NI Science Festival reveals blooming great programme for 2025

PICTURED ABOVE: Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr (centre) pictured launching the 2025 edition of NI Science Festival alongside (from left) Nerve Centre Project Coordinator Gareth Doherty, NI Science Festival Creative Producer Jillian Thompson, and, also from Nerve Centre, Education Manager Joe Carlin and Communications Manager Kellie Bryson.

With its roots firmly planted, NI Science Festival has officially launched its 2025 programme, a 12-day extravaganza that will bring science to life with dozens of events taking place across the north west and north coast from 12th – 23rd February next year.

Established in 2014, NI Science Festival has grown to become the largest celebration of its kind on the island of Ireland and one of the leading science festivals in Europe.

For its 11th edition, the festival will present more than 300 events across Northern Ireland with focus on our rich and diverse natural environment, our engineering and manufacturing heritage, sustainability, technology, the mind and body, and much more.

NI Science Festival director Sarah Jones said: “The NI Science Festival is a celebration of science, creativity, and the world around us, designed to be engaging and enjoyable for everyone. Over 12 days, the festival will pop up in venues across Northern Ireland, showcasing the incredible work of local researchers and scientists alongside some well-known guest speakers.

"This year’s programme is packed with exciting events for all ages, offering something for everyone. It’s an opportunity to embrace the joy of discovery, explore the power of ideas, and celebrate the possibilities science brings to our everyday lives.”

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr, said: “I am delighted to launch the NI Science Festival 2025 North West programme. The programme this year once again features a diverse and engaging array of events to inspire and challenge curious minds.

"The festival provides a fascinating platform to educate and connect people to the world of science in a fun and thought-provoking way, on so many different levels. I would really recommend checking out the events in our local venues to find out some remarkable things about how the world around us works.”

Discover Dogs at St Columb’s Park will see experts, trainers and researchers share insights on everything from dog nutrition and health to the roles our furry friends have played in history and, most recently, in therapy, conservation and medical care.

Dr Dan and Dr Raph, presenters of CBBC’s Operation Ouch!, bring the exhilarating experience of space adventure, space science and space medicine to the Nerve Centre with their show, How To Survive in Space. This galactic journey through the cosmos will transport the whole family to the furthest reaches of the universe to learn about the latest breakthroughs in science and medicine.

Also taking place at the Nerve Centre is Robo Bingo. Billed as an interactive show for introverts by IT consultants Lloyd and Pete, one of the nation’s favourite pastimes and technology collide for an unexpected evening of comedy, bingo and robots.

Aiming to attract over a thousand people to the Foyle Arena, the Foyle Science Showcase promises to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators with science shows, immersive exhibits and interactive activities in a celebration of curiosity and discovery.

Pictured launching the 2025 edition of NI Science Festival are (back, from left) Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr, Nerve Centre Education Manager Joe Carlin, and NI Science Festival Creative Producer Jillian Thompson, alongside (front, from left) Nerve Centre Communications Manager Kellie Bryson and Project Coordinator Gareth Doherty.

Foyleside Shopping Centre will play host to several events, including Professor Lukey Luke’s Brain Gym to challenge fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and spatial awareness, helping to keep the brain active through engaging and creative play as well as Mimi’s Space Adventure, in association with the Institute of Physics, an event full of fun experiments, arts and crafts, and asking the questions of real physicists.

Over Valentine’s weekend, audiences can enjoy a nature walk through Brook Hall’s historic estate and gardens followed by a live fire dining experience in Oaks & Embers: A Nature Lovers Retreat.

The festival’s regional roadshow will also touch down in Strabane and Limavady with a series of events, including Chemistry & the Celts, an immersive exploration into the world of the Irish Celts with Scientific Sue. This engaging show, supported by Almac, brings ancient traditions to life, blending the wonders of chemistry with the rich tapestry of Celtic history.

For more information and to view the full programme, visit nisciencefestival.com.