Highlights include:

The Edinburgh International Science Festival announced today a collaboration with a new Science Festival in Abu Dhabi to take place in November this year.  This world class event is the first of its kind to be held in the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and has been programmed and developed by the team from Edinburgh together with the Abu Dhabi Technology Development Committee (TDC), the Abu Dhabi Government entity charged with supporting the elevation of Abu Dhabi to a world-class centre for science, technology and innovation. Some twenty events from Edinburgh International Science Festival will feature in the Abu Dhabi Festival and more than forty trained science communicators will travel to Abu Dhabi to lead and work alongside local undergraduates.

The nine-day Festival aims to spark the curiosity of the Emirate’s youth in science, technology and innovation (STI) and will encompass over 150 of the world’s most exciting informal science learning experiences, including interactive exhibits, fun workshops and spectacular shows. The Abu Dhabi Science Festival will cover different fields of science, technology and innovation including robotics, aeronautics, physics, biology, chemistry and archaeology. Atomise, the interactive chemistry exhibition designed and created by the Edinburgh International Science Festival team with support from the Scottish Government’s Edinburgh Festivals Expo Fund, will travel to Abu Dhabi together with the other activities, workshops and performances created for the Edinburgh International Science Festival and further developed for UAE audiences.  The Edinburgh International Science Festival team are also co-ordinating the delivery of world class science events from countries including Sweden, Singapore, Germany and Australia. Complementing the festival’s programme as an anchor attraction, 1001 Inventions, the award-winning international touring exhibition, will have its Middle East debut in Abu Dhabi.

Dr Simon Gage, Director of the Edinburgh International Science Festival said ” We are delighted to be working with The Abu Dhabi Science Festival, which will undoubtedly become an instant global leader, one of the best events of its kind in the world, staged on a scale rarely seen before. Its extraordinary level of ambition is fitting for a nation determined to achieve success in the competitive world of technological innovation.  Science festivals were invented here in Edinburgh. There are now hundreds of them around the world, yet we are still seen as a benchmark for quality and innovation. Our interactive workshops for families are widely regarded as some of the best in the world. “

“Scotland is a world leader in science and technology, and we are a world leader in communicating it to the public and so we are thrilled that we can share the expertise and knowledge gained from our own Festival, the first of its kind in the world which will celebrate its 24^th anniversary in 2012.”

His Excellency Ahmed Al Calily, Director General of TDC, said: “The Abu Dhabi Technology Development Committee is proud to announce the Abu Dhabi Science Festival, a world-class annual event which showcases the fun and excitement of science and technology to the young people of the Emirate in a creative and new way.  We are delighted to be working with the Edinburgh International Science Festival who are recognised as world leaders in science communication for a young audience.”

As part of the Abu Dhabi Science Festival’s unique concept, members of the Edinburgh International Science Festival team will train hundreds of higher education students to become ‘Science Communicators’ and help visitors make the most of every experience. 

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs said: “Scotland is one of the world's most creative and innovative nations. The Edinburgh International Science Festival is world renowned for bringing the subject alive, inspiring future generations. This fantastic collaboration, mutually beneficial for both festivals, will raise Scotland’s profile internationally and showcase our creativity in the Emirates.”

Councillor Steve Cardownie, Festivals and Events Champion for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “The Edinburgh International Science Festival is one of the major annual highlights of the Capital’s packed events calendar. Each year, the festival’s programme concocts a heady mix of education, fun and sheer awe for people of all ages to enjoy. I’m delighted that the Edinburgh International Science Festival’s well-earned reputation has paved the way for its collaboration with Abu Dhabi and I’m sure this partnership will prove fruitful for both science festivals going forward.”

The Abu Dhabi Science Festival will run from Friday 18 to Saturday 26 November 2011.

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For further information please contact: Frances Sutton, PR Manager, Edinburgh International Science Festival, media@scifest.co.uk or 07841 579481, www.sciencefestival.co.uk

About Abu Dhabi Science Festival

The Abu Dhabi Science Festival is a major science popularization initiative that the Abu Dhabi Technology Development Committee is driving to support the building of Abu Dhabi’s world-class talent base as part of its overarching mandate to help develop Science, Technology and Innovation in Abu Dhabi. For further information please visit our website: www.abudhabisciencefestival.ae

Live for It! aims to tackle the problem of childhood obesity head on by engaging with primary and secondary students to show how leading a healthy lifestyle now, can help lead to a healthy lifestyle in the future. The programme is designed to tie in with Scotland’s curriculum for excellence in Health and Wellbeing and will initially be delivered to schools in areas with high levels of Type 2 diabetes, starting in Edinburgh and Glasgow before moving on to other areas of Scotland.

Live for it!is the newest addition to a growing programme of high quality shows and workshops developed and delivered by Edinburgh International Science Festival; the premier science outreach provider in Scotland.

Each school participates in four 90 minute sessions during which students explore topics including, diet, cooking, digestion, diabetes and how the body uses energy. The programme comprises three interactive workshops, Eat for it! – where students go on a journey through the digestive system, Go for It! where they test blood glucose and learn how our bodies convert food into energy, and Cook for It! – all about eating a balanced diet and making healthy food choices. The final session Live for It! allows the students to show off what they have learned through a series of interesting challenges, including Oscar; a life size model patient with exposed organs and a flashing red nose modelled on the ‘Operation’ board game.

