Scientific companies and institutions from Bristol, Bath and the surrounding area are taking part in the celebrations, organised as part of National Science and Engineering Week, have been designed to encourage people to get involved and find out more about what is going on in the city.
The week kicks off with Bristol University’s ‘Science Alive! 2008’ event in Bristol's Broadmead Mall Galleries shopping centre on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 March and ‘Bath Taps into Science’ at the University of Bath on Friday 7 and Bath’s Green Park Station on Saturday 8 March. These hands-on events will show the public some of the world-class research that’s taking place on their doorstep. This will be followed up by a string of further events around the city, details of which can be found on the newly launched website www.sciencecitybristol.com.
Sarah–Jane Chilcott, Science City Bristol, said: “The Bristol city region is known for its scientific heritage and its links with Brunel, but the depth and breadth of this scientific culture is often underestimated. Everything from plasticine to self-raising flour to mobile phones has been developed in this region. This cutting-edge research and development work continues today in our universities and businesses.”
Thanks to initial investment from the South West RDA and working in collaboration with a wide range of partners across the region, Science City Bristol will play a key role in the sustainable economic and social development of the city region over the coming years. Through its support for existing activities and through its own programme, it will help to ensure a more connected scientific community, it will raise national and international profile of the Bristol city region, and it will work to create a culture which not only understands and celebrates science and technology but remains at the forefront of scientific achievement.
Professor Eric Thomas, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bristol and Chair of Science City Bristol, said: “This programme is a brilliant opportunity for academics, business people and the government to work together to develop and promote this area's excellence in science, engineering and technology. The benefits will be felt in everything from the strength of the economy to the pride that the people of the Bristol region take in their area."