Survive zombie outbreak . . with help of science festival

A LECTURER on surviving a zombie outbreak, a world record attempt, and a debate about the science of miracles are among the highlights of this year's Edinburgh International Science Festival.

A lecture on zombies feature in the Into the Deep exhibition

The programme for the 23rd Science Festival was launched today, with details of more than 200 events taking place in 38 venues across the city including the spoof lecture on Zombie Science, featuring important information on how to stop the undead.

The opening event on Saturday, April 9 will feature TV scientist Dr Bunhead and his audience at the Usher Hall attempting to set a Guinness World Record by creating the longest glow-in-the-dark necklace. Professor Carol Djerassi - best known for his contribution to the development of the first oral contraceptive pill in 1951, for which he won the National Medal of Science in the USA - will be awarded the Edinburgh Medal. He will also be participating in a debate about the problems of over-population.

This year will also see a series of events for young people held at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, including a talk by Professor Robert Winston.

And the John Hope Gateway at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh will be the venue for Atomise, an exhibition to celebrate the International Year of Chemistry.

Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop said: "Scotland is one of the world's most innovative nations and the Science Festival is a showcase of our talent."

St Andrew Square will again play host to an eye-catching exhibition. Into The Deep features spectacular images by some of the most respected underwater photographers.

This year's festival will also be the first to feature a guest director, with Professor Richard Wiseman exploring the psychology of dog training, the science of cocktails, the science of cosmetics and of fireworks.

He will also be in conversation with author Jon Ronson, who wrote the best-selling The Men Who Stare at Goats and debating the science of miracles with the Reverend Dr Andrew Pinsent, Dr Caroline Watt and Dr Peter Lamont.

The Edinburgh International Science Festival runs from April 9-22. For full details and to purchase tickets, visit www.sciencefestival.com or call the Box Office on 0131-553 0322.

SCIFEST PANEL

Cracking Animation:

David Sproxton from Aardman Animations - home of Wallace and Gromit (below) - discusses the studio's Oscar-winning formula for success

Sunday, April 17, 2pm Informatics Forum, 10/8

The Science of Dog Training: Professor Richard Wiseman looks at what really goes on when we train man's best friend.

Sunday, April 17, 7.30pm, George Square Theatre 8/6

Sleepover at Edinburgh Zoo: A chance to see some of the Zoo's nocturnal animals in action.

Tuesday, April 12-13, 6.30pm-9am. Ages 9+, 65

Saturday, April 9-10, 6.30pm-9am. Ages 18+, 80

Saturday, April 16-17, 6.30pm- 9am. Ages 18+, 80

Saturday, April 22-23, 6.30pm-9am. Ages 18+, 80

Robert Winston - Bad Ideas: An Arresting History of Our Inventions

Lord Robert Winston on the history of human invention.

Monday, April 11, 6pm, George Square Theatre, 10/8

An Evening with Jon Ronson & Richard Wiseman: The author of The Men Who Stare At Goats discusses his work.

Sunday, April 17, 5pm, The Jam House, 10/8

The Big Bang Machine: Engineering the Large Hadron Collider

An exploration of the history behind the world's biggest science experiment:

Saturday, April 9, 8pm, Informatics Forum, 10/8

Dr Bunhead in Pyromania: The TV scientist attempts to set a world record by creating the longest glow-in-the-dark necklace.

Saturday, April 9, 2pm and 7.30pm, Usher Hall, 9/6