10:00

Exhibition opens

(Foyers & Circle Bar)

Details of the exhibiting organisations are shown on this page below the programme.

10:30

Welcome and Family Show

(Auditorium)

Tiny particles, Big impact!

Nuclear fusion - The challenges of building a star on earth

Trying to recreate the energy source of the stars, nuclear fusion, on earth presents huge challenges in physics and engineering. The benefits of nuclear fusion if successful are an abundant, clean energy source. There are many challenges associated with keeping matter at 100 million degrees kelvin trapped inside a reactor without touching it! This talk is the story of how, in the absence of a lab the size of a star, we are attempting to make fusion into an energy source for the future.

Dr Kate Lancaster, Plasma and Fusion Industrial Officer for the York Plasma Institute

Kate is based at the York Plasma Institute, part of the Department of Physics at the University of York. She is part funded by Culham Centre for Fusion Energy (CCFE) to work with the Industrial team to ensure that UK industry is well placed to win contracts from ITER, the next step fusion device under construction in France. Her research is in ultra-intense laser plasma interactions and performs experiments using the VULCAN laser and other international facilities. Kate is also an experienced science communicator, having presented at GCSE Science Live!, British Science Festival, Cheltenham Festival, TEDx, and on various radio broadcasts for BBC, RTE and local radio in Oxford and York. 

@DrKatypoo

11:30

Intermission & Exhibition

(Foyers & Circle Bar)

12:00

Family Show continues

(Auditorium)

Hunting the Higgs (Large Hadron Colliding) - a particle-physics comedy!

The Hunting the Higgs (Large Hadron Colliding) show puts you, the audience, in charge of making science’s greatest and most exciting discoveries. You will be placed at the cutting edge of science, and the progress of science rests in your hands! In this comedic and interactive jaunt you will work together, collaborate, communicate and above all else, have fun. You are the Large Hadron Collider's latest recruits and we are excited to welcome you into the fold - let's go find the Higgs Boson!

Most shows don't want you to have your phones with you but we aren't like most shows - please bring your smartphone or tablet device to take part in the interactive games throughout the show.

Dr Sam Gregson, Particle Physicist at University of Cambridge

Sam is a particle physicist, science comedian and the resident anarchist at the University of Cambridge and the Large Hadron Collider Beauty (LHCb) experiment at CERN, Switzerland. He is also the ​founder and project manager of LHComedy, CERN's 1st comedy show. He has a passion for explaining complex science in simplistic and exciting ways for any audience, keen to show how people can contribute to, and be excited by, cutting edge science and technology.

@Samuel_Gregson

13:00

Lunch & Exhibition

(Foyers & Circle Bar)

16:30

3SDL believe in encouraging new talent into their industry. For the last 3 years they have been running a Cyber Apprenticeship Development Scheme (CADS) offering sixth form students from local schools the chance to gain training and work experience in Cyber Security. Meet some of the CADS to talk about their experience whilst having a go on their robotics demonstration. [Cyber & Robotics Zone]

@3SDL

Cyber Security Challenge UK aims to bring more talented people into the Cyber Security Profession by working with leading experts in cyber security to design and develop a series of challenges / competitions that will test the nation's cyber security skills. [Stand A3]

@Cyberchallenge, @schoolcybe

Estatom Systems provide an operating system (OS) technology and a very high performance object database which together offer important benefits including security, speed, compact size, robustness and scalability. Their systems are suitable for numerous platforms including smart phones and Internet of Things devices. [Stand B3]

@EstatomSystems

HP have innovation in their DNA. This year they are introducing Blended Reality; a way to blend the digital world with the physical world we live in. It’s a way to humanize technology and make it more tangible, allowing us to grab things, mash things and make something even better. Blended reality is more than an idea, it’s a promise. A vision. And with it, HP are reimagining a whole new world of possibilities. [Stand B9]

@HPUK, @hplabs, @HPUKPS, @HPenterpriseUKI

The Institute of Physics is a leading scientific society; a charitable organisation with a worldwide membership of more than 50,000, working together to advance physics education, research and application. [Stand B1]

@IOPMidlands, PhysicsNews

For over 140 years the IET has been inspiring, informing and influencing the global engineering community; supporting technology innovation to meet the needs of society. [Stand A4]

@TheIET

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers works with leading companies, universities, and think tanks to create and share knowledge, fresh thinking and authoritative guidance on all aspects of mechanical engineering. [Stand A8]

@IMechE, @IMechE_Worcs

Yamazaki Mazak Corporation produces a range of advanced, automated machine tools used to manufacture many of today's complex and critical engineering components. [Stand A6]

@MazakEurope

The Royal Microscopical Society is at the forefront of microscopy and imaging, and has been so for over 170 years. It is dedicated to advancing science, developing careers, and supporting wider understanding of science and microscopy.. [Stand A10]

@RoyalMicroSoc

The Herefordshire and Worcestershire STEMNET initiative provides advice, guidance, ambassadors, and curriculum support in science, technology, engineering and maths. [Stand A7]

@STEMWorcsUni

UBRacing is the University of Birmingham’s official Formula Student Team. They are an entirely student run project that aim to design, fund and build a one-seat racing car from scratch to compete in the Formula Student competition each year. The project costs over £30,000 annually and is in constant need of support from both sponsors, industrial and individual, and its 100+ members. [Stand B5]

@UBRacing

Worcestershire County Council puts a strong emphasis on education and skills development, including apprenticeships. For example, the Workforce and Practice Development Service aims to support the workforce to meet the needs and aspirations of children, young people and their families in Worcestershire. They also ensure a range of learning and development opportunities are available to support and enhance skills and knowledge in the county. [Stand B13]

@worcscc