that they construct.
Ulster MuseumThe Technology of the Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland
Join experts from Trinity College Dublin and PRONI at the NI Science Festival to explore the Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland.
Public Record Office of Northern IrelandExpress Yourself Social Cafe – Robot Expression
They've rounded up the robots and they will join the Express Yourself Social Cafe crew for an afternoon robotic rendezvous with their friends from Sentinus.
Exploring the Science of Critical Illness
Join members of the Critical Care and Respiratory research group from Queen's University Belfast as they talk you through the science of critical illness
Data – Securing Our Future or Dominating Our Lives?
As part of Queen's University Belfast's 180 Year Celebrations (Queen's 180), they would like to immerse you in the exciting but challenging world of data.
Astronomy on Tap
Grab a drink, enjoy some food, compete in activities to win space-themed prizes, and most importantly, laugh and learn about all things space.
Lavery’s BelfastFameLab – Northern Ireland Final
Experience the thrilling showcase of scientific talent and communication at FameLab Northern Ireland’s live final.
Rocks from Space!
Join world-renowned expert Professor Monica Grady from the Open University for a captivating lecture on meteorites.
The Future of AI and Humanity
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly impacting many aspects of modern life which raises the question of what the future holds?
Causes and Consequences of Toxic Masculinity
Join Dr Paul Caplat from Queen’s University Belfast as he explores the economic cost and societal impact of ‘toxic masculinity’.
The Daycare Myth: A Conversation with Dr. Dan Wuori.
Join Ulster Univeristy's Professor Victoria Simms for an engaging discussion with Dr Dan Wuori on The Daycare Myth.
The Science of Archives – Behind the Scenes Tour of PRONI
Join at the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour during the NI Science Festival.
Public Record Office of Northern IrelandDNA and your Family History
Mitochondrial DNA testing is changing. Testing has been available for a number of years but has been of limited use to genealogists up until now.
Public Record Office of Northern IrelandEnergy Efficiency in your Home
Frightened of "decarbonisation"? Well, let's think of energy efficiency first - the basic things you can do to reduce your energy bills.
Unearthing the Heat Beneath our Feet
‘Rock up’ to a very special night at the museum for the premiere of a short film examining the power and potential of geothermal energy in…
Ulster MuseumThe Story of the Protected Wreck, La Girona
Join Dr. Rory McNeary for an illustrated talk on the Protected Wreck, La Girona.
Ulster MuseumDroneVirus – What Made My Drones Go Rogue?
By participating, you'll gain a hands-on understanding of how drones (aerial and ground)-the most commonly used vehicles-are vulnerable to a large extent.
Robo Bingo – Interactive Alt-Bingo For Introverts
Bingo meets tech. Join IT consultants, Lloyd and Pete in their interactive show for introverts. Expect robots, comedy and light-hearted gambling*.
Spoken Word Flight
Imagine a beer flight where each beer is the backing track for a mini-lecture or story.
Boundary TaproomFoyle Science Showcase
Join at the Foyle Arena, Derry for an exhilarating day of discovery at the NI Science Festival 2025!
Grace’s Transport Timeline
Join Grace Webb, presenter of CBeebies Grace's Amazing Machines, for an engaging exploration of the historic machines occupying the Ulster Transport Museum!
Ulster Transport MuseumHow do we learn about learning?
This event will offer an interactive set of activities for families to learn more about child development research
Ulster MuseumConnecting & Sharing Through Food
We need a deeper and more diverse understanding of food in Belfast.
Spine or Spineless ? Vertebrates and Invertebrates?
This workshop will delve into the vertebrate and invertebrate inhabitants of the natural world.
Open Sound Lab
The Open Sound Lab offers hands-on interaction with diverse technologies such as Ableton Link, DJ decks, and electronic instruments.
Climate Emergency Department
Have you ever wondered what the healthcare of the future might look like?
Northern Ireland’s Hidden Depths – A Journey into our Underwater World
Join the team from QML for a virtual dive showcasing high-resolution 4K video of some of Northern Ireland’s unique underwater habitats.
Ulster MuseumMars: The Complete Guide with Brendan Owens
A Book Talk with author and expert astronomy communicator Brendan Owens as he talks his new book, Mars: A Beginner’s Guide to Exploring the Red Planet.
My Left or your Left? The Science of Right Left Confusion
Do you ever struggle telling right from left? Or are you amazed at why some people find it challenging?
A History of Ireland in Ten Body Parts
Skulls, heads, hands, height, legs, sex organs, blood, brains, stomachs, ears and corpses – discover Irish history through the prism of the body.
Ulster MuseumOcean – Bringing Marine Dreams To Life with Steve Backshall
Steve Backshall’s Ocean is a love letter to the most exciting environment on our planet and a great way to learn more about what we need…
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