Science Festival offers something for everyone

Inverness Science Festival kicks off next month with a range of free events taking place around the city.

The ten day event will be launched with a talk on how DNA can be used to help people trace their family history. Genealogy expert Alasdair Macdonald will explain how documentary evidence can be combined with results from the Scottish DNA Project to further people’s research. He will also discuss what DNA from various northern clans such as the Mackenzies and the Sutherlands reveals about their history.

Other events in the festival programme include a family fun day at Inverness Leisure Centre, a weather talk at the Tiso shop on Henderson road and a badge making session at Simpson’s Garden Centre where children can learn about common insects.

A programme of school events will run alongside the public programme featuring activities such as a maths masterclass, a big bang chemistry lecture and a renewable energy debate.

This year’s festival is being organised by the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) team at the University of the Highlands and Islands. Speaking about the event, the university’s STEM engagement officer Derek Gorrie said:

“We’re excited to be organising this year’s Science Festival. With a diverse range of events, we hope the programme will appeal to people of all ages and interests. From dolphins to DNA there should be something for everyone.

“As a regional university, we offer a variety of STEM-related courses, including technical, degree and research programmes. We hope the festival will inspire people to find out more about science and develop a passion for this fascinating subject area.” 

Inverness Science Festival 2015 takes place in venues around Inverness from Friday 1 May to Sunday 10 May.