Do you have an idea to engage public audiences with science and research?
This call is for anyone who would like to propose content for the Festival, which will be in Southampton 16th – 20th September 2026 and hosted by the University of Southampton.
One of the Festival’s primary aims is to ‘To showcase the transformative research and innovation taking place at the host University and the wider region’ with a commitment to inclusive practice, partner voices and celebrating the full breadth of innovation.
Although badged a science festival, the special event aims for wide appeal and weaves the arts, humanities and sciences together.
Credit: Photos by Gavin Trafford and Gareth Jones, via British Science Association. Images from the British Science Festival hosted by the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University, September 2025.
Credit: photos by Gavin Trafford and Gareth Jones, via British Science Association Caption: Images from the British Science Festival hosted by the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University, September 2025
Credit: photos by Gavin Trafford and Gareth Jones, via British Science Association Caption: Images from the British Science Festival hosted by the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University, September 2025
Credit: photos by Gavin Trafford and Gareth Jones, via British Science Association Caption: Images from the British Science Festival hosted by the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University, September 2025
Whether you are an artist, a community representative, a business or a researcher – over 15,000 people will be descending to Southampton in 2026 to hear inspiring stories and encounter exciting new discoveries that are changing the world, and they want to hear from you.
The programme showcases cutting-edge science, technology and ideas that challenge, inspire and excite audiences. Each year, thousands of people come together to celebrate the latest developments in research and engage in open discussion about issues affecting our culture and society.
Anyone can propose an event or activity and the Festival celebrates science in its broadest sense. We are looking for proposals from individuals, researchers, industry professionals, artists, writers, organisations, charities, academic institutions, and more. We aim to programme a range of formats from talks to drop-in activities and creative content that challenges perceptions of what science is and can be.
The Festival is free and open to all, but content should be appropriate for an adult (16+ audience).
More information, including how to submit a proposal, can be found here.
The deadline for proposals is 22 January, 2026.
For a full outline of opportunities and how to get involved, from Sponsoring the Festival through to running your own Satellite events in association with the Festival, please click here.
The 2026 Festival is a partnership between the University of Southampton and British Science Association.