Transforming the Built Environment: The Role of AI in Construction
Join us for an insightful roundtable discussion in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), hosted at ARU, Chelmsford.
- 21 October 2025, 10:00 - 14:00
- Price: Free
Chelmsford Science Festival
21 - 28 October 2025, 09:00The wait is over! The full programme for this year’s Chelmsford Science Festival is now available - packed with events and hands-on activities spanning science and engineering, health, technology, the environment, business, law, and the arts. Whether you're a curious mind, a budding innovator, or a seasoned expert, there’s something for everyone.
This year’s Chelmsford Science Festival explores the theme ‘Our AI World – Power and Perils’, diving into the fascinating and fast-evolving world of artificial intelligence. From its transformative potential to the ethical dilemmas it poses, we’ll spark vital conversations about how AI is reshaping our lives. Get ready for an electrifying celebration of science, innovation, and imagination!
Festival events
Programme Now Live!
Browse all the events and activities taking place during the festival week. Book your place now and stay connected to hear more news and new events and activities to be announced later.
- Book now for our headline speaker, BBC's Greg Foot
- Don’t miss the Fun Kids Science Show at Chelmsford Theatre
- Ros Atkins brings his signature clarity to AI and Journalism at Chelmsford Cathedral
- Bring the whole family to our popular Family Science Days on Saturday 25 October and Sunday 26 October
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Join us in making the Chelmsford Science Festival an unforgettable experience! #ChelmSciFest
Showing 26 events
Protecting children's play: Teaching them to stay safe online
The internet offers great opportunities—but also real risks, especially for children. In this 40-minute workshop, we’ll explore what online safety means, how parents can support children in the digital world, and how AI can help prevent harm. Learn practical ways to create safer, more inclusive online spaces, and discover how our research is shaping a better digital future.
- 21 October 2025, 16:00 - 17:30
- Price: Free
Fun Kids Science Weekly Live!
Explore the coolest and most incredible stuff in science, with Fun Kids radio presenter Dan Simpson.
- 21 October 2025, 17:00 - 18:00
- Price: From £13.50
AI & Medical Imaging: An Indispensable Partner in Cancer Detection
Explore how AI is transforming cancer detection—faster scans, smarter insights, and life-saving collaboration in medical imaging
- 21 October 2025, 17:30 - 18:30
- Price: Free
Hacking Hunger: The Science behind the future of obesity treatment
Exploring how breakthrough drugs like Wegovy are redefining how we treat obesity, hunger, and metabolism in our AI-informed world.
- 21 October 2025, 18:30 - 19:30
- Price: Free
Chelmsford Science Festival: Year 9 students day
For Year 9 students: join us in Writtle to explore careers in science and technology, and get hands-on with interactive activities.
- 22 October 2025, 09:30 - 15:15
- Price: Free
Startup Social
A lunchtime meetup where founders, freelancers, students and innovators connect over ideas, entrepreneurship, and the future of AI in business.
- 22 October 2025, 12:30 - 14:00
- Price: Free
Beyond Knowledge: AI and the Future of Scientific Discovery
Join Dr. Chris Callaghan as he explores the groundbreaking ideas behind the latest paper by ARU’s AI Research Lab: "How Might AI Reshape Scientific Discovery?"
- 22 October 2025, 18:00 - 19:00
- Price: Free
DJ Mixing Workshop
Try the latest DJ gear, hear from pro DJs, and get hands-on at this high-energy, interactive music tech showcase.
- 22 October 2025, 19:30 - 21:30
- Price: Free
Chelmsford Science Festival: Year 12 students day
For Year 12 students: join us in Chelmsford to explore careers in science and technology, and get hands-on with interactive activities.
- 23 October 2025, 09:30 - 15:15
- Price: Free
Is AI the future of fairness... or the end of it?
Can machines be fair? Exploring bias, equity, and wellbeing in the age of AI.
- 23 October 2025, 17:30 - 18:30
- Price: Free
AI & Authorship - Grand theft or Innovation?
In an era dominated by AI, knowledge workers and organisations grapple with challenges concerning the value of their work and authorship.
- 23 October 2025, 18:30 - 19:30
- Price: Free
