Reserve Travel Ltd.Edinburgh Science Festival For centuries, the Scottish capital has maintained a reputation as a centre for academic excellence, with Thomas Jefferson proclaiming in 1789 that, in matters scientific, “no place in the world can pretend to a competition with Edinburgh”. From the ideas of the Scottish Enlightenment to the groundbreaking work of Professor Higgs, science and education are fundamental parts not only of Edinburgh’s history but also of its modern identity, and this is reflected in the ethos of the Edinburgh Science Festival. Founded in 1989 with a view to enhancing public understanding of science and technology, the Edinburgh Science Festival claims to be the first of its kind in the world, whilst remaining one of the largest in Europe. A registered charity, it also runs a year-round educational programme, touring Scotland’s schools and inspiring young people to take an interest in the world around them. This programme also includes the 'Careers Hive', an immersive event which encourages 11 to 15-year-old pupils to consider working in STEM roles (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). In recent years Edinburgh Science has also developed an international arm, through which they liaise with science festivals across the world, including the Abu Dhabi Science Festival. Themes at Edinburgh Science Festival Each year a different theme is chosen for the festival, with previous years focusing on 'Get Connected' and 'Building Better Worlds'. The Edinburgh International Science Festival runs for two weeks each spring. It provides audiences with a range of innovative experiences, incredible performances and a whole host of seminars and educational pieces and presentations which provide new, unique ways of looking at the earth and the universe. Activities at Edinburgh Science Festival With free and paid activities on offer throughout the festival, there is so much for the family to discover and enjoy during the Easter break. There are also discounts on offer for concessions, groups and early bookers. Head to venues around the city to discover more about computer technology, physics, chemistry and biology. Many of these are worth exploring in their own right, such as Edinburgh Zoo and the Royal Botanic Garden. In recent years there have also been online events on offer, meaning visitors can participate even if they are not in Edinburgh during the festival. Science attractions in Edinburgh If you are keen on learning more about science outwith the Science Festival season, head to Dynamic Earth at the bottom of the Royal Mile. This 5-star attraction guides visitors through the history of our planet and also has the fantastic Planetarium, where videos on varying themes are projected onto the domed ceiling. You can while away hours at the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street, which contains sections on the Natural World as well as Science and Technology, featuring Dolly the Sheep. Fascinating exhibits continue in other areas of the museum, including Scottish History, World Cultures, and Art, Design and Fashion. For more fantastic events and attractions to enjoy in Edinburgh, head to our guide on things to do throughout the year.

Edinburgh Science Festival

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Spring is a great time to visit Edinburgh and even more so for those interested in science.

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The nights are continuing to draw out, the temperature is slowly starting to rise, and the flower-beds of Princes Street Gardens are bursting back to life.

The season also plays host to the Edinburgh Science Festival: an annual event that sees workshops, discussions and exhibitions taking place throughout the city.

Science equipment with notebook and pen (© Hans Reniers on Unsplash)
Science equipment with notebook and pen
© Hans Reniers on Unsplash
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With free and paid activities on offer throughout the festival, there is so much for the family to discover and enjoy.


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Edinburgh Science Festival

For centuries, the Scottish capital has maintained a reputation as a centre for academic excellence, with Thomas Jefferson proclaiming in 1789 that, in matters scientific, “no place in the world can pretend to a competition with Edinburgh”. 

From the ideas of the Scottish Enlightenment to the groundbreaking work of Professor Higgs, science and education are fundamental parts not only of Edinburgh’s history but also of its modern identity, and this is reflected in the ethos of the Edinburgh Science Festival.

Founded in 1989 with a view to enhancing public understanding of science and technology, the Edinburgh Science Festival claims to be the first of its kind in the world, whilst remaining one of the largest in Europe.

A registered charity, it also runs a year-round educational programme, touring Scotland’s schools and inspiring young people to take an interest in the world around them.

This programme also includes the 'Careers Hive', an immersive event which encourages 11 to 15-year-old pupils to consider working in STEM roles (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths).

In recent years Edinburgh Science has also developed an international arm, through which they liaise with science festivals across the world, including the Abu Dhabi Science Festival.

Themes at Edinburgh Science Festival

Each year a different theme is chosen for the festival, with previous years focusing on 'Get Connected' and 'Building Better Worlds'.

The Edinburgh International Science Festival runs for two weeks each spring.

It provides audiences with a range of innovative experiences, incredible performances and a whole host of seminars and educational pieces and presentations which provide new, unique ways of looking at the earth and the universe.

Activities at Edinburgh Science Festival

With free and paid activities on offer throughout the festival, there is so much for the family to discover and enjoy during the Easter break.

There are also discounts on offer for concessions, groups and early bookers.

Head to venues around the city to discover more about computer technology, physics, chemistry and biology. 

Many of these are worth exploring in their own right, such as Edinburgh Zoo and the Royal Botanic Garden. 

In recent years there have also been online events on offer, meaning visitors can participate even if they are not in Edinburgh during the festival.

Science attractions in Edinburgh

If you are keen on learning more about science outwith the Science Festival season, head to Dynamic Earth at the bottom of the Royal Mile. 

This 5-star attraction guides visitors through the history of our planet and also has the fantastic Planetarium, where videos on varying themes are projected onto the domed ceiling. 

You can while away hours at the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street, which contains sections on the Natural World as well as Science and Technology, featuring Dolly the Sheep.

Fascinating exhibits continue in other areas of the museum, including Scottish History, World Cultures, and Art, Design and Fashion.

For more fantastic events and attractions to enjoy in Edinburgh, head to our guide on things to do throughout the year

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If this article has inspired you to visit Edinburgh next spring, browse our portfolio of properties and book a self-catering break with Reserve Apartments today.

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