Super Science – imaginations fly to the Moon and back with IF Oxford

Get ready for super-sized science as IF Oxford science and ideas Festival returns this October. From 17 October until 2 November, venues across the city – including a date at the Science Oxford Centre – will showcase today’s hottest topics with over 100 exciting, intriguing and unexpected events for all the family.

Imaginations fly to the Moon and back, from moths to myths, medicine and monsters! At a time when science is more important than ever, the 2025 IF programme is bursting with culture, comedy and cutting-edge research. How can zombies help the healthcare system, and is bread alive? Visit ‘Crufts’ for robodogs, take a planetary promenade with Creation Theatre, or see the first map of the Moon. Read on for our team’s top Festival tips, there really is something for everyone.

Join the fun at the Science Oxford Centre for  Super Science Saturday, (18 October, 10pm or 2pm) where families can meet researchers and presenters with IF Oxford. Control mini robots in races and test materials used to generate star power with UK Atomic Energy Authority! See ‘Amazing Air’ in our theatre, a multi-sensory show with Dr Sarah Bearchell, with fun experiments to prove air really is there. Marvel at Brighton Science Festival founder, Richard Robinson’s ’66 Impossible Things’ with science tricks and demos to make you think! Tickets include entry to our amazing Exploration Zone, outdoor Water Lab and woodland.

Festival highlights from the Science Oxford team

Begin your Festival journey with this special collaboration between IF and Oxford Contemporary Music. Tonight Moth-ew, I’ll be choosing Moth X Human (17 October, Natural History Museum, 7.30pm) a special evening of moth-music – hauntingly beautiful soundscapes inspired by moths, AI and the delicate balance of biodiversity. Created by composer Ellie Wilson, the work is inspired by data and insights from scientists at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and the University of Oxford, and first commissioned by PRS Foundation for South Bank Centre’s New Music Biennial this summer. Stay for a celebratory drink and an atmospheric after-hours peek around the museum.

For more of a family vibe, pop in to Through the lens of time at History of Science Museum (29 October, drop in) – Oxford’s treasure-trove of ancient scientific instruments and marvellous machines, including actual Einstein’s actual blackboard, no less! Exploring ‘200 years of photographic innovation and creativity’, all ages can get ‘close-up’ with the museum’s cameras and handling collection, which includes Lewis Carroll’s camera and more. From vintage prints and processes to the idea-makers of tomorrow, what will the future bring?

Autumn Neagle, Events Marketing Specialist

Space Adventures at IF Oxford! As a passionate advocate for space science, our resident Specialist, Kat Kelly is thrilled to recommend three stellar events as her top picks at this year’s Festival — perfect for curious families and budding astronomers of all ages!

ZONE ONE (24 October, Fallaize Park Oxford North) A brand-new park in Oxford becomes a walk-through space adventure! Enjoy hands-on science, robots, Moon rocks and a promenade show that guides you through the Solar System.

BLAST! (27 October, Blackbird Leys Awesome Science and Technology) Packed with exciting experiments, space science, and real researchers. Explore the James Webb Space Telescope’s deep space images – plus a chance to meet time-travelling astronomers!

Explore the Moon (29 & 30 October, Weston Library) Discover how the Moon was first mapped in 1647! A beautiful exhibition with crafts and activities.

Whether you’re wondering through the park, gazing at the Moon or racing robots, there’s something to inspire every young explorer.

Kat Kelly — Space Science Specialist

Myth Monster at Pegasus Theatre (18 October, 11am) looks like a brilliant event where kids and grown-ups alike can explore legendary creatures, hear amazing stories, and get hands-on with creative activities. It’s all about imagination, discovery, and having a great time together. Whether you’re into dragons, giants, or mysterious beasts, there’s something for everyone—perfect for a weekend adventure with the community!

