Nobel prizewinner at science festival (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Nobel prizewinner at science festival

FOLLOWING on from the success of the 2002 Cheltenham Festival of Science, this year's Festival, which runs from June 4-6, is positively action-packed.

Featuring some of the UK's most eminent scientists and a programme packed with talks, debates, events for schools and for families, a dynamic interactive exhibition and a new drop-in cinema, the Festival aims to access all areas of the science world.

Key speakers include Nobel prizewinner Paul Nurse who discusses his award-winning cancer research, Matt Ridley on his new book Nature via Nurture, astronomer Martin Rees talking about his theories on the end of the world and Robert May, president of the Royal Society and former chief scientist to the government, giving an insight into his life and work.

The major theme of the Festival is Time and Space and with topics ranging from Albert Einstein and his inflatable universe to the anniversary of DNA and a debate on the future of space travel, no stone is left unturned.

The Festival will even be running its own event to discuss: Who has made the most important discoveries in science and how do they affect us today?

The Festival doesn't shy away from 'edgy' topics such as the oral contraceptive pill for men, the future of the health service and an event entitled Challenging Science with controversial scientists Julian Barbour and Joao Magueijo.

Other intriguing - and more light-hearted - events include The Scientific Study of Good Fortune, The Science of Harry Potter, The Science of Beer and a Mad Hatter style tea party with mood altering foods entitled Adventures in Gastroland.

Family events explore such topics as how Egyptian mummies are discovered, why teenagers are cursed with bad moods and spots and how people told the time before clocks. Those involved include Adam Hart-Davis and Noel Sharkey of BBC Robot Wars.

School events reach a new dimension in 2003 and opportunities include attending an astronaut's workshop, joining Simon Singh to discuss how mathematics can help us predict the future and accompanying Daniel Glaser on a trip round the human brain.

The incredibly popular - and free - Discover Zone which attracted 10,000 people last year allows festival goers to interact with robots, computers, science exhibits and artworks and provides opportunities to experiment, learn and, most importantly to have fun.

Brochure hotline: 01242 237377, booking hotline: 01242 227979.