Brighton Science Festival Comes of Age in 2007

How Brighton Neglects Its Science Heritage: Mantell Plaque at No 20 Old Steine

This year's Brighton Science Festival is looking good - more than a week of events (18 - 25 Feb.) celebrating the culture of science, all in a relaxed, friendly manner. There's sci-fi at the Duke of Yorks, and science magic from Richard Robinson for the kids at The Early Learning Centre, Churchill Square.

Lectures (or should we say, talks) and debates are plentiful. There's the Big Science Sunday at Komedia, the Catalyst Club at the Joogleberry Playhouse, and Cafe Scientifique at The Branch Tavern. Workshops and lots of hands-on stuff for families are to be held at Hove Park School.

The practical dimensions of climate change for business are catered for in The 3Rs Forum, and there's even a Sewer Tour courtesy of Southern Water (Sold Out, I'm afraid).

Here's a few things that take my fancy. David Bodanis, author of The Electric Universe, talks on the history of the transistor (invented 60 years ago) and the coming of the computer age. John Haigh from Sussex University gives the low down on gambling. Curiously his talk is sponsored by Legal & General. And Rob Lambkin-Williams likewise gives the low down, but this time on viruses, in his talk, Small But Perfectly Formed.