There are over 100, predominantly free, events to choose from at this year’s IF Oxford Science + Ideas Festival which celebrates curiosity, invention and cutting-edge thinking for adults, children and teenagers alike.
Running from October 17 – November 2, the festival brings together real-time, cutting-edge research from world-leading academics explored through the mediums of comedy, film, art, debate and hands-on family events, on topics ranging from moths to the moon, myths, monsters and mankind’s future on earth.
Taking place in 30 venues all over Oxford from The Museum of Natural History to Oxford Playhouse, The Bodleian Libraries, three pubs, a cinema, a bookshop and even a bakery, open your minds, satisfy your curiosity or just take a punt.
Just don’t miss this incredible festival which aims to make science accessible to all, while addressing world issues, questions and complex subject matter.
HERE ARE OUR TOP 12 PICKS:
Suzanne Treister’s new exhibition Prophetic Dreaming encourages visitors to discover hidden forces shaping our world and uncovers alternative futures at Modern Art Oxford from October 4. In a series of work ranging from the 1980s to the present day, Treister explores society’s evolving relationship with technology – including the climate crisis, quantum science and AI – through fantastical narratives, and debuts new work with an Oxford focus. https://if-oxford.com/event/suzanne-treister-exhibition/
Moth x Human, October 17, Oxford University Museum of Natural History. 7.30pm. Take a sonic journey into a night-time world with musician Ellie Wilson and Oxford Contemporary Music. Inspired by moths, the hidden rhythms of the night and declining biodiversity, this hauntingly beautiful soundscape is exemplified with insights from scientists at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and the University of Oxford; then wander the museum after hours with a drink in hand. https://if-oxford.com/event/moth-x-human-by-ellie-wilson/
Eye-opening tour Unnatural Histories takes you through Oxford University Museum of Natural History on October 19 with Uncomfortable Oxford, exploring how history and bias have shaped our understanding of the natural world. Consider the choices and perspectives that underpin the museum’s collections, reveal stories of inequality and imperialism linked to the city and challenge what you thought you knew about scientific knowledge. https://if-oxford.com/event/unnatural-histories-an-uncomfortable-oxford-tour/
Fusion Energy, Almost There? at The Cape Of Good Hope, Iffley Road on Oct 20. Fusion energy is the process of joining two tiny atomic nuclei together to make a bigger one, releasing a huge amount of energy – similar to how the Sun produces its power – providing nearly limitless clean power, and shaping the planet’s next chapter. Festival visitors will hear from a panel of industry, research and government experts who are planning a brighter, safer and cleaner future https://if-oxford.com/event/fusion-energy-almost-there/
Forget The Avengers! Meet The Anti-Catastrophe League at Caper Bookshop on Magdalen Road, and find out if humanity really could defuse disaster. Join author and journalist Tom Ough on October 21 to hear the real stories of scientists and visionaries racing to prevent catastrophe – from AI mind readers and virus-fighting inventions to de-escalating world war. https://if-oxford.com/event/book-science-the-anti-catastrophe-league/
Or try sustainability game Hack Your Planet with Wendy Stone, Director of The Global Academy at the Westgate Library on October 23 for those keen to look to the future, Play the Sustainable Development Simulation Game to balance economy environment and society in this interactive session. Expect to be challenged energised and have lots of fun. Bring your curiosity and ideas! https://if-oxford.com/event/hack-your-planet/
Almost Nothing But Blue Ground at Museum of History of Science on October 23, finds artists Tom Pope and Matthew Benington telling the story of Anna Atkins — the trailblazing botanist and pioneering photographer who published the first photographically printed and illustrated book in 1843. They will also highlight the links between botany, colonialism and the plundering of foreign lands by plant collectors.https://if-oxford.com/event/almost-nothing-but-blue-ground-a-performative-lecture-with-tom-pope-and-matthew-benington/
Orbit is a promenade theatre show on October 24 from Oxford’s award-winning Creation Theatre Company which will not only take the audience on a playful guided journey through the Solar System, but introduce festival visitors to the new Oxford North quarter of the city, with lunar maps and immersive cosmos experiences along the way. https://if-oxford.com/event/orbit-a-promenade-show-at-zone-one/
On October 25 joint the exclusive tour of the large and complex facilities at UKAEA in Culham and bring energy engineering to life with photography and close-up shots, accompanied by an expert fusion photography team https://if-oxford.com/event/photographing-big-science/.
Explore the Moon with Hevelius’ Selenographia, October 29-30, The Bodelian’s Weston Library. An improvised concert by idiosyncratic Polish experimental pianist Marcin Masecki will blend classical, jazz and unexpected rhythms that reflect the cosmic wonder of this historical treasure – the first known detailed map of the Moon which will be on show, as observed by the 17th-century Polish stargazer. There will also be accompanying family activities and talks. https://if-oxford.com/event/explore-the-moon-with-hevelius-selenographia/
For perfect Halloween entertainment, look out for a variety of zombies in Modelling the Undead on October 31 at Oxford University Department for Continuing Education in Wellington Square. (see main pic) During this spooky evening event zombies will discuss diseases, share their monstrous points of view, and consider the undead in popular culture and the online world of gaming. From Pride and Prejudice to Call of Duty, explore connections between gruesome zombie outbreaks, pandemics and population growth, set against a backdrop of medicine and real-world healthcare challenges.https://if-oxford.com/event/modelling-the-undead-what-can-zombies-teach-us-about-public-health/
How can we make sense of an uncertain world? Join renowned statistician and author Sir David Spiegelhalter as he explores The Art of Uncertainty at Oxford Playhouse on Nov 1. Through engaging stories and real-life examples, discover how to understand risk, chance and probability in everyday life. This thought-provoking talk offers tools for better decision-making so bring your curiosity and join the conversation about embracing uncertainty with confidence and clarity. https://if-oxford.com/event/the-art-of-uncertainty-with-sir-david-spiegelhalter/
For more on these and other events in the IF Oxford programme, visit www.if-oxford.com
Most events are free to book and donations are welcome using a Pay What You Decide ticketing model.