Recognising this innovative work, LifeScan Scotland, Pfizer UK Foundation and Scotmid cooperative have generously supported the partnership and further funds have been raised by Diabetes UK Scotland’s own voluntary groups.

Jane-Claire Judson, National Director of Diabetes UK Scotland said: “One third of children are overweight or obese in Scotland and the impact on the nation’s future health has never been far from the public’s attention.  Being overweight or obese is a key risk factor for developing Type 2 diabetes in adulthood. Now with the support of LifeScan Scotland, Pfizer UK Foundation and Scotmid Cooperative we are able to bring information about leading a healthy lifestyle directly to the classroom.

“By working with Edinburgh International Science Festival we are hoping to give students the skills, knowledge and enthusiasm to make decisions about how to lead a healthy lifestyle. There are also almost 2000 children under the age of 14 living with Type 1 diabetes in Scotland and this project will also try to improve knowledge of the challenges school students face when they have diabetes.”

Simon Gage, Director of the Science Festival added: “Edinburgh International Science Festival has been inspiring Scotland’s school children for over 20 years with its schools outreach programme,Generation Science, which visits around 60,000 students each year. Live for It! continues this tradition by using science communicators to deliver inspiring, fun and educational workshops that give students access to the skills and information they need to make choices for change and protect their health now and in the future.  We are delighted to be working with Diabetes UK Scotland on this inspirational project, and thank Life Scan Scotland, Pfizer UK Foundation and Scotmid co-operative for their generous support.”

Malcolm Brown, Head of Corporate Communications for Scotmid said: "Scotmid co-operative is delighted to be working with Diabetes UK Scotland and Edinburgh International Science Festival to bring this vital health message to our next generation. It is important that youngsters are taught the realities of diabetes as early as possible through initiatives such as the schools programme and the Live for It! cook book. As a responsible retailer which prides itself on being at the heart of Scottish communities this is a tremendous opportunity for us to engage in such a positive way with this key audience."

Lorraine Dick, Community Relation Specialist at LifeScan Scotland said: “As a specialist diabetes company, LifeScan Scotland is delighted to help support a programme that will increase school-age children’s awareness of diabetes and improve the knowledge that they have.  Partnering with Diabetes UK Scotland and the Edinburgh International Science Festival to deliver a programme that links with the government’s education agenda is an exciting initiative, and being able to offer the workshops locally in the Highland area further enhances our commitment to our community.”

Sadie Miller, Head Teacher at Niddrie Mill Primary School said: “The school is looking forward to taking part in Live for It! and is delighted that Diabetes UK Scotland are recognising the need to talk to schools direct, so that our pupils can make informed choices about how they lead their lives and hopefully lower their risk of ever developing Type 2 diabetes in adulthood.”

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25 May 2011

For further information, please contact Stephen Fyfe at Diabetes UK Scotland on 07879812306 or 0141245 6380 email stephen.fyfe@diabetes.org.uk  or Emma Henderson, 0131 3461184, 07977134614 emma@pi-communications.co.uk

Additional information

·       Diabetes is a condition where the body can’t use glucose (sugar) properly. If untreated diabetes can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness and amputations. There are two forms of diabetes – Type 1, which usually develops in younger people, and Type 2, which largely affects people over the age of 40 and is the most prevalent form of the condition.

·       Diabetes UK Scotland is the charity for people with diabetes. One of the largest patient bodies in the country, we have over 11,000 individual members and over 40 voluntary groups in Scotland). Diabetes UK Scotland campaigns on behalf of people with diabetes, provides information and support and funds research.

·       1,898 children under the age of 14 in Scotland have Type 1 diabetes and Scotland has one of highest rates for the condition in Europe.

·       Edinburgh International Science Festival, founded in 1989, is an educational charity that inspires people of all ages and backgrounds to discover the wonder of the world around them. It is best known for organising Edinburgh’s annual Science Festival – the world’s first celebration of science and technology, and still one of Europe’s largest. Of equal importance, however, is its schools touring programme, Generation Science, which brings science to life in Scottish classrooms throughout the year. www.sciencefestival.co.uk

·       Scotmid is Scotland's largest independent co-operative now employing around 5000 people. It has over 190 convenience food stores (now incorporating Botterills) spread throughout Scotland.  It also owns Semichem, the discount health and beauty chain, operating 140 stores in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the north of England.  A new venture is The Fragrance House which offers prestige fragrances and currently has five branches in Scotland. Scotmid Funeral services operate nine funeral businesses whilst the Society's Property Division has an extensive portfolio of both commercial and residential properties throughout Scotland.

·       LifeScan is a Johnson & Johnson company.  LifeScan Scotland was created in 2001 when Johnson & Johnson acquired the UK assets of Inverness Medical Ltd, a medical device company established in Inverness in 1995 to design and manufacture glucose test strips, and design electronic meters for the global diabetes market.  LifeScan Scotland’s main product range includes the popular OneTouch® Brand of blood glucose monitoring systems, which is available globally.  The company has also developed diabetes management software, control solutions and lancing devices.

