New Scientist Live: Celebrating Science from October 12-14, 2023 in Pictures

The New Scientist Live festival, held from October 12-14, 2023, in London, showcased a vibrant atmosphere celebrating science, innovation, and discoveries. The event featured a plethora of exhibits, including a futuristic hospital concept from King’s College London and a pop-up planetarium, attracting visitors of all ages. Attendees engaged with interactive displays such as virtual reality experiences that allowed them to explore a nuclear reactor and other exciting simulations. The festival also hosted a series of informative talks on diverse topics, with renowned speakers including Nobel laureate Venki Ramakrishnan discussing mortality and anthropologist Alice Roberts addressing ancient epidemics. Additionally, the event included a schools’ day, where students gained insights into science from experts like palaeontologist Mike Benton and psychologist Dean Burnett. A focal point was the Future of Food and Agriculture area, where participants learned about innovative methods to enhance agricultural practices, tackle environmental issues, and improve crop varieties. Children and families took part in interactive competitions, such as the “save the gibbons” project, where attendees designed and built wildlife protection innovations using LEGO bricks. The enthusiastic response from thousands of attendees demonstrated the public's keen interest in STEM fields. With plans for the festival to return from October 18-20, 2024, it signifies the ongoing commitment to inspire and educate future generations in science and technology.