Our aims

A child with Dr Shini Somara trying out a hairdryer experiment

Connecting audiences to science

Since the first Festival in 2016, Norwich Science Festival has grown into a nationally recognised Festival and a much-loved feature of the city calendar.

The Festival's mission is to inspire, excite and entertain a diverse range of audiences, and to inspire life-long and intergenerational learning.

Through a varied and vibrant programme of events, we are on a mission to bring people together to enjoy amazing experiences with science at the very heart.

Aims of the Festival

Norwich Science Festival 2024, videography by Keiron Tovell

Inspire life-long learning

We aim to encourage a life-long curiosity and enthusiasm for science, and its role in our everyday lives, in all of our audiences – from early years to adults.

Engage new audiences

We aim to connect with new audiences who are currently underserved by the Festival, or experience barriers to access.

Create community

We aim to bring audiences together with researchers, scientists and practitioners, enabling people to feel better connected to the science that impacts us today and in the future.

Increase access to science

We aim to remove barriers to access and deliver an inclusive, low-cost Festival, working closely in partnership with communities and experts to increase participation.

Showcase regional excellence

We aim to focus on Norwich and Norfolk as a centre for scientific, creative and innovative excellence – we see the region as a culturally rich and forward-thinking area.

Celebrate diverse voices and experiences in science

We aim to bring a diverse range of voices and contributors to the Festival programme – from speakers to workshop leaders, to the exhibitors at The Explorium.

Support careers in science

We aim to inspire children, young people and adults to consider careers in science, and to showcase a diverse range of pathways and roles within a broad sector.

Build sustainable partnerships

We aim to build creative, sustainable and mutually beneficial relationships with partners and collaborators, and deliver economic, social and environmental benefits to the city and the county.

Highlight global challenges

We aim to raise awareness of the ways in which science and innovation can address pressing global issues, from climate change to health.