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Running from 3 to 7 June 2009, the Festival has grown in reputation and 40% in size since Dr Mark Lythgoe (Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging) became the Festival's Co-Director three years ago. He was accompanied this year by a host of Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê colleagues, including the ever-popular Dr Andrea Sella (Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê Chemistry), renowned for his explosive take on chemistry. Andrea held a variety of sold-out demonstrations, from the science of curry to the dangers of mercury.

Astrobiologist Dr Lewis Dartnell (Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê Physics & Astronomy) delivered a groundbreaking public lecture, looking at alien evolution and posing questions such as how humans might evolve if we were to colonise other planets. Meanwhile, Professor Geraint Rees (Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê Institute for Neuroscience) took part in a panel discussion, considering whether brain scans that reveal lies or intentions will ever be admissible in court, and how genetic knowledge looks set to influence our medical treatment.

The Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê Grant Museum of Zoology also manned a stand in the Discover Zone - an interactive exhibition that aimed to encourage visitors to learn about science, engineering and technology. The team offered a range of exciting, hands-on activities with interesting zoological specimens, such as identifying fossilised human skulls, determining the origins of animal droppings, and a unique opportunity to build a real gorilla skeleton.

Watch the video for highlights of this year's Festival.

Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê ContextÌý

Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê believes in nurturing a society in which the next generation want to take part in research, teaching and learning. Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê's presence at Cheltenham Science Festival is one way in which the university seeks to fulfil this aspiration.

The is part of Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê's Beacons for Public Engagement programme, funded by HEFCE, the UK Research Councils and the Wellcome Trust.