The 2011 Festival launched with a new Guinness World Record set by TV Scientist Dr Bunhead at the Usher Hall for the longest glow in the dark necklace (1071 feet or 326.44 metres). The festival continued with a wide range of hugely popular family events across the City Art Centre, Botanic Gardens and National Museum of Scotland.  With over 200 talks, workshops, events and activities in 32 venues across the city the Science Festival has retained its place as one of Europe’s leading events, playing host to the BBC’s Bang Goes the Theory Roadshow as well as such scientific luminaries as Professor Lord Robert Winston, Simon Singh, Frank Close, Professor Lord Rees and the recipient of the 2011 Edinburgh Medal, Professor Carl Djerassi.

2011 saw an expanded programme of adult talks, including a range of events curated by Guest Director, Professor Richard Wiseman on such diverse topics as psychopaths, cosmetics, fireworks and miracles.  Professor Wiseman’s Taste Test – an experiment undertaken at the Science Festival which explored the differences in taste between expensive and inexpensive wines – caught the world’s attention, with the results being broadcast as far afield as the USA, Malaysia, India and Australia.

To support the expanded programme and to work alongside Science Festival Director, Dr Simon Gage, Amanda Tyndall has joined the Science Festival as Deputy Festival Director.  For the past fifteen years Amanda has dedicated herself to communicating science in various guises -to audiences of schoolchildren, politicians and everyone in between; in venues as varied as football fields, cafes and bars and the Houses of Parliament. 

With a background as a science writer and editor she has for the past ten years focused on engaging the public with science and in this capacity has worked for The Dana Centre, the Café Scientifique network and the Royal Institution of Great Britain (RiGB). Most recently, she has spent five years in Australia setting up the Royal Institution Australia (RiAus) as a dedicated centre for science dialogue and discussion, delivering a vibrant and varied programme of events for people of all persuasions.

Amanda Tyndall said: "I have long admired the EISF as a real pioneer of some of the truly innovative ways in which science can be made both informative and entertaining. I am hugely excited to joining the team and am particularly interested in exploring novel ways in which science can be made truly accessible.  I intend to focus on taking science into new contexts via links with the arts and creative industries and forming innovative partnerships with festivals and broader cultural activities.”

Dr Simon Gage, Director of the Edinburgh International Science Festival said: “The Edinburgh International Science Festival is going through an exciting period of growth and change supported by high visitor numbers and excellent involvement from sponsors and partners. It is a delight to have attracted Amanda to the organisation – she is a talented and experienced festival programmer with a lot of new ideas. And she comes with a good dose of ‘can do’ picked up from her time in Australia. We expect great things of her and look forward to seeing her contribution to the 2012 science festival programme.”

Atomise, the new close up chemistry exhibition situated at the John Hope Gateway of the Royal Botanic Garden, is now helping pre-booked school parties celebrate the International Year of Chemistry, however is open to families and the general public every weekend until 5 June. More details can be found at www.sciencefestival.co.uk.

The 2012 Science Festival will run from Saturday 31 March to Friday 13 April.  Full details of the 2012 programme of events will be announced in February.

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Millions enjoy these displays, but how many of us know what makes a firework go BANG? Or Pop? Or Whizz? How do you make them red? Or white? Or blue? What decides whether they burst as a chrysanthemum, or horsetail or spider? Find out all this and more when Professor Jackie Akhavan explains the chemistry behind our favourite fiery celebrations at the Edinburgh International Science Festival tomorrow.

Professor Akhavan, Head of the Centre for Defence Chemistry, is involved in research and development of commercial fireworks, pyrotechnics and high explosives and will present an event packed with bangs, whistles and even small explosions.

The Science of Fireworks
Tuesday 19 April - 7.30pm - £8/£6

Tickets are available from www.sciencefestival.co.uk or from the box office on 0131 553 0322.

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For further information contact Frances Sutton, Edinburgh International Science Festival Press Office on 07841 579481 or media@scifest.co.uk.

Dr Simon Gage, director of the Edinburgh International Science Festival, said:

"the PIll is based on chemical research carried out by Carl Djerassi. It is primarily for this game-changing social innovation born out of good science that he is being awarded the Edinburgh Medal. Beyond this significant achievement, we recognise that he has committed many years of his life to the exploration of the concepts and issues of science through plays and writings. He has constantly sought ways to engage the public in debate and discussion about issues that matter to them."

Professor Djerassi said:

"As a frequent past visitor to Edinburgh, I am delighted and honoured to receive this year's Edinburgh Medal and to note that I am the first chemist among my distinguished predecessors."

The Edinburgh Medal is a prestigious award given every year to men and women of science and technology whose professional achievements are judged to have made a significant contribution to the understanding and wellbeing of humanity. The Medal is supported by the City of Edinburgh Council and will be awarded in a ceremony at the City Chambers on Tuesday 12 April 2011.

The Rt Hon George Grubb, Lord Lieutenant and Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, said:

"Professor Carl Djerassi's pioneering research work in reproductive medicine was instrumental in bringing about one of the most significant scientific and indeed social advances of the twentieth century. his tireless dedication to the cause of engaging the public with science is truly inspirational and it is a tremendous honour to present Professor Djerassi with the Edinburgh Medal for 2011."

The Medal Oration will be given by Professor Philippa Saunders, Inaugural Director of the MRC Centre for Reproductive Health in Edinburgh. This will be followed by the Edinburgh Medal Address: Science, Sex and Theatre: A Potent Brew, by Professor Djerassi where he will discuss - in part through two theatrical illustrations - the two scientific inventions that have led to the current divorce of sex and reproduction: the Pill and IVF, leading respectively to sex without reproductive consequences and reproduction without sexual intercourse.

