More than 1,000 staff and students make the 20th Cambridge Science Festival go off with a bang.
"Volunteers often turn around and thank me at the end of the day, telling me they’ve found out something new about science, or even that they have found something new about themselves.
Sue Long
This year’s Cambridge Science Festival is a series of events which simply could not happen without the input of more than 1,000 members of staff and students from all parts of the University, says one of its organisers.
In 2013 the festival welcomed 30,000 visitors and this year, with more than 255 events planned, it is hoped that figure will be topped.
The Science Festival, which starts today (Monday, 10 March), gives the public the opportunity to explore Cambridge science. Most events during its two week run are free, thanks in no small part to staff volunteering their time to put on events and to act as stewards.
The group coordinating all this effort is the Public Engagement team, part of the Office of External Affairs and Communications.
Sue Long, who is the volunteers coordinator for the festival, said: “I thank the volunteers at the start of each day but they often turn around and thank me at the end of the day, telling me they’ve found out something new about science, or even that they have found something new about themselves.”
The volunteers come from all parts of University life said Sue – staff from colleges, departments, and the central University, as well as academics and students.
“We even get staff members' children involved as many sixth formers volunteer, because it is fun and it also helps them out with required elements of their study,” added Sue.
The Science Festival team, based at the Pitt Building, plan the Festival well in advance, with ideas for 2015’s events already being considered.
“It is a very busy time and demanding on the team as we are also planning for Bridge the Gap in September and the Festival of Ideas in October, both of which also require volunteers.”
While no more volunteers are required for this year’s Festival the team are always happy to hear from anyone who wishes to help out at events.
Some highlights of the Science Festival include a world-record balloon attempt to be held on Saturday (March 15) at the Grafton shopping centre and a series of talks, lectures, exhibitions and demonstrations which aim to promote scientific photography.