Described by Professor Lord Robert Winston as “unquestionably the leading science festival in the country”, The Times Cheltenham Science Festival is a five-day celebration of science – and with intimate venues and a unique format it’s a rare opportunity for policy makers, research funders, the media and the general public to come face-to-face with the world’s leading scientists and thinkers.
Physicist and presenter Brian Cox and ‘chef of the decade’ Heston Blumenthal are Guest Directors, and have helped shape a programme with over 100 thought-provoking and innovative events: exploring everything from the natural world and health secrets to the technological wizardry that will shape tomorrow’s world. Top scientists will examine the latest medical technology, debate the future of our climate, explore the next intelligent methods of travel, question the things that affect all our lives – and lots more!
‘Decadence’ is the theme of 2010: luxurious, self-indulgent, and a subject sure to spark debate, live experiments and surprising discoveries. Big thinkers Paul Davies, Tony Robinson, Bill Bryson, Ok Pannenborg, Evan Davis and many others descend on the Festival; and Robin Ince returns with Ben Miller for a science and comedy collision – all based at Cheltenham Town Hall.
Another highlight of the Festival is a chance to hear about the latest research into that age old problem that troubles many of us – sleep. Why do some people only need five hours sleep while other need more than eight? How do some people fall asleep anywhere, while others need total silence and pitch black? Join sleep-deprived presenter of Radio 4’s Today’s programme, Evan Davis and Oxford researcher, Professor Russell Foster on Sunday 13 June from 6-7pm. We feel sure you won’t be dozing off during this session.
Professor Russell Foster is Chair of Circadian Neuroscience, Nicholas Kurti Fellow, Brasenose College, Head of Department Oxford University.
He is also one of the research leaders for the sleep and chronobiology research theme funded by the Oxford Biomedical Research Centre
www.oxfordbrc.org/research/brain/143/.