As 2024 draws to a close, the team at Edinburgh Science reflect on a year of groundbreaking events, community initiatives, and educational outreach.
2024 also saw us welcome our new CEO and Director, Hassun El-Zafar, to lead Edinburgh Science into an exciting new chapter. Here are some of our proudest moments from the year:
Edinburgh Science Festival
- Welcomed 170,000 visitors to our two-week annual Edinburgh Science Festival
- Brought science to the community by delivering hands-on workshops in 14 schools,94% of which were in high SIMD* 1&2 areas
- Offered half of the events and exhibitions for free, and enabled 88% of visitors to attend at no cost, breaking down access barriers in science
- Enabled 18 community groups to visit the Science Festival for free
Schools
- Delivered 790 STEM-themed shows and workshops to 314 primary schools across Scotland, with 48% enjoying the experience for free
- Welcomed 2,061 pupils from 38 schools to the National Museum Scotland for Careers Hive, inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators
Community
- Partnered with Craigmillar Library and Wester Hailes Library to host mini-Science Festivals, leveraging their trusted community presence
- Partnered with 20 community groups across Edinburgh involving 371 participants
- Delivered 3 free, immersive mini-Science Festivals at trusted local venues, engaging 750 attendees with hands-on activities, pop-up shows, and free food, aiming to inspire both children and parents to see science as accessible and enjoyable
- Engaged with approximately 2,800 individuals through community-related projects
- Partnered with SSE Renewables to deliver a free drop-in event Energy Makers at Fringe by The Sea
Many of our children would never be taken to the Science Festival or even into the centre of Edinburgh. This was also a great opportunity to give them that experience
Teacher visiting Edinburgh Science Festival School Days 2024
Around the World
- Produced a three-day event in Los Angeles, welcoming 15,000 people across 3 days to the PST ART + Science Family Festival, in collaboration with The Getty Foundation
- Developed new relationships with Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, NASA JPL, LACMA and the Academy Museum, the Fathomers gallery and local community organisations such as LA Commons as part of the PST ART + Science Family Festival
- Wrote 2 new tech courses for the University of UAE (UAEU) in Al Ain (App Maker and Artificial Intelligence) as well as created online learning resources to support these courses
Climate Round Table Events (Climate Co-Labs)
- Delivered 5 climate-focused round table events that drive innovation and action
- Brought together influential speakers including the international diplomat Christiana Figueres, Dame Susan Rice DBE and John Lamont MP
- Delivered Climate Co-Labs in 3 different countries, attracting 80+ organisations interested in making a positive impact on climate change
Looking Ahead: 2025 Highlights
As we recharge over the holiday break, we’re already gearing up for what’s to come in the new year…
Generation Science
Touring: 3 February – 1 April | 6 May – 6 June 2025
Our premier science education outreach programme for primary schools continues to inspire young minds across the UK.
Edinburgh Science Festival 2025
Saturday 5 – Sunday 20 April 2025
With the theme Spaceship Earth, we’ll explore the challenges of living on a planet with finite resources through the lenses of science fiction and space exploration, learning how to live like astronauts. Learn more.
At Edinburgh Science, we are dedicated to inspiring people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the wonder of science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM). All of this wouldn’t be possible without our incredible partners, supporters and volunteers.
Thank you for being part of our journey. To learn more about our impact and access our reports, visit our Impact Page.
Happy Holidays and see you in 2025!
