British Science Week 6th-15th March
British Science Week 2026: A Celebration of Curiosity and Discovery
Each year the UK comes alive with science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) enthusiasm during British Science Week, a nationwide festival that invites people of all ages to explore the wonders of science in creative, fun and meaningful ways. Organised by the British Science Association, this annual event runs for ten days, bringing together schools, communities, and science enthusiasts across the country to spark curiosity and inspire new ideas.
Theme: “Curiosity – What’s Your Question?”
The official theme for 2026 is ‘Curiosity: what’s your question?’ — a simple yet powerful idea that lies at the heart of all scientific endeavour. The theme encourages people — especially young learners — to think deeply about what they want to know, why they want to know it, and how they might go about finding the answers. It’s a celebration of inquisitiveness as the foundation of learning, innovation and understanding the world around us.
This theme reflects the idea that curiosity isn’t just for scientists in labs — it’s something we all use daily, whether we’re exploring how the natural world works, imagining future technologies, or asking big questions about health, the environment, society and beyond.
What’s On During the Week
Across the UK, a diverse range of events and activities invites everyone to get involved — from interactive workshops to public talks, family-friendly science fairs to online webinars.
- Hands-on festivals and markets where families and children can try experiments and meet the experts
- University open days and engineering exhibitions that allow students to explore.
- Events blending science with arts and culture, such as light installations and community activities that connect STEM with everyday life.
- Free webinars exploring topics from heritage science to environmental conservation, open to all ages.
- Special sessions hosted by Museums and cultural venues, bringing scientific stories to life.
Whether you’re fascinated by physics, curious about climate change, interested in computer science, or just love a good question, there’s something for everyone to explore.
Activity Packs and Resources
One of the core ways people get involved is through the free activity packs published annually for British Science Week. These packs — designed for different age groups from early years through secondary school — include fun experiments, creative challenges, and ideas for questions to investigate, all geared around the theme of curiosity. They’re a fantastic tool for teachers, parents, youth groups and community organisers to bring science to life in classrooms and clubs.
There’s also an ongoing poster competition tied to the theme, inviting young people to express their ideas about science and their vision for the future.
Community Engagement & Grants
To help spread engagement and awareness even further, the organisers offer community grants for groups that want to run events during the Week, especially those reaching audiences traditionally underrepresented in science. These grants support grassroots activities that bring STEM into new communities.
Why It Matters
British Science Week isn’t just about experiments and exhibitions — it’s about nurturing an inquisitive mindset that stays with people long after the decorations come down. Curiosity drives science forward, fuels innovation, and helps us make sense of the world. By inviting people to ask “what’s your question?”, the campaign champions a culture of exploration open to everyone — from aspiring scientists to those who just enjoy learning something new.
For more information all the resources you may need click the link below:
