The chemistry of sexual attraction, hearing for the deaf using a bionic ear, and the diet of prehistoric humans are a few of the research subjects up for discussion at the 2003 British Association Festival of Science. Dick Ahlstrom, Science Editor, reports.
The annual event gets under way this morning at the University of Salford, Greater Manchester.
The festival is the largest science conference of its kind in Europe, and has been held for more than 170 years. It attracts thousands of students and members of the public, who hear talks given by leading research scientists about their work.
The theme this year is "Sustainable Science", and it will echo through many of the presentations. While there will be formal presentations, the emphasis with festival talks over the years has been on fun.
The British Association for the Advancement of Science (BAAS) is a UK organisation with an open membership. It is dedicated to the communication and appreciation of science, helping people to understand both the value and importance of research.
All areas of science are covered by this remit, and this is reflected in the broad range of subjects covered during the event, which will run from Monday through Friday next. There will be between 300 and 400 speakers discussing a wide range of research.
More information about the British Association and the festival are available from its web site, http://www.the-ba.net