About us

Established in 2014, NI Science Festival has grown to become the largest celebration of its kind on the island of Ireland and in its relatively short lifespan became one of the leading Science Festivals in the whole of Europe.

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Bringing you the very best

Over the years NISF has striven to bring the very best of science communication to Northern Ireland, including notable names such as Brian Cox, Alice Roberts, Jim Al-Khalili, Jocelyn Bell Burnell, Liz Bonnin, Robert Winston, Chris Hadfield, Chris and Xand Van Tulleken, Chris Packham, Adam Rutherford, Maddie Moate to name a few.

The festival offers a stimulating and wide range of events focusing on the wonders of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. These events present some of the best scientists from NI and beyond to discuss their work, cutting-edge research and what the future might hold.

During the day, the festival offers a range of workshops, tours talks and interactive activities for people of all ages. In the evening we present an eclectic mix of experiential events including scientific debate, talks, theatres, comedy, music, and film for adults and much more.

Let your mind wonder...

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Alice roberts
Jim al khalili
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And here's the team who make it all happen...

We're proud to have a team of hardworking, dedicated people who are passionate about the NI Science Festival and promoting science, education and curiosity across the country.

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Sarah Jones

Director

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Jillian Thompson

Creative Producer

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Andrew Moore

Marketing Manager

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Stephanie Garner

Events & Project Officer

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Joe Carlin

Education Manager (Nerve Centre)
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Aoife Earley

Festival Assistant & Volunteer Coordinator
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Vittoria Cafolla

Project Producer
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Kathy Young

Accounts Officer
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Gareth Doherty

Project Coordinator (Nerve Centre)

Got a question? Have a look through our FAQs to see if we've answered your question here.

If you don't see your question, please feel free to get in touch with us at info@nisciencefestival.com

Do you have booking charges on your events?

Most of our events are now sold through Visit Belfast which occurs a flat £1 booking fee per order when purchasing tickets online. You can book online, in person at the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre, 9 Donegall Square N, Belfast BT1 5GB or over the phone at 028 9024 6609

Please note that due to the size and variety of the NI Science Festival, some events are also sold through partners' own internal box office systems including The MAC, National Museums NI, Armagh Planetarium, Marble Arch Caves, Waterside Theatre, Ardhowen Theatre, Queen's Film Theatre, Strand Arts Centre and more and booking charges and concession rates may vary.

Tell me about concession rates and tickets for carers

Concession rates apply on selected events, where listed, to those aged 16 and under, over 60s, students, the unemployed, and disabled persons unless otherwise stated. Proof of status may be required.

Please note that not all events have concession rates.

If you require assistance to enable your visit to the event, a complimentary ticket for a carer/companion is available - please phone our box office number 028 9024 6609

Can I propose an event for inclusion in the festival?

NI Science Festival is mostly a curated programme. We do accept proposals for events for consideration from a whole host of partnering organisations, academic institutions, stakeholders, and collaborators.

If you are a new prospective partner interested in submitting an event for the Festival, please contact info@nisciencefestival.com

Do I receive a printed ticket after booking?

All tickets to in-person events will be e-mailed electronically in the booking confirmation email you receive after purchase. We recommend all attendees for our in-person events have their e-ticket downloaded onto their phone or tablet or printed ready to present when entering the venue.

To save paper there is no need to bring out any of your tickets!

When booking for our digital events you will be e-mailed a booking confirmation upon purchase and then sent a link on the day the event takes place.

If you have not received your e-ticket or email confirmation, please contact the Box Office where you made the purchase.

Do you have a cancellation policy?

If we have to cancel or reschedule an event, customers will be offered a refund in the first instance or the option of an exchange.

Who do I contact if I have any further questions?

For all general and box office enquiries email info@nisciencefestival.com

What happens if I develop Covid-19 symptoms?

Please do not come to an in-person event if you’re displaying any symptoms of Covid-19 or have been asked to self isolate.

Contact the relevant box office by 10am at the latest on the day of the event to arrange a refund or exchange.

Do we have a sustainability policy?

Yes we do. Here at the NI Science Festival we are only too aware of Earth’s precarious future. With record breaking temperatures, mass extinctions, rising sea levels (to name a few) all forecast by leading scientists, now more than ever we must act on behalf of the environment. We as a festival are committed to doing all we can to bring Earth’s climate emergency to the world’s attention through our own activities, our festival and other projects we run or collaborate on.

Our operations have identified the following areas of environmental impact:

  1. Energy/fuel consumption in our office, during event production, and through travel.

  2. Materials usage in office activities, production, and marketing.

  3. Waste generation from office activities, production, and marketing.

  4. Carbon emissions associated with travel.

What we are already doing:

  • With e-tickets, the festival is paperless where possible. We have reduced the number of programmes that we print, sourcing Fsc approved and recyclable paper for all printed material.

  • We encourage sustainable travel by festival participants and guests, offering ferry and train routes ahead of flights.

  • We promote a hybrid model, reducing commuting carbon by welcoming home-working

  • We sort 100% of recyclable waste in our office

Our Commitment:

During the period of 2023 - 2024, the NI Science Festival will record and analyse our carbon output, creating a foundational baseline for our sustainability efforts. By accurately measuring our carbon emissions across various aspects of our operations, including energy consumption, travel, and event production, we will establish a comprehensive understanding of our current environmental impact. This data will not only inform our future decision-making but also enable us to set realistic reduction targets and develop effective strategies for subsequent years. With a focus on transparency and accountability, we aim to utilise the insights gained during this period to drive meaningful change, fostering a more sustainable and resilient future for both our festival and the wider community.

You can request the full policy from us by emailing info@nisciencefestival.com

Our Partners

Media Partner

NI4kids

Schools and Education Partner

Nerve Centre 2022
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