This September, Southampton will host the 195th British Science Festival, five days of events exploring the ideas shaping our world, in areas like AI and robotics, health, climate change, the future of food and sustainability, and much more!

Events listed below in each of our spaces:
Foyer
Gallery 1
Galleries 2 & 3
Mezzanine Gallery
Barker-Mill Gallery
Active Space

This year’s Festival includes a special focus on the ocean, with events, installations and workshops exploring deep-sea biodiversity, and interactions between the seas and our life on land.

With more than 80 events across the city, the Festival brings together researchers, artists and audiences through talks, performances, workshops, comedy, exhibitions and interactive experiences.

Run by the British Science Association, in partnership with the University of Southampton, this year’s Festival takes place from 16 to 20 September 2026, with events across the university campus and city centre venues, including MAST Mayflower Studios, John Hansard Gallery and Turner Sims.

All events are free, with tickets available to book on the Festival website.