Glasgow Science Festival

Glasgow Science Festival Volunteering

We recruit a team of reliable and motivated volunteers who can get involved in many different aspects; from demonstrating science activities at our events, welcoming guests, supporting event evaluation and helping behind the scenes - generally making sure our events run smoothly.

Find out more about being a volunteer and how to apply below.

Two GSF volunteers standing behind an activity table holding paper flowers.

Applications

Applications to volunteer with us as part of Glasgow Science Festival 2026 are now closed. Applications for 2027 will open in Autumn 2026.

Why Volunteer?

Being a GSF volunteer is a highly rewarding experience which will allow you to develop communication, event delivery and public engagement skills. All while building your confidence and networking abilities within public engagement. Being a GSF volunteer is an ideal introduction to public engagement with research. This can help shape your own public engagement and research interests.

We offer:

  • An introduction to public engagement at UoG.
  • 'On-the-job' training to ensure volunteers get the most from the experience.
  • Information about other UoG public engagement opportunities.

GSF volunteering is officially recognised by the following organisations, allowing your GSF hours to contribute to the following awards. You can do this in the following ways:

UofG Volunteering Award

Open to all students. Sign up through SRC and your GSF volunteering hours will contribute to your volunteering award. Volunteer awards will be added to your Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR).

To sign up visit the SRC website

MVLS Undergraduate Skills Award

Personal development and skills programme open to all MVLS undergraduate students. Students can gain formal recognition for extra-curricular activities undertaken during their time at the University of Glasgow. 

Sign up for the award on the MVLS website

MVLS Graduate Skills Award

Personal development and skills programme open to all MVLS PGT students. Students can gain formal recognition for extra-curricular activities undertaken during their time at the University of Glasgow. 

Sign up for the award on the MVLS website

Hear from a previous volunteer

Hear from Cameron, one of our 2024 volunteers, about his experience volunteering with Glasgow Science Festival

Who can volunteer

Volunteers must be current University of Glasgow students aged 18+. We welcome students from any degree stage. PhD students from MVLS and CoSE can also to apply to our extended public engagement training scheme. GSF in Action

Two people in the Glasgow Botanic Gardens wearing blue T-shirts. Standing behind two tables with tablecloths that have the Glasgow Science Festival logo. The people are waving to the camera.

Application Process and Timeline

Applications open

Applications usually open in the autumn.

Applications close

Applications close on Friday, March 13th 2026.

Info session

Applicants will be invited to an info session in late March which outlines what is involved.

Availability

March – April applicants must confirm availability throughout the festival period, we welcome volunteers who are available to volunteer for 2 – 11 days.

Selection

Successful applicants will be notified in April.

GSF26

GSF26 will run from Thursday 4th – Sunday 14th June 2026.

Person sitting at a table with people colouring in

Teresa Abonambugre

'Volunteering at GSF was an incredibly rewarding experience for me. Interacting with diverse groups of people during the festival was super fun and I gained insight into communicating effectively, while contributing to making science accessible.'

Two GSF volunteers sitting behind a table with craft materials and blue table cloths. A child is standing holding a paper flower and smiling at the camera.

Leah Howie

'Being a GSF volunteer was such a fun way to engage with the Glasgow community whilst building new skills!'