New Scientist Live 2024 Explores Cutting-Edge Science and Interactive Exhibitions
London festival blends expert scientific lectures with hands-on immersive technology experiences.
1ExCeL London Science Festival
New Scientist Live returned to ExCeL London from October 10 to 12, drawing thousands of attendees across diverse demographics. The multi-day event showcased an expansive agenda ranging from extraterrestrial exploration and artificial intelligence consciousness to the mathematics underpinning gaming mechanics, delivering broad scientific discourse to general audiences.
2Nutritional Risks and Wellness
Epidemiologist Tim Spector and Dr. Kandi Ejiofor led sessions on the Mind and Body Stage examining modern dietary risks. Complementing these insights, television presenters Dr. Chris and Dr. Xand van Tulleken addressed wellness trends, debunking common marketing claims surrounding over-the-counter dietary supplements before packed auditorium crowds.
3Physics, Time, and Evolution
Theoretical physicist Jim Al-Khalili presented deep perspectives on the physical mechanics of time. On adjacent stages, anthropologist Alice Roberts delivered analyses of human evolutionary history, while psychologist Kimberley Wilson outlined practical, evidence-based lifestyle approaches to cultivate neurological resilience and sustain long-term cognitive health throughout adulthood.
4Interactive Engineering and Simulators
The exhibition floor integrated physical engineering showcases alongside experiential simulators. Attendees piloted International Space Station docking scenarios hosted by the British Interplanetary Society, inspected a Royal Air Force Chinook helicopter, and interacted with humanoid robotics developed in partnership with the University of Hertfordshire research teams.
5Immersive Medical Technology
Hands-on medical exhibits featured an interactive walkthrough model of the human digestive system alongside live demonstrations of organ 3D printing. Visitors explored future hospital environments and utilized Royal Navy virtual reality setups to navigate marine coral ecosystems and visualize internal anatomical structures in real time.
6Climate Action and Projections
Naturalist Chris Packham and climate scientists addressed urgent ecological crises during specialized briefing panels led by podcast editor Rowan Hooper. Concurrently, New Scientist editorial leadership, including editor Catherine de Lange, presented formal editorial forecasts detailing anticipated global scientific breakthroughs across the coming seven decades.
7Interdisciplinary Research Encounters
Cross-disciplinary sessions connected technical research with artistic practice. Molecular biophysicist Rivka Isaacson hosted a panel featuring Google DeepMind research scientist Kathryn Tunyasuvunakool, while artist Ann Witheridge painted live portraits. Neuroscientist Hannah Critchlow engaged audiences through dedicated book signings focusing on modern human brain function.
8Hybrid Distribution and Access
The festival expanded its operational model beyond physical attendance by recording all stage presentations. Organizers established a digital distribution framework allowing global audiences on-demand streaming access to full seminar recordings for a twelve-month duration, reflecting the ongoing transition toward accessible hybrid scientific communication formats.