Anybody attending the Glastonbury festival this year can learn more about space travel, climate change, and many more topics at the festival’s new Science Futures area. This area promises games, music, demonstrations, and lively discussion.
All those visiting the Science Futures area can ask scientists questions about anything, including some of the world’s most critical problems and potential and exciting ways to solve them. The main aim is to counter the misuse of science on social media, including political spin and fake news. Some performances will take place at the Laboratory, while most of the stands and exhibits will be located at the Futurarium. Stalls to visit include Arctic Basecamp, Sex & Bugs & Rock’ n Roll and the Plant Power Station, while the Sound Canopy will show an audio journey from deep underground to outer space.
“Science Futures is all about sharing the curiosity and fascination of scientific discovery,” said Science Futures coordinator Dr. Emma Sayer from Lancaster University. “Lots of people see science as technical and complicated, but we’re showing that it can be accessible and a lot of fun. Science Futures is science, Glasto-style.”
This initiative is supported by multiple universities and organisations, including the University of Exeter, Lancaster University, and the Geological Society. “Events like Glastonbury bring a diverse range of people together, allowing them to speak face-to-face about important issues such as climate change,” said Professor Richard Betts MBE, from the University of Exeter and the Met Office Hadley Centre. “We’ve found that a lot of people welcome the opportunity to find out more about what they’ve heard on the news and social media.”
“We all want a green future, but that means facing the reality of an Arctic that is warming three times faster than the rest of the planet,” added Professor Gail Whiteman of the University of Exeter Business School and founder of Arctic Basecamp. “What happens in the Arctic doesn’t stay there. That’s why we’ve brought a real Arctic Basecamp to Glastonbury. By sharing our knowledge and passion for climate action, we hope to inspire and be inspired by this unique audience.”
Shows include:
• The Matt Palmer Band
• Do Science with Ian Dunne
• Biodiversity Blockbusters
• Rocket Science Demos
• Tenable by Tony
• Soapbox shorts
• The Great Ape Challenge
• Ask A Scientist Q&A
Stalls at Science Futures will include:
• Arctic Basecamp involving a group of researchers specialised in the Arctic and calling for action from global leaders to address the dangers of climate change
• Sex & Bugs & Rock ‘n Roll’s where researchers will share their fascination for the natural world and make science accessible to everyone.
• The Plant Power Station to address sustainable agriculture issues in an entertaining and engaging way with those attending the festival. Scientists will lead visitors through games and activities to discuss essential matters, including carbon footprints, pest management, GM crops, and others.
• Waves of Change involving a team of anthropologists, climate scientists, and artists to produce short animated films with young people imagining a positive future with regard to our fight against climate change.
For more information and the full line-up, as well as news and announcements as the festival approaches, visit https://glastosciencefutures.org.