Blog: Edinburgh International Science Festival

This weekend marks the start of the Edinburgh International Science Festival (EISF), my first since taking up the mantle of Scotland’s Minister for Science.

Scotland’s reputation for science, both historically and in terms of current research at universities is surely second to none. So it’s quite fitting that we host eighteen annual science festivals in Scotland. And these aren’t just limited to our cities, either.

They’re taking place in towns, regions, islands across the country, and in greater numbers than the rest of UK. I recently attended a science festival in the Western Isles which was indeed fascinating.

This is very much in line with the importance we place on science in Curriculum for Excellence, skills development and the future of Scotland’s economy.

Edinburgh was the world’s first celebration of science and technology, and still one of Europe’s largest, reaching 75,000 people last year.

Over two weeks, Edinburghers and visitors alike will be able to enjoy some inspiring experiences that transmit the excitement and benefits of science in innovative and engaging ways.

And of course, there is a particular emphasis on young people. Many of the events are aimed squarely at increasing knowledge and interest in science in a number of fun ways, right from the early years to the senior phase.

We have been able to provide the festival with £65,000 a year previously and we are currently in discussions about future support.

As EISF has made a significant contribution in making science accessible to a wide public audience, I look forward to it continuing to play a leading role in our science festival landscape for years to come.

Dr Alasdair Allan,
Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland’s Languages.

Related:
Edinburgh International Science Festival website.

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