Bugs you can pet, a planetarium show, hands-on science exhibits and classic sci-fi films are just a sample of what is on offer at Derry's Millennium Festival of Science and Innovation, which gets under way today. The 10-day event includes talks, computer workshops and a chance to try your hand at rocketry.
The festival is funded by the UK Millennium Commission and the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council, but has also drawn support from Queen's University Belfast, University of Ulster, Dublin City University and a number of other bodies and companies.
Its purpose is to expose people to science and get them comfortable with it, explained the festival's director, Mr Dessie Baker. People in Derry, in common with those from many other parts of this island, only recognised their contribution in the arts and music. "Science and technology are so important for the future and we need to build a culture around that. We need to encourage a move in that direction."
The festival gets under way this morning with a conference entitled, "Looking to the Future". Free of charge and taking place in the Tower Museum, Union Hall Place, it will include speakers from Britain and Ireland on how scientists and governments seek to predict future directions for science and technology.
Other talks will include the risk of asteroid impacts, the human genome project, research news from Mars, and the dangers lurking in food.
Most events are free although some, such as the Starlab Planetarium, MADLAB and the bug-petting zoo at the Calgach Centre, may involve a nominal charge.
Information is available at the festival website: http://www.scifestival.org
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