Southampton Science and Engineering Festival Returns with Expanded Programme in 2026

The University of Southampton’s annual Science and Engineering Festival (SOTSEF) returns in March 2026, culminating in a family-friendly Science and Engineering Day on Saturday, March 14th. This year’s festival features over 140 activities, workshops, live shows, and talks, offering a diverse range of experiences for all ages.

A Celebration of STEAM

SOTSEF, established in 2002, has evolved into a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) festival, fostering collaboration and interdisciplinary exploration. The University of Southampton aims to provide a platform for public engagement with research and to develop skills in science communication among researchers and students.

Science and Engineering Day Highlights

Science and Engineering Day will provide access to state-of-the-art research facilities, including the µVIS X-Ray Imaging Centre, home to two of the UK’s largest CT scanners, a 138-metre-long towing tank, anechoic and reverberation chambers, and the R J Michell wind tunnel. Visitors can also participate in live virtual tours of the Boulby Underground Laboratory in North East England, a research facility located 1.1km underground.

Interactive activities planned for the day include a Teddy Bear Hospital, slime-making workshops, robotics coding sessions, drone simulator experiences, basic life support training, virtual reality simulations of black holes, and a science-themed dress-up photobooth. Attendees can also learn about the science behind eczema and asthma.

Talks and Live Shows

A series of talks will cover diverse topics, including the phenomenon of “phubbing” (ignoring someone in favor of a mobile phone), the mysteries of black holes, and the integration of electronics into clothing. Live shows will feature science experiments, laser demonstrations, and presentations from the university’s mobile planetarium.

Festival Builds Momentum Towards British Science Festival

The Science and Engineering Festival serves as a prelude to the British Science Festival, which will be hosted by the University of Southampton in September 2026. The British Science Festival will feature 100 free events, exhibitions, performances, and installations celebrating science across the UK.

Additional Events

Events leading up to Science and Engineering Day include:

• Crack the Code: An interactive talk and quiz about digital forensics on Wednesday, March 11th.
• Rejected TED Talks: A science-themed stand-up comedy show on Wednesday, March 11th.
• Science vs Pseudoscience: A talk on archaeology conspiracy theories on Thursday, March 12th.

Tickets and Information

Science and Engineering Day is a free event. Full programme details and free tickets are available on the SOTSEF website. Further information about British Science Week can be found at britishscienceweek.org.