Top Tips for IF Oxford, Oxford’s science and ideas Festival

IF Oxford is back in town! Oxford’s science and ideas Festival is getting ready for blast off, with over 100 events for all the family. From 6 October until 3 November, take part in fascinating events, talks, shows and interactive activities across the city. Explore culture, comedy and cutting-edge research with a kaleidoscope of topics from AI to breakdancing, super-heroes to the science of illusion – or spend the day at the robot races! Try hands-on science at the Explorazone, or see mind-blowing tech in Blackbird Leys at Blast! with scientists who are finding solutions to our greatest challenges on Earth and beyond.

We’re delighted to partner with IF Oxford at the Science Oxford Centre, where you can meet researchers and presenters and try pop up activities. Visit for Super Science Sunday (20 October) and find out how to make a star on Earth, and why fusion energy matters; see amazing science tricks with our magician, or join University of Oxford and Uncomfortable Oxford and discover some of Oxford’s unusual medical stories! Join interactive activities at our Family Day Live Labs on Saturdays: learn about our rivers and waterways with pond dipping activities with Cotswolds National Landscape (12 Oct); explore how to look after your health and the effects of climate change with UK Health Security Agency (19 Oct); get ready for an immersive VR journey with Nuffield Dept of Medicine (26 Oct), and discover why a diamond is more than just a gemstone with Element Six (2 Nov).

Read on for top tips recommended by our team – look out for more on our socials!

Autumn recommends: Uchiwa science optical illusions exhibition (6 October – 2 November, various venues including selected Oxfordshire libraries). A highlight of the festival is IF Oxford’s exciting collaboration with Komaruya Sumii a Japanese artisanal manufacturer, and renowned psychology Professor Akiyoshi Kitaoka (top and above images). As a ‘fan’ of art, music and culture, the blend of ancient and modern craft and product design is beautiful, thought-provoking and playful. You can also check out more of Professor Kitaoka’s work such as Lady Gaga’s 2013 album ARTPOP created with Jeff Koons, or join the fun and make your own Kitoaka-inspired optical illusions! Autumn Neagle, Events Marketing Officer

Chewe recommends: Celebrate our city – get involved with Oxford’s Twin Cities projects and help bring the world a little closer together! Watch Global Dance film My City, My Home (11 Oct / online and on demand) which unites dance and urban sports; and, choose one of our 7 paired cities and send a postcard from the Covered Market (26 October) as a gesture of friendship and connection. Chewe Monkonge, Central Admin Officer

Steve recommends The Science of Superheroes at Oxford Playhouse (12 October) which looks to be a both informative and entertaining afternoon for all the family. Can Marvel character X-Ray really see through what I am wearing for instance! With a blend of acting and real science all will be revealed! Check it out and book now! Steve Burgess, CEO.

Francesca recommends: Poetry of Science (12 October). 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 hear the freshest imaginations and meet the 2024 Poetry of Science competition winners (ages 6-16) hosted by Tara Stubbs, Professor in Modern and Contemporary Literature, University of Oxford, and Grace Copeland, Researcher and Poet, Somerville College. Francesca MacLennan, Director of Science Education and Engagement

Joanne recommends: More Scientific answers to ridiculous questions (22 October, The Bullingdon) as Dr Tom Crawford returns to share some more of his favourite improbable research – from postman’s testicles to bored teachers – and delve deeper into the comedic world of ‘award-winning’ research. I’m looking forward to a good laugh through a lighter look at science! Joanne Riley, Content Manager

Andy recommends: Powering the Future: UKAEA Open Day (26 October) I’m excited to see that the JET facility at Culham is opening it’s doors for us to have a look! Having previously worked as a Power Systems Engineer in my earlier career, I’d be interested to find out more about nuclear fusion and the developments in using nuclear fusion as a sustainable energy source.

Staying on the nuclear fusion theme, Star Soup (1 November): sounds like a super exciting show from the UK Atomic Energy Authority all about the recipe for making a star. We can even have a go ourselves in the workshop which follows the show! Andrew Kensley, Head of Outreach, Training and Communities

Sophie recommends: Solve a mystery with Dr Rowena Fletcher, performing tasks like bone analysis and footprint measurements. Where will they lead? I’m really looking forward to living out a childhood dream as a CSI tech at A Monstrous Discovery at the Story Museum (30 October) this year. We love escape rooms and this one comes with extra science – I think it’ll make for a great date with the family! Sophie Batin, Education Outreach Manager

Sarah recommends: Robot Racing (3 November) at Iffley Sports Centre sounds like a lot of fun! Cheer for your favourite robotic dogs as they race along the historic Iffley Road Racetrack, and even try one out for yourself. I also go to one of the Geology in a cemetery near you tours every year and they are always fascinating! I’m looking forward to visiting a different one this year and learning something new. Sarah Townson, Technology Projects Officer

Check out the full IF Oxford 2024 programme. Enjoy!

Main image: The IF Oxford 2024 Programme cover features an image of the Earth generated using an innovative technique by Akiyoshi Kitaoka. Despite its significant distortion, the image feels familiar, revealing landmasses like Greenland, Africa, and the UK when viewed from a distance, emerging from parallel lines of colour blocks.