Saturday Morning Science

Saturday Morning Science 

Curious about science? You’re very welcome here. 

You don’t need a science background to come along. These sessions are designed for anyone who is curious about how the world works, whether you left science behind at school, enjoy watching science programmes, or like the idea of learning something new. 

What to expect  

These sessions are aimed at adults and older children (roughly post-GCSE level), but you don’t need any prior knowledge to enjoy them. They focus on the big ideas, not the technical detail. 

Each week we will share our enthusiasm for science, the sometimes unexpected journeys of exploration and ultimately the breakthroughs from the laboratories of scientists within our Institute. 

Each session will last 40 minutes, and you can join us for whichever interests you. 

• Two short talks from different speakers sharing their research using talks, visual aids and demonstrations.

• Plenty of time for questions - There are no "silly" questions. 

• Demonstrations and hands-on activities - explore the research and ideas up close (where safe to do so). 

• Free refreshments and informal time afterwards to chat with researchers, PhD students and other audience members. 

You are welcome to just listen, or to join in the discussions as much as you feel comfortable. 

The science – explained for everyone

These sessions will focus on research that blurs the lines between scientific subjects. We will share the latest breakthroughs from scientists whose work bends the traditional boundaries of the natural sciences, encompassing physics, biology, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, psychology, and engineering. 

This is a powerful approach as it harnesses exciting new ways of looking at the life sciences, for example;

• New technologies to visualise biological structures in greater detail. 
• Mathematical and computational approaches to explore how biological systems work.
• Physics principles to understand the forces that shape the behaviour of living systems.

Our Institute – our researchers work in teams bringing together different skills and perspectives to find clever, practical solutions to real‑world challenges. They’re excellent at what they do, and they love talking about it. 

More about our research themes here.

More about the Biophysical Sciences Institute 

Do I Need to Register? 

There is no need to register - just turn up. 

However, we will often send out taster images, online resources, tools and interactive content before the sessions. Sign-up on the form below to receive this content. 

Saturday Morning Science Talks - Mailing List Sign-up Form  – Fill in form

Any questions? 

Email bsi.manager@durham.ac.uk

Timings 

10:00  Welcome 

10:10  First talk/demonstration 

10:30  Second talk/demonstration  

10:50  Questions for the two speakers 

11:00  Free refreshments and time to chat about the science and (where safe) get hands-on with the science

11:30  End of session