There's a chance to find out how science shapes our world, from the importance of bacteria to discoveries in the solar system and beyond, at the University of Southampton’s annual Science and Engineering Festival from March 15 – 22.
The festival, part of National Science and Engineering Week, includes two free public open days – Ocean and Earth Day on Saturday March 15, and Science and Engineering Day on Saturday, March 22.

Ocean and Earth Day is being held in collaboration with the National Oceanography Centre based at Dock Gate 4 from 10.30am to 4pm (last admission 3.30pm). We know less about our oceans than we do the moon and therefore visitors will have the opportunity to understand more about the impact of the oceans on our planet. They will be able to visit the sea life touch pools, take a closer look at fossils, experience a range of exciting hands-on activities and even get the chance to see the latest research ship RRS Discovery preparing for its first scientific cruise.

Science and Engineering Day takes place at the Highfield Campus from 10.30am to 4.30pm (last admission 4pm) with exhibitions, interactive displays, talks and shows. This stimulating and fun day is free and will be full of opportunities for children of all ages to get direct experience of science.

There will also be an overview of the largest experiment in the world – the Large Hadron Collider – and visitors can see the Railway Research laboratory in action.

Other events taking place during Southampton Science and Engineering Festival include a TEAtime Lecture about ‘Evolution’ and a Sustainability Game Show on Tuesday 18 March, plus the start of ‘Fulcrum’, a three day arts and science festival at the Nuffield Theatre from Friday, March 21 to Sunday 23.

For more information on the Southampton Science and Engineering Festival, visit www.southampton.ac.uk/scienceweek