Haverhill
Science Festival
ONE Haverhill Partnership was delighted to host the very first Haverhill Science Festival in 2024. The primary aim of the festival was to promote the study of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics in schools; boost the educational aspirations of local students in Haverhill and promote training opportunities in high-tech industry. The festival was also created to highlight to investors and researchers in the Cambridge sub-region why Haverhill is an ideal base to set-up science and technology businesses.
Every school in Haverhill took part, and we were extremely excited that Helen Sharman CMG OBE, the first British astronaut, and renowned scientist Professor Lord Robert Winston joined us to make it a very high-profile week for the town. Please explore this webpage to find out more about the amazing week of activities.
What's On
The Science Festival week featured a range of exciting events. Some activities were exclusively for schools or businesses, but there were also events open to everyone to attend – from hands-on activities, to interactive experiences and thought-provoking discussions.
2024 Haverhill Science Festival
Science and faith - friends or foes? - Monday 22nd April
Russell Cowburn is Professor of Experimental Physics at the University of Cambridge, where he researches nanotechnology and its application to healthcare. He is also a Christian. Some people might find this a strange combination. In this talk, Prof Cowburn explores some of the reasons some people think science and faith are incompatible and makes the case for why, in fact, they make perfect companions.
Haverhill Business Networking -
Tuesday 23rd April
As part of the Haverhill Science Festival, business leaders are coming together to discuss the benefits and challenges of Haverhill as a business site, within the Cambridge sub-region and A11 tech corridor. This is a great opportunity to build contacts and find synergies, and work together to make Haverhill an even better business destination. It's not just for businesses involved in building rockets, all local businesses are encouraged to attend to hear how being in the space cluster can be of great benefit.
BT Technology Day -
Tuesday 23rd April
BT are providing a carousel of tech activities for Year 8 students, including robotics and programming technologies. Students will have a chance to learn about how computing education can lead to careers outside of academia, with each student having the opportunity to take part in two activities. The morning sessions will take place at Samuel Ward, with the afternoon sessions at Castle Manor.
Haverhill Jobs, Skills And Well-Being Fair - Wednesday 24th April
The jobs and skills fair offers the chance to engage directly with businesses and training providers with the chance to explore different sectors and opportunities. Science and technology companies can also enquire about holding a stall by contacting haverhill.ucfullservice@.gov.uk
Lord Robert Winston -
Thursday 25th April
Lord Robert Winston will be visiting students at Castle Manor Academy. His attendance will seek to encourage students to study STEM topics and inspire them to pursue careers in the amazing science and technology sector in Haverhill and beyond.
Lord Robert Winston -
Thursday 25th April
Lord Winston will be visiting start up companies based at The EpiCentre to hear about their amazing and exciting research. His visit will also highlight the opportunities that businesses in Haverhill can offer in the Cambridge sub-region.
An evening with Lord Robert Winston at haverhill Arts Centre - Thursday 25th April
Lord Winston is a Professor of Science and Society, and Emeritus Professor of Fertility Studies at Imperial College London. Lord Winston will be in conversation with Georgy Jamieson, answering questions from the audience and signing copies of his latest book.
Samuel Ward 6th Form Students visit to bT Adastral Park - Thursday 25th April
BT are offering the opportunity for students to experience the future of technology – everything ranging from robots to holograms, to understanding what STEM translates to in the world of work. Students will experience the BT showcases with over 300 technology demonstrations, an inspiring journey across multiple jobs, careers, and university courses.
What Can space east do for your business? - Thursday 25th April
Space East aims to bring together innovative people from business and academia to share knowledge and explore exciting opportunities in the UK space sector.
Helen Sharman CMG OBE -
Friday 26th April
Helen Sharman, the first British astronaut, will be speaking about her life, her career as a scientist, astronaut training, what it’s like to be living and working in space to students at Samuel Ward Academy.
STEAM Co. Community Science Day - Saturday 27th April
STEAM Co. and Nick Corston will be hosting an incredible day of science related activities in East Town Park. With something for parents and children to enjoy, you can build your own rocket, craft a cardboard creation, produce your own zine and stay for the big rocket grand finale. Make sure to also watch out for #OurSeeMonster. There will also be plenty of stalls and activities to engage with, including activities with CHaOS and engaging stories with our storyteller in residence, Shane Ibbs.
Visitors will be able to engage with a range of activities with the Curiosity Cube, including:
- Creating a wind turbine set
- Examine different fabrics with a digital handheld microscope
- Build a threading machine by connecting electrical components
Dr Mark Gallaway: Haverhill Planetarium -
Saturday 27th April
Join us to study the night sky inside our very own planetarium at East Town Park. Several showings will be available throughout the day where you can gain a unique view of planets, see Earth from space and explore constellations that we see from the UK.
Kinetic Adventure
Kinetic Adventure will be working with all six primary schools in Haverhill to bring a total of ten whole-day science-based activities to over 1500 children in Haverhill.
STEAM Co.
STEAM Co. will be working with all six primary schools in Haverhill to bring a total of ten whole-day science-based activities to over 1500 children in Haverhill.
Our Sponsors
This amazing week wouldn’t be possible without the financial support of our incredible sponsors. ONE Haverhill Partnership expresses a huge thank you to all of them:
