Physics and Astronomy at the Edinburgh Science Festival

Edinburgh Science Festival takes place Saturday 4 – Sunday 19 April 2026 and our staff and students are involved in a number of events:

Opening Gala: First Women of Science

Thursday 2 April

Scotland's past is filled with amazing women who changed the scientific path of history forever.

However, they were rarely recognised in their time. Missing from the pages of their own research, denied the roles that were rightfully theirs and their ideas claimed by others.

Now Scotland feels like it is thriving, women have stepped into the role of First Minister, Astronomer Royal for Scotland, and President of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. How proud the Edinburgh Seven, the first women to try to study medicine in Edinburgh, would be of the progress that has been made.

But has that progress been enough? Hear from those who have been ‘the first women’ in Scotland as they discuss what it truly means to be the heard voices in a history of hidden voices. Has society really changed that much?

Hosted by former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in conversation with a panel including Astronomer Royal for Scotland Prof Catherine Heymans and author of The Edinburgh Seven Janey Jones.

Opening Gala: First Women of Science - Edinburgh Science

Edinburgh Theoretical Physics Walking Tour

Saturday 4 – Sunday 19 April

Discover Edinburgh’s storied history of theoretical physics.

This tour will guide you through the nooks and crannies of beautiful Edinburgh, highlighting places associated with extraordinary physicists who have called the Scottish capital home. You’ll learn personal anecdotes about physicists whose names you’ll recognise, as well as others who are less famous but no less interesting. Hear about their fascinating life stories and world-changing science in small groups led by physics lecturers and PhD researchers from the University.

Edinburgh Theoretical Physics Walking Tour - Edinburgh Science

University of Edinburgh: 7 Days, 100 Scientists

Tuesday 7 – Monday 13 April

Meet the University of Edinburgh scientists working to better understand our world and how to tackle the greatest challenges of our time. From the microscopic to the vastness of the Universe, medicine to robotics and supercomputing, there is something for everyone.

University of Edinburgh: 7 Days, 100 Scientists - Edinburgh Science

Interacting (with) Galaxies

Friday 17 April

Despite the vastness of space, most galaxies will experience collisions.

These mergers are complicated and understanding them benefits from new approaches to data representation. With the opportunity to interact with galaxies using several senses, we will hear, touch, and see models and measurements of interacting galaxies.

Learn about the technology that is powering this discovery space by working with data experts and engineers to improve representations of galaxies, enabling a fuller understanding of the important stage of galactic evolution.

Interacting (with) Galaxies - Edinburgh Science