Sian Stratton, Engagement Manager

Poetry of Science (18 October, 11.30am). Poetry has the ability to communicate in a powerful way, whilst informing and evoking emotion. What better way to explore scientific ideas than through the eyes of a young poet? Go along to Westgate Library and hear the freshest imaginations and meet the 2025 Poetry of Science competition winners (ages 6-16) hosted by Tom Whiteley, poet and science teacher at Oxford Spires. Pick up a free copy of the Poetry of Science anthology and get inspired to enter next year’s competition! (PWYD/donation)

Francesca MacLennan, Director of Science Education and Engagement and co-editor of ‘The Bee Is Not Afraid Of Me’, a book of scientific poems for children aged 8+ about the wonders of insects published by IF Oxford Poetry of Science sponsor The Emma Press.

A Monstrous Discovery (18 October, 2.30pm, Westgate Library) looks like great family fun – trying to solve the mystery of an escaped animal! I wonder what the clues will be – maybe footprints, DNA or fur samples? Or maybe the notes of whoever was keeping this mysterious creature locked up! I’d certainly love to find out what the final discovery is.

For myself, I’d like to go to the Composting and Wormery workshop (31 October, 11am, Oxford City Farm) – nothing better than some practical hands on experience! I have a compost bin at home, but it definitely needs a bit of love and attention – this workshop might be exactly what I need to get the best out of it.

Alice Draper, STEM Officer (Science and Nature Clubs)

Check out a range of fantastic events for young people looking for STEM inspiration, from careers in medicine to creative conservation and sustainability games – or even the chance be an engineer for the day, with Fusion Fix It! Our own STEM Careers Officer, Ronnie, tells us about his festival highlights…

A Story In Stone (18 October, 6.30pm, Museum of Natural History). When I arrived in Oxford ten years ago to study Geology, the Museum of Natural History was the first place I visited. Not only does it have a truly remarkable collection of fossils and excellent exhibitions, but it’s also a testament to how the beautiful, polished stone pillars serves both an architecturally important role and a scientifically interesting story. Each pillar stands out with its own character, showcasing the incredible diversity and richness of the UK’s geological landscape. And if you look up, you can marvel at the ingenuity of Victorian engineering of the museum’s large, glazed roof and decorative ironwork supports.

I also like the look of Geology in a Cemetery Near You (18 & 26 October) which should give examples of some really interesting urban geology that is often overlooked.

Ronnie Guthrie, STEM Careers Lead

A Story In Stone is now fully booked, but there are lots of intriguing events at the museum during the Festival – see Alicia’s top tip next!

Unnatural Histories – an Uncomfortable Oxford tour (19 October, Museum of Natural History, 10am & 3pm). I’m intrigued to find out more about the different faces of natural history, especially with the chance to hear the stories behind some of the museum’s most popular displays! It’s easy to forget that these objects, while they have their own scientific history, also have a whole human history to go alongside them. It reminds you that no matter how many times you might have seen something, there’s always more to discover! I can’t wait to uncover more.

Alicia Adams, Science Oxford Centre Officer

For another science-themed tour, Bex has chosen the History of Science in Oxford Tour (25 October, Carfax Tower, 9.30am) highlighting female scholars who helped shape Oxford’s scientific legacy. I can’t resist a little walk around Oxford with a knowledgeable tour guide uncovering stories or showing me places that I didn’t know about in the city I live in, especially if it’s all to do with Science! There is so much incredible science history in Oxford, and I’m excited to find out more about it.

Rebecca Williams, Science Oxford Centre Lead (Deputy)

Robot Racing (25 October, 11am, Techworks, Oxford Business Park) A robot dog race – how exciting! I can’t wait to find out what these robot dogs can do. I’m sure they can do more tricks than my own dog. I have so many questions and look forward to meeting some expert roboticists.

I’d also choose More scientific answers to ridiculous questions with Tom Crawford (26 October, 8.45pm, The Bullingdon) for a lighter hearted evening of science.

Joanne Riley, Senior Communications Manager

Check out the full IF Oxford 2025 programme. Enjoy!

Science Oxford’s Super Science Saturday in partnership with IF Oxford.

Main image: IF Oxford event images compilation thanks to IF and Experience Oxfordshire