The popular Nottingham Festival of Science and Curiosity (FOSAC) is taking its packed programme of events online this year, with fun and interactive activities for the whole family.

The Festival is organised by Ignite Futures and supported by the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University and usually takes over Nottingham with events in venues across the city.

This year it is being taken online and will run between Monday 8 February – Wednesday 17 February and will feature a super interactive magazine, and live events to engage and inspire!

Among the highlights this year is Wollaton Watch, an hour-long programme about nature and wildlife going out on Notts TV every evening at 4.00pm from Monday 8th February. It will feature young people and volunteers sharing nature in their neighbourhood across Nottinghamshire. Professor Angus Davison from the University of Nottingham will be sharing the story of ‘left-handed’ snails and Professor Mike Merrifield will be stargazing on Wollaton Hall roof.

As well as finding out about the world around us there will also be the chance find out about the human body and how it works. The hearing sciences team from the University of Nottingham will be running live interactive events and have a range of activities on their new website exploring ears and hearing – from what ear wax is for to how what we see affects what we hear.

There will also be a new FOSAC Magazine with lots of family friendly articles and activities helping to show that science is part of our everyday lives and help people engage in science at home.

Staff and students from both Universities are involved in every aspect of the festival programme, from virtual workshops for families to panel events for adults, from creating and distributing science kits across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire to writing articles and activities for the festival magazine.

Megan Shore, Festival Producer said ‘It’s been so important to us to still be able to run the festival this year, although of course we’ve needed to adapt in lots of ways! We want to help everyone in Nottinghamshire to celebrate their curiosity, continue to ask questions about the world around us, and take part in the world of STEM at our fingertips’.

Stephen Meek, Director of the Institute for Policy and Engagement from the University of Nottingham said: “It is entirely characteristic of the Festival of Science and Curiosity to see the challenge of running a festival during lockdown as an opportunity to innovate and think differently.  We are delighted to be able to support the event, and that so many of the University of Nottingham’s researchers, students and professional staff are involved in this opportunity to learn, explore and be entertained.”

Professor Sharon Huttly, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Development and Performance at Nottingham Trent University said: “The Festival is a fantastic way to bring people together (albeit virtually this year) across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire through a shared interest in science and simply being curious about the world around us. We’re delighted to play our part in encouraging more people to get involved, seeing how STEM shapes and affects our everyday lives, and hopefully influence more to become scientists in the future.”

With projects for schools, YouTube careers Q&As, and a full programme of online talks and workshops, there is something for everyone in this year’s Festival. Full details are online at www.nottsfosac.co.uk and follow the Festival on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok @NottsFOSAC #CuriousNotts