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Patrons

We’re thrilled to introduce our Festival Patrons - a brilliant group of communicators and educators who embody what Norwich Science Festival is all about: curiosity, creativity and a passion for bringing science to life!

We’re delighted to work with Ben Garrod, Jess French, Jon Chase, Mark Thompson and Maddie Moate to help champion the Festival and inspire audiences across Norwich and Norfolk.

"I really love NSF and what they manage to curate each year. I've been performing here for around a decade; it's always a pleasure returning to Norwich and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere surrounding the Festival."

Jon Chase

Prof Ben Garrod

Ben is an author, award-winning broadcaster and Professor of Evolutionary Biology and Science Engagement at the University of East Anglia, here in Norwich. His lifelong curiosity about the natural world has taken him across continents – protecting chimpanzees in Africa, tracking polar bears in the Arctic and helping uncover the largest dinosaur ever found in South America. 

Ben has fronted TV and radio series including Attenborough and the Mammoth Graveyard, The Day the Dinosaurs Died and Baby Chimp Rescue, and has written over 20 books, including the beloved Jack-Jack series inspired by his real-life canine companion. 

Professor Ben Garrod (Image credit - Luke Witcomb)

Dr Jess French

A familiar face at the Festival, Jess is a zoologist, vet, presenter and hugely popular children’s author. Caring for animals and the natural world is at the heart of everything she does, inspiring audiences to fall in love with nature. 

Jess has been an integral part of Norwich Science Festival since the beginning, sharing her passion for animals and biology both at the main Festival and through our community project, Science On Your Doorstep.

Dr Jess French (Image credit - Luke Witcomb)

Jon Chase

Jon is a brilliant science communicator, author and rapper who firmly believes science should be for everyone.

He’s presented for BBC Learning, co-authored The Science of Star Wars, The Science of Harry Potter and The Science of Jurassic World, and is best known for his science raps created for NASA and the BBC. 

Jon Chase (Image credit - Rosie Mills-Smith)

Mark Thompson

Mark is a celebrated science broadcaster and author with an infectious passion for the night sky. He has presented on The One Show and BBC Stargazing Live and is renowned for making science accessible through TV, radio, podcasts, theatre and his books!  

A long-standing Patron of Norwich Science Festival, Mark has inspired thousands of visitors to explore the wonders of the universe.

Mark Thompson (Image credit - Luke Witcomb)

Maddie Moate

We were delighted to welcome Maddie as a Patron in 2026 for our 10th anniversary celebration. A BAFTA-winning presenter, author and content creator, Maddie’s hugely popular YouTube channel is packed with fun, family-friendly science adventures that have taken her all over the world.  

Best known for her CBeebies series Maddie’s Do You Know?, she has been inspiring young audiences to ask questions and see the world differently for over a decade. Maddie has joined us at Norwich Science Festival several times - including our very first Festival back in 2016.

A woman stands to the side of a vehicle, smiling
Maddie Moate