Craigmillar Community Science Festival

The Craigmillar Community Science Festival is held on the last Friday in March in the run up to the Edinburgh International Science Festival.

Held in partnership with The Community Alliance Trust at The White House Kitchen Community Cafe, the festival sees young people in the community demonstrating science to festival-goers alongside scientists and STEM (science, engineering, technology and maths) professionals from across the BioQuarter.

Who's Involved

School Pupils and Teachers

Local primary and secondary school pupils take pride in demonstrating science to an audience, presenting what they have worked on in the classroom and showing that they can do science.

The festival wouldn’t happen without the dedication of our local teachers who help to develop activities.

“I like being here talking to people about science. It’s quite to cool to think we know more than them. I’d do it again.” (Pupil)

Families

Parents and carers are taken round the festival by the pupils who are able to show off their science skills. They are also made aware of future career opportunities in science for their children.

The festival provides inspiration and ideas for families to do their own fun science activities at home.

“My grandson is at the school and I want to know what he is learning about. The Festival is really great because it is interesting for him.”

Community Organisations

The festival is delivered in partnership with a range of community members, including The Community Alliance Trust, The White House Kitchen Community Cafe and Craigmillar Library.

Through this collaboration, and by hosting it in Craigmillar, we ensure that the festival feels part of the community.

“The science festival takes science out of the school and brings it to life in the community.”

Local Residents

By attending and showing interest in the activities, local residents provide encouragement to the young people taking part who take pride in showing them what they can do.

They also gain an understanding of the world-class science happening on their doorstep.

“It’s good because the people in Craigmillar get the opportunity to take part!!”

STEM Professionals

Researchers, clinicians, students and professional services staff, based at and around the BioQuarter, help to deliver fun, hands-on activities.

They provide access to the world-leading science and research taking place across the BioQuarter.

“I personally gained a greater sense of purpose from delivering our content at community events.”

BioQuarter Companies

The festival provides companies with the opportunity to get out and tell members of the local community what they are all about.

They are able to give something back to the local community, which helps them meet their corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals.

“My organisation are regular contributors to the STEM agenda so this was a great opportunity to give something back to this community.”

Upcoming Festival