11–20 March 2022
One of the major aims of our society is to raise awareness about both the achievements and challenges of science, engineering, and all things technological. As we continue to develop our educational activities, we are working to align what we do with both focal points in the local calendar and the national and global picture.
There are many national and international celebrations, some of which are dedicated to areas of science and engineering; these are occasions designed to educate the public on issues of concern, and to help mobilise political will and resources to address national and global problems.
We are co-ordinating some of our activities around selected STEM celebrations, either by simply providing information or by organising specific activities to use these as a springboard for raising awareness.
Please think about volunteering to help CSES contribute to or organise an event next year to celebrate:
British Science Week, 11–20 March
Please contact us if you're interested.
Friday 11 February 2022
One of the major aims of our society is to raise awareness about both the achievements and challenges of science, engineering, and all things technological. As we continue to develop our educational activities, we would we like to ensure that – as far as possible – we link what we do into both the national and global picture.
There are many national and international celebrations, some of which are dedicated to areas of science and engineering; these are occasions designed to educate the public on issues of concern, and to help mobilise political will and resources to address national and global problems.
As we continue to develop our activities, we will try to co-ordinate some of our activities around selected STEM celebrations, either by simply providing information or by organising specific activities to use these as a springboard for raising awareness.
Please think about volunteering to help CSES contribute to or organise an event next year to celebrate:
International Day of Women and Girls in Science, 11 February
Please contact us if you're interested.
Read more: International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2022
First events announced for our upcoming season
We are delighted to announce the launch of our 2021-2022 programme, featuring talks, days out and family-friendly activities. As we emerge from the Covid pandemic, and following the success of the British Science Festival and ARU Family Science Day, we are beginning to return to "in-person" events and hope to resume our social programme in 2022.
Please save the dates for our exciting events for autumn / winter 2021:
- Wed 27 Oct (evening): 150 Years of Science and Technology in Chelmsford, a talk by Prof Robert Iliffe (Professor of the History of Science, University of Oxford). This will be an online event.
- Wed 17 Nov (evening): CSES Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2021. An update on our plans launched last year and a showcase of our recent Spotlight Roundtable on Inclusivity.
- Sun 21 Nov (daytime): Essex State of the Art Technology Exhibition, join us at Hylands House for hands-on science and coding and the latest innovations from local companies.
- Wed 24 Nov (evening): The Role of Nuclear in Net Zero, a talk by CSES, ARU and the Bradwell B project. Our first 'hybrid' event with both in-person and online attendance options, and something we plan to roll out more widely.
- Sat 18 / Sun 19 Dec (daytime): Hands-On Science and Technology at The Art Place. Join us for fun, hands-on science and technology activities for all the family in Chelmsford City Centre. This will be on one or both of these days (TBC).
Note that some details are still to be confirmed; we will update the listings on our website in due course. Please do register your interest in the meantime by booking where appropriate.
Also a reminder that our Centenary Photographic Competition 2021 is still open until 15 October, and our Fresh Air – Fresh Thinking project is kicking off this month. We are still looking for volunteers!
We hope to see you at these events and more in 2022. Stay safe, and thank you for supporting CSES.
On Saturday 11 September 2021, Anglia Ruskin University hosted a family day for the British Science Festival, which was held in Essex for the first time in its 180-year history. This came about through planning for the 2020 CSES Centenary (albeit delayed by a year), which also led to Essex 2020 – A Year of Science and Creativity.
CSES was delighted to host a major stand / attraction at the festival, which saw over 5,000 people attend the ARU Chelmsford campus in one day! With our partners STEM Learning and STEAM Powered Education, and help from STEM Ambassadors, visitors to the CSES 'dome' were treated to an egg drop challenge, paper rockets, an earthquake table and many other fun, hands-on experimental activities for all the family. Over 400 families took part!
The British Science Festival 2021 is underway in Chelmsford, transforming the city into a celebration of science and culture
BOOK NOW for the British Science Festival 2021. One of the most ambitious science festivals in the UK since the start of the pandemic, with over 100 free events taking place over five days.
