Bath Taps into Science, the city’s free two-day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths, returns this week with another packed programme of experiments, challenges and hands-on activities.
The festival brings together scientists, students, schools and organisations from across Bath and beyond, giving visitors the chance to get stuck into science and meet some of the people behind it.
On Friday 13 November, schoolchildren will pour into the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution (BRLSI) in Queen Square for a day of activities. Then, on Saturday 14 November from 10am to 4pm, the doors will open to everyone for a free family day, with no need to book.
This year, visitors can discover how machines learn, learn how chocolate melts just right explore how to turn everyday messages into secret codes, experiment with frothing green potions, build electronic circuits and find out whether hydrogen could be the fuel of the future.
And that's just for starters.
Other unmissable activities include
- learning how an AI tool developed by a deaf-blind research student can turn photos into tactile images that can be read by touch
- discovering how the mind can play tricks on us and how different parts of the brain work
- finding out the size of a 2,000-year-old dog from its paw print on a Roman Baths floor tile
- exploring how scientists use wastewater to learn about the health of communities and the environment
- experiencing the universe through infrared light and thermal imaging
- discovering how tiny lasers could one day go inside our cells
- learning how stem cells can help scientists study diseases including Alzheimer's and Motor Neurone Disease
- putting science skills to the test with hands-on challenges designed by Dyson engineers
- discovering what makes the wildlife of Madagascar so special, and how we can protect it
Researchers and students from the University of Bath will be taking part in activities. They will be led by Professor Chris Budd OBE from the University of Bath, who co-founded Bath Taps with Bob Draper and others from BRLSI in 2000.
Professor Budd said: “Bath Taps into Science is all about getting people involved in science rather than simply being told about it. There will be experiments to try, puzzles to solve and scientists to quiz, with something to spark the curiosity of visitors of all ages and interests.
“Come along, ask questions and have fun with science!”
Event details
- Where: Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution (BRLSI), 16–18 Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HN
- Schools day: Friday 13 November, 9.30am–3.30pm
- Public day: Saturday 14 November, 10am–4pm
- Who: All ages
- Cost: Free, with no need to book for the public day.
Bath Taps into Science 2026 is sponsored by the University of Bath, Bath Spa University and The James Dyson Foundation.