The Vote of Thanks will be given by Dana Linnet, Principal Officer of the United States Consulate in Edinburgh.Tickets for the event are available online from www.sciencefestival.co.uk or by calling the Box Office on 0131 553 0322.

The first Edinburgh Medalist in 1989 was the theoretical physicist and Nobel Prize winner Abdus Salam. Of the subsequent nineteen medalists, three have gone on to be awarded a Nobel Prize.

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For further information please contact Frances Sutton, Edinburgh International Science Festival Press Office, on 07841 579481 or media@scifest.co.uk.

Notes for Editors:

The Science Festival team have been working on the 'perfect bubble mix' for use at the workshop and found that Original Fairy Liquid mixed with Glycerol from ReAgent Chemicals, one of the UK's leading chemical suppliers, is ideal. The festival is delighted to have received spnsorship from both companies: Fairy has donated 260 litres of washing up liquid and ReAgent has donated over 200 litres of pharmaceutical grade glycerol which should keep even the keenest bubble-blowers busy for a very long time!

World of Bubbles is one of the many activities ideal for families looking for something to do over the Easter break. There are workshops, events and experiments for everyone from toddlers to teenagers taking place over all 7 floors of the City Art Centre, and that is just one of the 30 venues hosting over 200 Science Festival events around the city in the coming fortnight - there's something to do for all the family.

The adult programme includes: Professor Lord Robert Winston exploring the impact of human inventiveness; Professor Richard Dawkins proposing evolution to promote a deeper understanding of human nature; comedian Robin Ince exploring the science of comedy and Professor Richard Wiseman and Jon Ronson discussing telepathy and psychopaths.

From homeopathy to comedy, organ transplants to Cystic Fibrosis, individual friendship to the internet, the Pill, population control, the Large Hadron Collider and the Chemistry of Fireworks, the Science Festival offers debate, discussion, information and entertainment for all.

And for those wishing to engage their inner child, the Science Festival offers the chance to enjoy all the kids' events at the City Art Centre and Atomise; and even to experience a sleepover at the Zoo in a series of adult only events.

The Edinburgh International Science Festival runs from 9-22 April across the city. For full details of the programme, and to purchase tickets, visit www.sciencefestival.co.uk or call the Box Office on 0131 553 0322.

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For further information please contact Frances Sutton, PR Manager on 07841 579481 or media@scifest.co.uk.

The funding will support ambitious and innovative projects for audiences in Scotland and overseas.  They will include collaborations between the festivals and with international artists and creators. 

The Edinburgh Festivals Expo Fund is designed to help maintain the global competitive edge of the festivals, to increase funding available to Scottish-based artists and practitioners and to encourage creative collaborations.

This year’s allocations will support a wide range of projects including:

• A Festival Pavilion showcasing Scottish creativity and innovation, and profiling the art festival in the heart of the city thanks to a project by Scottish artist Karen Forbes.
• Highly acclaimed Made in Scotland programme presenting the very best of Scottish theatre and dance.
• A World premiere of new work from international choreographer Jorma Elo by Scottish Ballet.
• Development of a Scottish film-makers forum showcasing talent to leading industry professionals from across the globe during the Film Festival.

Minister for Culture and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop said:

“Edinburgh is the world’s premier festival city.  That reputation is vitally important for the city and the whole of Scotland.  Edinburgh’s Festivals attract millions of visitors to Scotland year round from across the globe, making a vital contribution to our economy.  We are committed to ensuring they continue to flourish. 

“That is exactly why we have continued to invest in Edinburgh’s Festivals.  Our Expo Fund has produced creative and imaginative projects of the highest quality, many of which are critically acclaimed.  It has promoted Scotland’s artistic talent and enhanced our reputation internationally.  

“This year’s funding will enable even more ambitious projects, which will support home-grown talent and stunning creative collaborations, thrilling audiences at home and internationally. 

Faith Liddell, Director of Festivals Edinburgh said:

“Edinburgh’s Festivals are a global magnet for visitors and media, and an incredible springboard for national and international talent. The Scottish Government’s belief and continued investment in our Festivals’ ambitious programming ensures that Scotland’s talents shine brightly when the eyes of the world are on Edinburgh. We are enormously grateful for the Scottish Government’s Edinburgh Festivals Expo Fund, and especially so as we develop exciting projects and initiatives that will keep Edinburgh and Scotland on the map in the Olympic and Commonwealth years of 2012 and 2014.”

Today Ms Hyslop visited the Scotsman Steps project where she viewed the ongoing work by to revitalise this unique Edinburgh landmark.  Commissioned by The Fruitmarket Gallery with support from Scottish Government’s Edinburgh Festivals Expo Fund for Edinburgh Art Festival 2010, the work involves Martin Creed re-surfacing the Scotsman Steps with different and contrasting marbles from all over the world.

She said:  “This project is an excellent example of what our investment in culture can achieve.  A unique collaboration between one of our youngest festivals and Turner Prize winning artist Martin Creed has created a simply stunning lasting legacy to be enjoyed by the people of Edinburgh and Scotland as a whole.”

