BLAST
On Demand (IF 2025)
BLAST
Get hands-on with experiments and demonstrations, meeting friendly experts at this IF Oxford zone event in October.
BLAST! is Blackbird Leys Awesome Science and Technology zone, where you can meet scientists and engineers finding solutions to our greatest challenges, on Earth, in your body and beyond!
Activities in 2025 included:
Seeing the Invisible
Reveal the Universe with the James Webb Space Telescope’s images from deep space. Back on Earth, discover how the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source uncover details in dinosaur eggs, Samurai swords, aeroplane wings and spider silk.
Can you Reach 100 Million Degrees?
Help Tokamak Energy heat hydrogen to over 100 million degrees — hotter than the sun! — with spherical tokamaks and high superconductors to power the future.
AstroFun with Time-Traveling Star Explorers!
Zoom through the stars with 17th-century sky-watchers Johannes and Elisabeth Hevelius from Gdańsk! Spot planets, solve cosmic puzzles and try out historic stargazing tools.
The Future is Fusion
Explore the future of energy with real-life plasma and powerful magnets. Meet scientists and engineers behind fusion technology and discover how they’re building stars on Earth — ignite your curiosity about the energy revolution!
The Tamarind Galaxy
Explore stories of the stars with Natty Mark Samuels. Hear tall tales and try out space puzzles from the African School.
Turning Turbines: energy from wind & tides
Ever wondered how offshore energy can power our homes? Wind and tidal turbines use the air and ocean currents to produce clean electricity. Build and test your own mini turbine and explore renewable energy in action.
Supported by:
- STFC – Science and Technology Facilities Council
- Tokamak Energy Ltd
- Oxford Polish Association
- UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA)
- African School
- Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford
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Please review ticketing terms for each event when planning your Festival.
IF Oxford is run by The Oxfordshire Science Festival (charity #1151361) and your donation may be eligible for Gift Aid, where a charity can claim back an extra 25% of your donation at no cost to you. Gift Aid forms can be downloaded from www.if-oxford.com/donate
The Festival reserves the right to modify event formats and manage the audience in accordance with the Festival’s Attendance Policy: https://if-oxford.com/about/policies/attendance-policy
