Glasgow Science Festival 2026

From assistance dogs to sniffer dogs, working canines use science every day. Meet real-life furry professionals and uncover how training, behaviour and biology help them excel with speakers and dogs from the University of Glasgow, Guide Dog Scotland and Therapy Dog Nationwide.

Venue: Kelvin Hall, 1445 Argyle St, Glasgow, G3 8AW
Date: Fri 5 June
Time: 7pm to 9pm  
Booking: Booking required through this GSF Eventbrite link
Cost: Free 

What's On?

7pm - Dr Caitlin Merrill, Clinician in Small Animal Pet Care Practice at the University of Glasgow: Learn about dog biology and the science behind what makes dogs good at their jobs.

7.20pm - Jemma Sharp and Mika, Flat Coat Retriever from Therapy Dogs Nationwide talking about what it takes to become a therapy dog and the impact of dogs on people.

7.40pm - Zein Almaha Rami Wahdan Oweis and Mitch, Golden Retriever from Guide Dog Scotland and the University of Glasgow – Hear about Zein’s lived experience as a guide dog user.

8.00pm - Speaker and dog to be announced

8.20 – Round Up and Meet and Greet – Opportunity to meet the dog handlers and say hi to the dogs. Attendees may only touch the dogs when directed by the handlers.

---

Please note dogs will be present at this event therefore animal dander will be present in the room.

During the event, we ask all attendees:
- Not to distract the dogs; this includes calling, making noise and touching the dogs
- Not to take pictures of the dogs
- Not to eat during the event or to feed the dogs

At the end of the event, there will be an opportunity to meet the dogs and the handlers. Attendees may only touch the dogs when directed by the handlers.

First published: 27 April 2026