Nottingham Festival of Science and Curiosity Limited

Nottingham Festival of Science and Curiosity Limited (Charity number 1192135) is a UK-based nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing public understanding and engagement with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The organization achieves its mission primarily through the annual Festival of Science and Curiosity, which offers a diverse range of activities designed to make STEM accessible, interactive, and enjoyable for people of all ages across Nottinghamshire.

Overview

The festival is a two-week-long event that takes place every February, inviting the local community to explore STEM subjects outside traditional educational or laboratory settings. It emphasizes celebrating curiosity, encouraging questions, and fostering a collaborative environment where both experts and the public share knowledge and explore new ideas together.

Mission and Objectives

The core objective of Nottingham Festival of Science and Curiosity Limited is to advance public understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The organization does this by delivering free and engaging activities aimed at:

• Showcasing the presence of science and curiosity in everyday life.
• Inspiring greater interest in STEM fields among people of all ages.
• Facilitating partnerships between educational and scientific institutions and the general public.
• Promoting creativity and inquiry as key drivers of scientific exploration.

Activities and Impact

The festival includes a wide variety of events such as hands-on experiments, interactive workshops, lectures, and exhibitions. These activities are hosted in collaboration with local schools, universities, research institutions, and community groups, notably including contributions from the University of Nottingham. Festival events provide opportunities for attendees to engage directly with scientists and researchers, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of STEM.

Examples of festival highlights include:

• Science demonstrations and experiments that make complex topics tangible.
• Public talks and discussions that address current scientific issues.
• School programs designed to inspire young learners.
• Creative and artistic interpretations of scientific themes.

The Festival of Science and Curiosity is recognized as a significant contributor to STEM education outreach in Nottinghamshire, making science approachable and exciting for a wide audience.

Recent and Upcoming Festivals

The most recent festival took place from 10 to 21 February 2025. The event continues to grow, reflecting increasing public interest and participation. Plans and preparations for future festivals are ongoing, maintaining the organization’s commitment to expanding STEM engagement each year.

Nottingham Festival of Science and Curiosity Limited stands as a prominent example of community-led STEM outreach in the UK, blending education, entertainment, and curiosity to enrich the cultural life of Nottinghamshire.

This article is based on information from the charity’s official website, Companies House, the UK Charity Commission, and associated promotional materials.[1][2][3][4][5]

[1] https://nottsfosac.co.uk [2] https://www.ignitefutures.org.uk/fosac [3] https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/11842873 [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5162438/charity-overview [5] https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/policy-and-engagement/events/events-2025/nottingham-festival-of-science-and-curiosity-2025.aspx