MyGlasgow News

The programme for the 2014 Glasgow Science Festival has been launched, with the University of Glasgow playing its customary key role in the organisation and delivery.

Festival Director, Dr Deborah McNeill, said: "It’s the Year of Homecoming and a momentous time for Scotland. Glasgow is buzzing under the international spotlight as the city prepares to host the Commonwealth Games and offer its legendary hospitality to the world. We are aiming for a memorable summer with an exciting mix of science and innovative events."

From June 5 to June 15 adults and children will be able to explore the frontiers of research through live comedy, film, exhibitions and hands-on activities. Seizing the Commonwealth Games theme, the Festival organisers are planning a series of good humoured public debates, including: “Is elite sport good for you?” and "If Usain Bolt was a bacterium, which would he be?”.  For arm-chair sports fans, there's a session entitled: “Know Your Whisky” which is advertising a delectable blend of uisge beatha and science.  Naturally, a follow-up session is called “Hangover Hypothesis” and will try to discover the best way to abate the inevitable "sair heid".

Staying with a Commonwealth Games theme, a debate being hosted at the University in the Sir Charles Wilson building which will seek to ask: "Why are Different Nations Good at Different Sports? Three experts will examine genetic, environmental and cultural factors to address this question.

Elsewhere, zombies, sharks, knitting, music, cocktails, art, and cabaret are all on the list of unlikely science topics being lined up for the Festival. The organisers are hoping that University staff will be so inspired by some of this year's activities they'll want to come up with their own ideas and submissions next year! 

You can find out much more about the Science Festival here:  www.glasgowsciencefestival.org.uk 

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First published: 24 April 2014