The British Science Association are now accepting applications from staff at the University of Southampton to take part in the British Science Festival in 2026.
The British Science Festival鈥攐ne of the UK鈥檚 longest-running and most prestigious public science events鈥攚ill be hosted by the聽University of Southampton, 16 – 20 September 2026.
This is a unique opportunity for colleagues to engage and connect with diverse public audiences with their research and activities in fresh, creative, and accessible ways. It is open to colleagues from all disciplines, and although badged a 鈥榮cience festival鈥� looks to celebrate the full diversity of innovation and discovery.
The and closes 23:59 16 October 2025.
Announcement video for the British Science Festival being hosted at the University of Southampton
Each year, the Festival brings together 10,000+ people to explore the latest developments in science, technology, and innovation. The programme is targeted at adults and designed to spark curiosity, foster dialogue, and highlight the societal relevance of research across disciplines.
Professor Mark Spearing, Vice-President for Research & Enterprise at the University of Southampton, said: 鈥淭he British Science Festival is a wonderful opportunity to bring people and science together. It鈥檚 a celebration of the impactful and transformational role universities like ours play in creating real change that can lead to positive outcomes for people and our planet.
鈥淲e鈥檙e delighted to be hosting the 2026 Festival and look forward to being able to showcase all that our University has to offer and welcoming people to our fantastic city.鈥�
As the host institution, University of Southampton staff are invited to propose activities that will form a core part of the 2026 programme. Whether your work intersects with pressing global challenges, emerging technologies, or cultural and ethical questions, this is your chance to:
- Explore public engagement as a pathway to Research Impact
- Showcase your research/activity on a national platform
- Build reputation and connect with national media
- Connect with new audiences beyond academia
- Develop collaborations/relationships with new partners
- Hear new perspectives, ideas and spark curiosity
- Experiment with new and different ways to engage
The British Science Festival team are particularly interested in formats that go beyond traditional lectures, are participatory and subvert ideas of what science is and could be – think interactive experiences, performances, artistic installations, workshops, and unexpected interpretations.
The team are also looking for applications that weave arts, creativity and culture throughout, are carried out in partnership across disciplines and/or with local/regional partners, and enshrine equity, diversity and inclusion in the ideas.
福利着片 out more and apply