This year's programme has been specially curated to highlight the region’s strength in sustainability, healthcare and social sciences. The British Science Festival will offer a mix of outdoor talks, immersive installations, and indoor events that delve into the stories, ideas and the people behind science and innovation.
On Saturday 11 September, join us at Anglia Ruskin University’s Chelmsford campus, for a fun filled Family Science Day. Take part in lunar expeditions, have fun with bubbles and clouds and explore your health and fitness. From Medical Mavericks and an appearance from Spiderman, there is truly something for everyone.
To book your FREE tickets for the Family Science Day, visit www.aru.ac.uk/events.
The full programme for the British Science Festival 2021 has been launched and will transform the city of Chelmsford into a celebration of science and culture
The British Science Association (BSA) has unveiled the full programme and opened bookings for the British Science Festival 2021. The rescheduled event is set to be one of the most ambitious science festivals in the UK since the start of the pandemic, with over 100 free events taking place during the five days of the Festival.
This year's programme has been specially curated to highlight the region’s strength in sustainability, healthcare and social sciences. The British Science Festival will offer a mix of outdoor talks, immersive installations, and indoor events that delve into the stories, ideas and the people behind science and innovation.
On Saturday 11 September, join us at Anglia Ruskin University’s Chelmsford campus, for a fun filled Family Science Day. Take part in lunar expeditions, have fun with bubbles and clouds and explore your health and fitness. From Medical Mavericks and an appearance from Spiderman, there is truly something for everyone.
To book your FREE tickets for the Family Science Day, visit www.aru.ac.uk/events.
UKTV's Specialist factual channel Yesterday is airing an eight part series on the buildings that helped fight Hitler. CSES's Chris Neale tells the series about Baddow Tower.
Airing every Monday from April 19th, The Buildings that Fought Hitler is an eight part series exploring the range of buildings, structures and engineering that would help defend Britain in the case of Nazi invasion.
Chris Neale, CSES's Programme Manager, helps present a segment describing the role that Baddow Tower, one of the original Chain Home Radar Towers, played in the defence of the country.
You can see Chris in episode 4, broadcast on Monday 10 May at 8pm. Catch up on UKTV Play.
Read more: The Buildings that Fought Hitler - Featuring Baddow Tower
CSES to host Ask Me Anything (AMA) event on 15 March 2021
In an exciting new development for CSES, we will be hosting an Ask Me Anything (AMA) event on Reddit.
If you are not familiar with the AMA format, it is where notable groups and individuals invite the community to ask them any question, which they will do their best to answer in near real-time.
LIVE link to Reddit: https://redd.it/m5i6g5
Featuring winning entries to our Centenary Photographic Competition
As you may know, last year we ran a photographic competition for students, which received some amazing entries.
We are delighted to announce that Konica Minolta very kindly agreed to sponsor a calendar with the shortlisted photographs.
The print version was unfortunately delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but we are nonetheless very pleased to offer the calendars for sale now (cost covers postage and packaging).
Download a free PDF copy of the calendar here.
Click here to get your CSES Centenary Calendar for just £2.50 (minimum donation).
Science + Creativity = Education
GCSE Science is one of the backbones of modern education. Diana Entwistle had a hunch that circus skills could help teach GCSE Science. With the help of Chelmsford Science and Engineering Society, that hunch has really paid off!
Watch her video covering combustion and the properties of hydrocarbons below!
- Essex County Council Laptop Donations
- Arkwright Engineering Scholarships: Celebrating 30 Years
- A Great British Railway Journey... to Sandford Mill?
- Essex Battle of Britain Radar Tower Given Protected Status
- CSES 2020/2021 Centenary Programme Launch
- Essex Company's Robotic Mapping Boat Completes Three Week Mission
- Echoes from Essex / Minerva Scientifica
- Chelmsford Essex2020 Artist Commission: Calls for Proposals
- COVID-19 Update
- Essex 2020 Podcast: Marconi and The Making Of Chelmsford