The allocations to each festival are:

• EdinburghArt Festival £160,000
• EdinburghInternational Book Festival - £110,000
• EdinburghFilm Festival - £100,000
• EdinburghFringe Festival (Made in Scotland) - £440,000
• Imaginate (Children’s Festival) - £143,000
• EdinburghInternational Festival - £100,000
• Jazz and Blues Festival - £140,000
• Mela - £80,000
• EdinburghScience Festival - £180,000
• Storytelling Festival - £52,000
• EdinburghMilitary Tattoo - £5,000
• Edinburgh’s Hogmanay - £250,000

Background

The Scottish Government has awarded £2 million to the Edinburgh Festivals Expo Fund in 2011/12.  The fund started in 2008-09 (£6 million over 3 years) offering support to the 12 Edinburghfestivals under the umbrella of Festivals Edinburgh.  It is aimed at supporting: touring within or outwith Scotland of works premiered at the festivals; work by Scottish-based artists and arts companies, and collaborative work with international artists.

Commissioned by The Fruitmarket Gallery with support from the Scottish Government’s Expo Fund for Edinburgh Art Festival 2010, the work involves Martin Creed re-surfacing the Scotsman Steps with different and contrasting marbles from all over the world, creating a visually spectacular, beautiful and thoughtful response to this historic artery. Creed describes the project as a microcosm of the whole world – stepping on the different marble steps will be like walking through the world, the new staircase dramatising Edinburgh’s internationalism and contemporary significance while recognising and respecting its historical importance.

The Edinburgh International Science Festival today launched a packed programme for 2011 where visitors can travel from outer space to the deepest depths of our oceans, join in a Guinness World Record Attempt, experience a new hands-on Chemistry exhibition, enjoy the BBC‟s Big Bang Theory Roadshow and meet a real live, space walking astronaut – all in the centre of the city. Running from 9 to 22 April, the Science Festival celebrates its 23rd Anniversary by welcoming a Guest Director, introducing new venues and partners and offering an exciting expanded series of events for adults. With over 200 events taking place in 38 venues across the city on topics ranging from Aardman Animation to the Large Hadron Collider via the Internet, the Pill, the Science of Miracles and the psychology of dog training, the Science Festival offers debate, discussion, information and entertainment for kids of all ages – from toddler to octogenarian.

The opening event on Saturday 9 April will feature TV‟s most extreme scientist Dr Bunhead. As part of his heart-stopping, multi-themed barrage of explosions and experiments in the Usher Hall, Bunhead is calling for his audience to become part of the live Guinness World Record attempt to create the longest glow-in-the-dark necklace ever made.

Dr Simon Gage, Director of the Edinburgh International Science Festival, said “We‟ve got two weeks of sensational science – but you don‟t need to love science to love the Science Festival. Stand-up comedy, sea monsters, zombie outbreaks and a Guinness World Record Attempt for the longest glow-in-the-dark necklace are just a taste of the things you can explore over the festival. The line-up is spectacular, accessible and just waiting for you – so come and have some fun.”

Councillor Steve Cardownie, Festivals and Events Champion for the City of Edinburgh, said: "The Edinburgh International Science Festival has earned pride of place in the city's spring events calendar and I know there's already a great sense of excitement about the forthcoming programme of inspiring, thought-provoking and sometimes downright bizarre events! The Council is delighted to be hosting the Festival at the City Art Centre once again, and Dr Bunhead's Guinness world record challenge at our much-loved Usher Hall on 9 April looks certain to draw in the crowds."

A series of events telling the story of our oceans will be headlined by Into the Deep, a free exhibition of photographs in St Andrew Square which has been curated by Steve and Kathy Bloom. Open from 25 February to 30 April, Into the Deep features spectacular images by some of the world‟s most respected underwater photographers, which take visitors on a journey from the water‟s surface to the ocean floor. In addition, The Filmhouse will be showing a number of underwater films including Luc Besson‟s The Big Blue, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea starring Kirk Douglas, while Dr Alan Jamieson explores Beyond the Abyss: Life in the Deepest Places on Earth in an event at the Informatics Centre.

The family programme centres around the City Art Centre where all seven floors will be jam-packed with activities, workshops, performances and hands-on experiments. New for 2011 are the World of Bubbles workshops where „bubbleologists‟ will make round bubbles square, make children disappear into their own bubbles and generally make bubbles fun. On the top floor, The Future‟s Bright takes kids on a journey where they crack the clues to discover how our lives will change – for the better – once we‟ve reduced the amount of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. The City Art Centre also sees the return of some old favourites such as ER, Unwrapping the Mummy, Dr Clot‟s Blood-Curdling Adventure, Nina and the Neurons and Rampaging Chariots.

The Scottish Storytelling Centre is a new addition to the Science Festival and will be presenting a series of events for young people showcasing children‟s science authors including Professor Lord Robert Winston and Paul Collicutt, and providing interactive storytelling sessions. Donald Smith, Director of the Scottish Storytelling Centre, said “Story is a friend to Science, as interpreter, educator and playmate. We are thrilled to be sharing that creative front edge with one of the world's leading Science Festivals, I think this equals Enlightenment plus Fun, which sounds to me like the best of all equations.‟

The Family events continue at The Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh which will present a varied programme of walks, activities and exhibitions for all ages whilst Discover Science is a fun, family-friendly event created by the University of Edinburgh at the National Museum of Scotland and Adam House on Chamber Street. Events will also take place at Edinburgh Zoo, the Scottish Seabird Centre, Our Dynamic Earth and the Royal Observatory.

