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See all the action from this year’s New Scientist Live

From Chris Packham to Big Manny, there were talks galore at this weekend's New Scientist Live, along with plenty of exhibits
New Scientist Live NSL
Zoologists and TV presenters ChrisPackham (left) and Megan McCubbin (right) tell Gina Rippon, author of The Lost Girls of Autism, how their neurodivergent brains havepowered their careers
Alistair Veryard

There was a jam-packed programme of talks and exhibits on offer at this year’s at Excel London, which took place from 18 to 20 October and attracted thousands of visitor of all ages.

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Getting to grips with a plasma globe at the UK Atomic Energy Authority stand
Alistair Veryard

With topics including the search for dark matter, how gaming has transformed technology, how animals treat themselves with medicine and the future of human reproduction, there was a huge range to explore.

New Scientist Live Day II NSL
Medic Zoe Williams reveals howwomen and girls can hacktheirhormones
Alistair Veryard

Highlights included broadcaster and campaigner Chris Packham revealing the six species that have meant the most to his career, and GP Zoe Williams’s talk about the hormonal fluctuations that take place over the course of a menstrual cycle, and how understanding these can empower girls and women.

New Scientist Live Day I NSL
Experiencing the joys of flight with the Royal Air Force 5. Building a molecule at the Middlesex University stand
Alistair Veryard

After the talks, many people took the chance to meet with the speakers, from TikTok science star Big Manny to This Is Going to Hurt author and former doctor Adam Kay, and ask them questions while getting their books signed.

New Scientist Live Day I NSL
Building a molecule at the Middlesex University stand
Alistair Veryard

Visitors also got to see the New Scientist podcast, The World, the Universe and Us, recorded live by Penny Sarchet and Rowan Hooper.

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Historian of science Michael Wright delves intothe mysteries of the 2000-year-old Antikythera mechanism with author JoMarchant
Alistair Veryard

On the show floor, people could get hands-on with all kinds of exhibits (including giant insects, for those who dared).

New Scientist Live Day II NSL
Edinburgh Napier University gets into theHalloween spirit
Alistair Veryard

Visitors also explored a hospital of the future, showcasing surgical robots and augmented reality; took virtual rollercoaster rides; discovered how technology is transforming farming and more.

New Scientist Live Day I NSL
Apacked audience for TikTok star and author Big Manny, with a large model of the moon, courtesy of theNational Space Centre, in the background
Alistair Veryard

For the first time, there were also workshops on everything from forensics to the science of whisky.

New Scientist Live Day I NSL
Engrossed by the New Scientist Live Science Hunt
Alistair Veryard

New Scientist Live Day I NSL
A rapt audience watches Big Manny’s talk
Alistair Veryard
New Scientist Live Day II NSL
Chemical biologist andGreat British Bake Off finalist Josh Smalley delights with the “spooktacular science ofbaking”
Alistair Veryard

New Scientist Live Day II NSL
Geologist and science communicator Chris Jackson asks whether geology cansave the world
Alistair Veryard

New Scientist Live Day I NSL
Visitors explore how to feed the planet sustainably at thefuture of food and agriculture stand
Alistair Veryard

New Scientist Live Day II NSL
Quantum physicist MariaViolaris predicts howquantum computing could change our lives
Alistair Veryard

The talks were all recorded and will be available to stream online for 12 months. See for details of how to get access – and sign up for next year’s show, taking place from 10 to 11 October 2026, with schools day on 12 October. An exclusive offer on tickets is running until the end of October.

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