July 2012 marks the return of Cardiff Science Festival (a.k.a. Gŵyl Gwyddoniaeth Caerdydd), after a break of nearly seven years. Science festivals are popping up all over the country, especially with the popularity of Cheltenham Science Festival and the long-running British Science Festival (this year taking place in Aberdeen), so it’s about time Cardiff put itself back on the science map.
So, starting Monday 9th July, Cardiff will play host to a spectacular line-up of scientists and science communicators from across the UK in a range of science-themed events, lectures, exhibitions, music and comedy shows across the city. There are more than forty family and adult events over the week, including a few in which I am taking part:
- Engineer’s Question Time, with Professor John Harries (the Welsh Government’s Chief Scientific Advisor) and Eluned Parrott AM (Assembly Member for South Wales Central) on Thursday evening;
- A Raspberry Jam (organised by Lucy Bunce with CAS Wales and Technocamps) on Sunday morning, if you want to show off or learn more about the Raspberry Pi;
- The first Welsh Science Showoff on Sunday evening, where I will attempt to justify to a room of scientists why everyone should study a bit of computer science.
It’s shaping up to be an excellent week! While the majority of the events are free, many require registration, so please check the CSF website, as well as @CdfScienceFest on Twitter, for the latest news, information and updates.
And don’t forget to read and sign the Welsh Geek Manifesto Pledge!