New Scientist Live dazzled audiences at a three-day festival in London, celebrating groundbreaking innovations and discoveries. Families and individuals alike flocked to showcases from top research institutions and companies in STEM, including a futuristic hospital concept from King’s College London and an immersive pop-up planetarium.
The event featured thousands of attendees who engaged with a variety of exhibits, including insects, robots, and even a fighter jet, alongside interactive experiences with dinosaurs on the show floor. Virtual reality attractions allowed visitors to step inside a nuclear reactor, race a car, and enjoy a virtual rollercoaster ride.
Enlightening discussions on five stages offered insights into diverse topics, from the origins of the universe to the implications of artificial intelligence. Notable speakers included Nobel laureate Venki Ramakrishnan discussing the science of mortality, anthropologist Alice Roberts addressing ancient epidemics, psychologist Kimberley Wilson exploring nutrition and brain health, and statistician David Spiegelhalter illuminating the role of chance in our lives.
On 14 October, the schools’ day featured palaeontologist Mike Benton sharing insights on dinosaur behavior, while biologist Camilla Pang guided students on scientific thinking, and psychologist Dean Burnett discussed parental technology use.
In the Future of Food and Agriculture zone, attendees discovered how scientific advancements are reshaping food production, enhancing soil health, addressing methane emissions from livestock, and developing new crop varieties.
Festival-goers participated in innovative activities, including efforts to design wildlife protection solutions using LEGO bricks. Ideas like a fruit-dispensing “social hub” and a solar-powered “skyspeaker” were highlighted from the “save the gibbons” competition.
The next New Scientist Live festival will return from 18 to 20 October next year, promising even more immersive experiences and thought-provoking discussions.
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