Science Festival - Turn the Tide: Land, Sea, Life

The Science Festival will be split into 3 areas: Land Life Sea

10.15-11.15am Dr Robin Shail, Associate Professor - Geology and mineral/geothermal resources of Cornwall – what are the opportunities? (14+)

The geology of Cornwall represents the last occasion that Britain was involved in a mountain-building continent-continent collision. The resulting huge body of granite that underlies much of Cornwall and Devon is the geological engine contributing to past, present and future regional economic development. Robin will provide an overview of Cornwall’s geology and mineral/geothermal resources, their current exploration/development, and opportunities for studying for geology degrees at University of Exeter.

11.15-11.55am Professor Duncan Pirrie - Forensic Geoscience - How Geoscience can be used in the Investigation of Crime (11+)
Geology can aid in the investigation of a wide range of criminal activity. Traditional applications include using geological methods to locate clandestine burials and also in the analysis of trace evidence from crime scenes. In addition, geological materials can be illegally mined and traded supporting corrupt regimes and international crime cartels. In this talk, through case studies, I will show how geology can aid forensic investigations.

12.15-1pm Dr Colin French - The Flora of Cornwall (14+)
An overview of the Flora of Cornwall and why it is so special. Since prehistory the flora has been shaped by Man’s activities, especially extensive tin mining and streaming, and agriculture. What has evolved is unique such that Cornwall behaves like an island.

1.15pm Dr Declan Vogt - How to Change the World (11+)
Engineering is the hidden career. We all know what doctor, teachers, artists, musicians and lawyers do. We have an idea what scientists do, but what do engineers do? We’re the hidden profession, key to developing the technology that is so important in our lives. Come to this talk to find out how you can use your maths, science and thinking skills to make life better.

2.15pm Ruth Warfield - Living Soil - The Role of Microbes in Soil Health (16+)
The use of microbial communities in mine waste remediation.

11.15am Jess Haines – Marine Biology - details coming soon

12.15-12.55pm Polly Ford - Being Yourself in a World That Isn’t Always Built for You (11+)
Polly Ford shares her journey as a neurodivergent photographer, filmmaker, and marine mammal medic. Drawing on her work in photography, filmmaking, and volunteer work with British Divers Marine Life Rescue, she shows how passion, curiosity, and kindness can shape meaningful careers. This session encourages students to value their differences, ask for support, and explore the many pathways into creative and marine careers.

12.45-1.45pm Andrew Hughes - Gyre: The Plastic Ocean Film / Scientists and Artist Collaborate (11+)
Artist Andy Hughes presents the National Geographic film Gyre: The Plastic Ocean, documenting a groundbreaking expedition to Alaska’s remote coastline. This journey follows a unique team of scientists and artists as they witness the staggering accumulation of global marine debris. By observing how currents transport consumer waste to "untouched" shores, the project bridges the gap between data and emotion—transforming an environmental tragedy into poignant, cautionary art that demands a global conversation

1.15-1.55pm Duncan Jones - Research at Marine Discovery Penzance: What We Can Learn About Marine Wildlife (14+)
This talk introduces Marine Discovery Penzance and explores how we collect high-quality scientific data while operating wildlife watching tours. It will highlight the techniques we use at sea and show how these data contribute to cutting-edge marine research, demonstrating how ecotourism and science can work hand in hand.

11.15-11.55am Freddie Noble – Intellectual Property (14+)
Learn how patents protect new inventions, and how other types of intellectual property rights can protect new designs for products, brands, and works of all kinds. We’ll take you through the different intellectual property rights and look at some real examples. Intellectual Property is critical for anyone working in technology, or indeed in any area of industry. We’ll look at the different careers in this fascinating world.

11.30-12.30pm – Dr David Tucker – The Present and Future Horizon of Healthcare Research in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly (14+)
The presentation will be an introduction to healthcare research in Cornwall including the new Commercial Research Delivery Centre for Cornwall and Isles of Scilly with exciting and cutting-edge health research projects being performed here and now to help improve diagnostics and new treatments to fight and prevent disease.

12.15-12.55pm Dr Krithika Anil – Controlling Machines with Your Mind (16+)
Your brain is fantastic at doing lots of things, but one cool thing it can do is control machines with JUST thoughts! Your thoughts produce electrical activity, and this electrical activity can be used to send signals to a machine. This presentation will take you through how exactly this is done and why we want to do it!

1.15-1.55pm Annie Butcher – Bats in Cornwall (11+)
A general, accessible overview of bats in Cornwall – covering the species we have, where they live, why they’re important, and information about surveying and conservation in practice.

2.15-2.55pm Brian Harvey – Fire Science and Engineering (14+)
An introduction to the world of applied fire science and engineering and career opportunities in the broad fire sector

10-10.50am & 11-11.50am PK Porthcurno – Fake News? An interactive workshop on detecting fake news online (9-14 years)

10-10.50am, 11-11.50am & 12-12.50pm South West Water – Filtration and Storm Overflow (7-14 years)

1.15-1.55pm NHS Cornwall – Careers in Ph*rm*cy (14+)

1.15-1.55pm Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland – Identifying the plants of the Penwith Campus (11+)

2pm – Infinity Dance Cornwall – details tbc (4+)

2.15-2.55pm Marine Discovery Penzance – Dolphin identification (14+)

All Day – Science busking and our mega marble machine – hands-on interactive fun with science (&+) plus more in our Explorer Zone

Please note: All children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult

Geevor Tin Mine, University of Plymouth Brain Research & Imaging Centre, Royal Cornwall Hospital Haematology, Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Cornwall Bat Group, RSPB, National Trust, Geothermal Engineering Limited, Mounts Bay Marine Group, Cornwall Council - Public Health, Oneblueeye Cornwall, Penwith College, Gardeners House, Cornwall Seal Group, Surfers Against, Sewage, Morrab Library, West Country Rivers Trust.

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Host or Publisher Truro & Penwith College