Essex 2020: A Year of Science and Creativity
CSES celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2020. To mark the occasion the Society, in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University, bid to host the British Science Festival. We were successful in bringing this international festival to Essex for the first time its 189-year history.
The occasion inspired Essex Partners to launch Essex 2020 – a Year of Science and Creativity to mark this prestigious event.
The British Science Festival has been postponed until next year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however we are pleased to advise that we will be holding many of our Essex 2020 (and regular) events online. The rest are being rescheduled to our next (2020-21) season.
Read on or see our events pages to find out what we've got planned.
Centenary lectures
A series of talks by high-profile speakers, whom we are privileged to welcome to Chelmsford, to mark the cenentary of CSES.
- Tue 31 Mar [postponed]: Marconi and the Invisible Universe by Danielle George
- Fri 22 May [postponed]: Two Wireless Ages – From Marconi's Wireless Telegraphy to the Internet of Things by Elizabeth Bruton
- Wed 10 Jun: Dame Nellie sings! A night that changed the world by Tim Wander
We hope to introduce a regular annual high-profile keynote lecture slot in future years.
Celebration events
A series of events that showcase technology, innovations and the future of STEM in Essex by telling the story of our industrial heritage from (over) 100 years ago to now.
- Tue 13 Oct: CSES centenary celebrations, including a networking reception and dinner
- Sun 1 Nov: Marconi: Past, Present and Future – an Exhibition at Hylands House (with Leonardo and Chelmsford Civic Society)
If you're thinking of a career in STEM or are interested in volunteering, these are a good opportunity!
My Smarter Essex
We will be holding a special My Smarter Essex conference as part of our centenary celebrations, in partnership with Essex County Council and Anglia Ruskin University.
This will focus on the topical themes of Healthy Ageing and Independent Living, Urban Development and Innovation, Game-Changing 21st Century Technologies and The Essex of the Future.
Imagine! STEM Club
Following a successful 2019 pilot, Imagine! is back with an expanded programme of masterclasses for Essex 2020.
Due to the COVID-19 situation, we will unfortunately have to postpone these sessions until the next academic year.
We are very pleased, however, to publish our "Simple Machines and Bridges" masterclass (originally scheduled for May) as a DIY activity pack. See our resources section to find out more.
Schools' Competition
Unfortunately this won't be taking place in 2020 due to the COVID-19 situation. We will allow entries to be deferred until next year.
See the Schools' Competition pages for full details.
Find out more
Our events pages (will) have all the details of the above events and our usual programme.
Please keep an eye on the website and, if you are a member, look out for updates by email.
If you're not yet a member, now is the time to sign up!
We look forward to seeing you at one of our events and celebrating this special year.