To celebrate the International Year of Chemistry, the team at the Science Festival have devised a new exhibition giving visitors a chance to get up close and personal with Chemistry. Atomise will be packed with eye-popping experiments, explosive gadgets, drop in demonstrations and hands on workshops which will explore the different elements of chemistry. Supported by the Scottish Government‟s Edinburgh Festivals Expo Fund, Atomise will be hosted in the John Hope Gateway of the Royal Botanic Garden and will open to the public from Saturday 9 April until 5 June 2011.

Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop said: “Scotland is one of the world‟s most innovative nations and the Science Festival is a great showcase of our talent. This year‟s programme is packed full of exciting and fun-filled events which bring the subject alive to young and old alike. I‟m sure the fantastic Expo-funded Atomise project will appeal to all the family, offering an interactive and creative approach to learning about modern chemistry.”

The Science Festival welcomes Professor Richard Wiseman as Guest Director this year, who has selected a series of events looking at various aspects of Psychology. Wiseman has worked with the Science Festival on a regular basis and in 2011 will be exploring the Psychology of Dog Training, the Science of Cocktails, the Science of Cosmetics and the Science of Fireworks. He will be in conversation with Jon Ronson, author of The Men Who Stare at Goats and debating the science of Miracles with The Reverend Dr Andrew Pinsent, Dr Caroline Watt and Dr Peter Lamont.

Professor Wiseman said "The Science Festival ranks as one of the finest in the world and it is a pleasure to be contributing to the amazing line-up of events. Being guest director has felt a bit like being a child in a sweet shop - I have had the opportunity to stage events that investigate some of my favourite topics and I hope people will come along and be both informed and entertained."

The Adult Programme also includes Professor Lord Robert Winston exploring the impact of human inventiveness, Professor Richard Dawkins proposing Evolution to promote a deeper understanding of human nature, Iain Stewart telling the story of the historic roots of Scotland‟s spectacular landscape and David Sproxton from Aardman Animations discussing their Oscar-winning formula for success. From homeopathy to comedy, organ transplants to Cystic Fibrosis, individual friendship to the internet, the Pill, population control, the Large Hadron Collider and the Pituitary Gland, the Science Festival offers debate, discussion, information and entertainment for all.

And for those wishing to engage their inner child, the Science Festival offers the chance to enjoy all the kids activities at the City Art Centre, The Camera Obscura, the Atomise exhibition and even to experience a sleepover at the Zoo in a series of adult only events.

The Edinburgh International Science Festival runs from 9 to 22 April 2011 across the city. For full details of the programme, and to purchase tickets, visit www.sciencefestival.co.uk or call the Box Office on 0131 553 0322.

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For further information please contact:
Frances Sutton, PR Manager
07841 579481 or media@scifest.co.uk
 

The Edinburgh International Science Festival today announced a major new, action packed exhibition which will launch this year‟s Science Festival in April. To celebrate 2011 – The International Year of Chemistry, Atomise will be packed with eye-popping experiments, explosive gadgets, drop in demonstrations and hands on workshops which will explore the different elements of chemistry. Visitors will be able to play with magnetic „nanosludge‟that can ooze up the side of a jar, make their own slimy „splat test dummy‟and party with dancing custard at the cornflour disco.

Atomise, supported by the Scottish Government‟s Edinburgh Festivals Expo Fund, will be hosted in the John Hope Gateway of the Royal Botanic Gardens and will be one of the highlights at this year‟s Science Festival. The exhibition has been designed and created by the team behind the Edinburgh International Science Festival, which this year celebrates its 23rd anniversary with a packed programme of events which will be revealed in February. The Science Festival will run from Saturday 9th April to Friday 22nd April, and Atomise will open to the public from Saturday 9th April until 5th June 2011.

Atomise will provide drop in demonstrations, experiments, performances and displays as well as pre-booked workshops. The exhibition will not only be open to the public for the duration of the Science Festival, but is also open to school parties once the summer term resumes after Easter. Pre-booked groups of children from P1 – S2 will be welcomed by the Science Festival team. The Science Festival will also be offering CPD sessions for teachers.

Dr Simon Gage, Director of the Edinburgh International Science Festival, said “We are very excited about Atomise. We don‟t need an excuse to produce some show stopping, jaw dropping science, but the International Year of Chemistry is a great chance for everybody to find out a little more about how the world around them works.”

Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop said: “Scotland is one of the world's most creative and innovative nations. The Edinburgh International Science Festival showcases great Scottish talent and brings the subject alive to inspire future generations. The fantastic Expo-funded Atomise project offers an interactive and creative approach to learning about modern chemistry that will appeal to young and old alike.”

In another International Year of Chemistry event, TV‟s most extreme scientist Dr Bunhead, a Science Festival regular, will be attempting a brand new Guinness World Record live on stage at the Usher Hall on 9th April when he asks the audience to help him create the longest glow-in-the-dark necklace ever made. Tickets for this event are available from the Usher Hall from the end of this week, and through the Science Festival from the 24th February.

