An elementary opening to Cambridge science fest

sherlock

In Cambridge in March? You could be in the presence of one of our greatest modern actors, because Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch (above) is guest director of the university’s science festival.

Bookings to the festival opened this morning and Cumberbatch aside, star of the show will be  Nobel Prize winner John Gurdon who won the prize for discovering that mature cells can be converted to stem cells. He will talk about his work on March 15.

The Festival will also feature Radio 2 DJ and author Simon Mayo and comedians Robin Ince and Matt Parker – who will attempt to prove the seemingly impossible – that mathematics can be hilarious.

The festival, from March 11-24 will have 200 mostly free events for the public to choose from. Family fun days are on 16, 17 and 23 March and there are talks for young people and adults throughout two weeks.

Cumberbatch has helped shape some of these events and has chosen some personal favourites that reflect his career, personal interests and friendships with Cambridge scientists.

He said: “I’m delighted to be the Guest Director of the 2013 Cambridge Science Festival. I believe science and our engagement with it has reached a crucial crossroads. Whether it’s fighting disease on a cellular scale, tackling climate change, solving food and energy crises, exploring the outer regions of the universe or simply making it easier

To get tickets, see www.cam.ac.uk/sciencefestival