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BU is a key partner in Dorchester’s annual celebration of science during the British Science Week (7-16 March 2025), significantly contributing to its success and educational impact. The Dorchester Science Festival features diverse scientific events, culminating in the Family Science Day on Sunday, March 16th, at the Dorset Museum & Art Gallery.
The university’s involvement brings valuable research expertise and hands-on learning experiences to attendees of the Family Science Day, contributing to the 24 science stalls on offer. BU staff and students actively share their research with children and families, representing various fields including Neuroscience and virtual reality (MINE Research Cluster, Xun He, Fred Charles Charles and Damla Kuleli); Forensic Sciences (Richard Paul and Nikky Jones); Biomedical Sciences (Anna Mantzouratou and Sarah Upson); Biological Sciences (Demetra Andreou); Marine Conservation (Jocelyn Elson-Riggins); Microbial Ecology (Genoveva Esteban).
These presentations offer hands-on activities for visitors of all ages, increasing BU’s visibility in the local community while promoting understanding of scientific issues and encouraging interest in STEM fields. BU’s involvement demonstrates its commitment to widening participation in science and creating positive impact in the community, helping to make the Dorchester Science Festival an engaging and educational event that inspires future generations of scientists and fosters connections between academia and the public.
Professor Genoveva Esteban from the Department of Life and Environmental Sciences (SciTech) co-organises the Dorchester Science Festival and the Family Science Day in collaboration with the Town Council and others. The Dorchester Science Festival has been funded by the Royal Society of Biology, the Institute of Physics, Dorchester Town Council, Market Cross UK LTD and the Dorset Museum & Art Gallery.
Full programme of events can be found on the Festival’s facebook page. For more info, please contact Genoveva Esteban gesteban@bournemouth.ac.uk