The Edinburgh International Science Festival will run from 9th to 22nd April 2011 and the full programme of events, including all those linked to International Year of Chemistry, will be announced on 24th February 2011. Atomise will be open to the public in the John Hope Gateway at the Royal Botanic Gardens from Saturday 9th April to 5th June 2011. Further information on schools bookings and CPD arrangements can be found on www.sciencefestival.co.uk.

The Scottish Government‟s Edinburgh Festivals Expo Fund has supported Atomise with a grant of £101,000.

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For further information, please contact:

Frances Sutton, PR Manager

media@scifest.co.uk or 07841 579481

From locations like St Andrew Square, St James Shopping Centre, Our Dynamic Earth and Edinburgh Zoo, the bikes will be entertaining and educating tourists and festival-goers of all ages with impressive, explosive, messy, and down-right weird science experiments. From the dangers of flatulent cows, to finding out how carbon capture could save the planet, each demo will highlight some of the most interesting world class science happening in Scotland today.

These three specially customised tricycles are an unusual alternative to traditional street performances (balloon animals are much more fun when added to liquid nitrogen!) and have been designed to capture the fun of Edinburgh’s annual science festival out-with its April dates. They’ll be appearing at key sites in Edinburgh daily from Wednesday to Sunday, 12pm-5pm throughout August.  Updates on the locations of the bikes can be found on the Science Festival’s website and twitter account www.sciencefestival.co.uk / www.twitter.com/edscifest

Following the August festivals the bikes will be appearing at special events throughout the year including the next Edinburgh International Science Festival taking place from 9-25 April 2011. 

Edinburgh International Science Festival’s Tricycle of Tricks has been developed with support from the Scottish Government.

Prof Anne Glover, Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland, said:
‘Science is as much a part of our culture as the arts, and in Scotland we can be proud of our achievements in science, engineering and technology. This new initiative gives Edinburgh’s many summer visitors a chance to explore the fun side of science, and to find out more about some of the important topics being tackled by researchers across Scotland, including climate change.’

For further information and image requests please contact

Emma Pirie
Marketing Manager
Edinburgh International Science Festival
0131 553 0320 emma@scifest.co.uk

Notes

Edinburgh International Science Festival is the world’s first and Europe’s largest public celebration of science and technology. Taking place over Easter each year, the two-week event places emphasis on giving audiences amazing experiences that are inspiring and confidence-building and communicating the excitement and benefits of science in innovative and engaging ways.  In 2010 the Science Festival staged over 220 events across Edinburgh ranging from family days out to exhibitions, screenings and special events with guests including Professor Brian Cox, Richard Dawkins and the presenters from BBC One’s Bang Goes the Theory.

www.sciencefestival.co.uk

Gage, who has been Director of the Science Festival for 15 years, is committed to establishing an interactive, energetic and entertaining style of science communication.  Over his tenure, the Science Festival has grown in stature and international reputation, and is now an annual event which in 2010 welcomed over 80,000 visitors to 170 events in 26 venues across the City.

He is passionate about evolving science communication as part of the popular culture, and established the highly successful schools touring programme for the Festival, Generation Science.  Last year, this programme toured to 600 schools throughout Scotland giving over 65,000 children the opportunity to engage in an international science and technology show and workshop.

In response to the OBE, Simon Gage said “I am, of course, delighted to be awarded an OBE. However, I see this primarily as recognition of the pioneering work that the Edinburgh International Science Festival, and its great many partner organisations across the city have done over the last twenty years to show the world a new way of communicating science. We shouldn't forget that Edinburgh is the birth place of the modern science festival movement and what has happened here has played a role in spawning hundreds of similar festivals across the world. It has been an absolute privilege to be part of these exciting developments.”

Gage’s personal vision of how to make science engaging to a wide audience, particularly children and families, has earned him an international recognition and he is regularly asked to address conferences and seminars.   This summer he has been invited to give the keynote addresses to the City Marketing Departments at Karlsruhe and Odenburg in Germany, who are exploring the options for setting up their own science festivals. He will also be chairing the UK Science Festivals Network 2010 Conference, and sitting on the organising committee for the European Science Events Association.  He is a member of the Science Advisory Board of Our Dynamic Earth and is a grant referee for the Wellcome Trust.

For further information, and to interview Dr Simon Gage

Please contact:
Frances Sutton, PR Manager
07841 579481

In what could be a unique attempt to investigate the impact on the public of popular films which seek to persuade the public that climate change is a reality, the team conducted a distinctive experiment investigating for the first time whether popular movies like Al Gore’s ‘An Inconvenient Truth’ actually achieve what they set out to do - to get the public to take global warming seriously.

The experiment randomised 60 members of the general public attending the Edinburgh International Science Festival to view either the Al Gore film or another popular current movie ‘The Age of Stupid’, to investigate the most effective methods of communicating crucial and urgent science. ‘The Age of Stupid’ stars famous British actor Peter Postlethwaite, and is set in 2055 on an Earth destroyed by Global Warming. The film is more polemical and emotive and less data driven, relying relatively little on actual statistics, more on anecdotal accounts and personal tragedy.

Dr Persaud said “The intriguing finding is that viewing the emotive film ‘The Age of Stupid’ produced an average of three times as much relative shift towards making personal changes that would help save the planet, compared to viewing the more academic ‘An Inconvenient Truth’.”

