Manchester: European City of Science 2016

Manchester was the European City of Science 2016 – and The University of Manchester played a big part in the celebrations.

The European City of Science – a UK first

The designation of European City of Science to Manchester was a first for the UK. It gave us a unique opportunity to celebrate innovation in the region, to foster partnerships that span the globe and to inspire the next Turing, Dalton, Rutherford or Geim.

ESOF: an international forum

As the European City of Science, Manchester hosted ESOF – the EuroScience Open Forum – for 2016. Europe’s largest interdisciplinary science meeting, ESOF brought together over 4,500 leading thinkers, innovators, policymakers, journalists and educators from over 90 countries to discuss current and future breakthroughs in contemporary science.

The conference was held at Manchester Central from 23 to 27 July and covered three core areas: science, business and careers. 

Science for the whole city

Alongside ESOF was the Science in the City festival, running from 22 to 29 July. This celebration of science brought the city alive with activities designed to inspire people to explore how science connects to their lives.

Highlights included:

• Wonder Materials: Graphene and Beyond at the Museum of Science and Industry 
• Bluedot at Jodrell Bank 
• Climate Control at Manchester Museum