He added “The paradox is that science is meant to be detached and unemotional, while the take home message of this unique experiment appears to be that an affecting and moving approach is required of scientists to get their message over effectively.  It is precisely this paradox on which the future of the planet might hinge.  If we rely on personal evocative experience and emotional upheaval (actually see a baby rescued from a flood), to make the huge personal sacrifices necessary to save the planet rather than rational and intellectual foresight (as embodied by a more scientific approach), it seems we have to wait until the waves are actually lapping at our front door, before we become galvanized as to what is needed to be done.  But by then, it’s already too late.”

Organisers said today that the 2010 Edinburgh International Science Festival has been bigger and better than ever, with record audiences enjoying over 220 events at a range of venues across the city from St Andrew Square to The Filmhouse, The Jam House to In Space at the Informatics Forum of the University of Edinburgh.  The BBC’s Bang Goes the Theory Roadshow attracted over 14,500 visitors, while Sonic Dreams in St Andrew Square welcomed over 2,500.   Expectations are that overall numbers will be significantly higher than the 68,000 who visited in 2009.

Highlights of the Festival included Steve Bloom’s stunning photographic exhibition – Spirit of the Wild – in St Andrew Square, which will continue until 16 May, and three sold out appearances by the physicist and TV Presenter Professor Brian Cox who said “The Edinburgh International Science Festival is my favourite science festival – it’s the right balance between a lot going on and being small enough to retain that personal character.

A more detailed article by Raj Persaud on the results of this experiment is available, and his thoughts on this as it relates to the election can be found on

http://www.newscientist.com/blogs/thesword/2010/04/what-psychology-can-tell-us-ab.html

Invented by Dr Elena Bodnar, this versatile piece of clothing was awarded a Public Health Lg Nobel prize in 2009.

The Lg Nobel Prizes celebrate improbable research projects – those that make people laugh, then make them think.  Other prizes awarded recently include the Physics Prize for determining why pregnant women don’t fall over, the Health prize for research that shows the cows with names produce more milk than cows without names, and another topical Icelandic note – the Economics prize for the directors, executives, and auditors of four Icelandic banks for demonstrating that tiny banks can be rapidly transformed into huge banks, and vice versa, and for demonstrating that similar things can be done to an entire national economy.

Marc Abrahams of Harvard University, said “The Lg Nobel prizes aim to spur people’s curiosity and ask the question ‘How do you decide what's important and what's not, and what's real and what's not?' — in science and everywhere else.”

Marc will be speaking about the prizes at the Edinburgh International Science Festival tomorrow, Saturday 17th April, at the University of Edinburgh's Informatics Forum at 6pm. Tickets are available from www.sciencefestival.co.uk or 0131 553 0322.

Ian will be reflecting on how he achieved his dream, his workwith some of the top car brands in the world and how he has designed the next generation of Jaguar cars including the newest model, the all new XJ, which arrives in showrooms in May.

Nick Lewis, Dealer Principal at local Jaguar dealership Stratstone Jaguar in Edinburgh, said: “Ian Callum will be a very interesting speaker and I’m sure there will be a lot of interest around his latest design – the all new XJ. I would urge anyone interested to book their tickets quickly to avoid any possible disappointment.”

Building on the success of the new XK and XF models, the introduction of the all new XJ is a landmark for the revitalised Jaguar brand. Clearly positioned as the company’s four-door flagship, it extends the appeal of the XJ to a new generation of customers.

Ian will be speaking at 8pm on Saturday 17 April in the state of the art University of Edinburgh Informatics building. Tickets cost £7/£5 concessions. For more informationand to book visit www.sciencefestival.co.uk or call 0131 553 0322.

During the online survey over 5,500 respondents from Scotland, the UK and as far afield as the USA and Australia, rated the degree to which they engaged in the so-called seven deadly sins – lust, greed, gluttony, pride, sloth, anger and envy.  90% of respondents admitted regularly committing at least one sin, with gluttony topping the list (54% of respondents over-indulged), lust coming in a close second (52%) and sloth third (44%).

The research also revealed that women sinned significantly less than men, with only 12% of women and 7% of men claiming to be saints and never to have sinned.  There were also big variations across the seven sins, with men being more into lust, sloth-like behaviour, and boasting, whilst women were more prone to gluttony, anger and envy.

The research also revealed large regional differences, with 10% of English and just 4% of the Scottish respondents claiming sainthood.

 “The survey shows that the vast majority of people struggle to resist temptation”, commented Wiseman, “Often we know that a certain behaviour is wrong yet simply cannot stop ourselves indulging”.

To help understand the psychology of sinning, respondents were also asked to complete a questionnaire which measured two basic strategies of coping with temptation, reappraisal - changing the way you think about an event, and suppression - not expressing your emotions.

Wiseman said, “People who rated themselves as saints tended to change the way they thought when faced with temptation, whereas sinners attempted to cope by suppressing their emotions.  This is in line with other work showing that such suppression can result in a rebound effect causing people feel even more tempted by whatever it is they are trying to avoid.”

Professor Wiseman will be examining the results in more detail at an Edinburgh International Science Festival event on Seven Deadly Sins at the Jam House in Edinburgh on Monday 12^th April.  Tickets for this event are available from  www.sciencefestival.co.uk or 0131 553 0322.

Richard Wiseman is available for interview today (Wednesday 7^th April 2010)

Please contact Frances Sutton, PR Manager

Edinburgh International Science Festival
07841 579481 or
media@scifest.co.uk