Today marks the launch of Birmingham Year of Science 2014 – a 12 month celebration of innovation and enterprise, which aims to showcase Birmingham as a UK science hub by inspiring the imaginations of the public.

2014 will see Birmingham’s scientific community rallying beneath one banner as The 2014 Birmingham Year of Science.  The Year of Science is a 12 month celebration of innovation and enterprise, which aims to showcase Birmingham as a UK science hub by inspiring the imaginations of the public with exhibitions and dsiplays at venues ranging from Selfridge’s to the NEC. A new website launches today (February 12^th) to highlight Birmingham’s year-long programme of events celebrating the scientific spirit, heart and minds of the city region.

Birmingham Year of Science 2014 (www.birminghamyearofscience2014.com) will see a wide range of activities and scientific events, ranging from conferences to state of the art shows and festivals, all aiming to inspire, engage and entertain visitors, students, businesses and academics alike.

Sir Albert Bore, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “Birmingham has both a proud scientific heritage and an exciting future; from world leading research in life sciences and renewable fuel cells to a wealth of digital and technical innovation, I cannot think of a better host city for a year of science and the British Science Festival.

The year’s flagship event is The British Science Festival from September 6^th-11^th, hosted by the University of Birmingham across various city venues. With 180 events scheduled, the British Science Festival aims to bring science closer to the public by showing how it can be engaging, insightful and applicable to their everyday lives.  The Festival was last held in Birmingham in 2010, when it was hosted by Aston University.

Imran Khan, CEO of the British Science Association, who organise the British Science Festival, said: “Birmingham is one of the world’s great scientific cities, and everyone at the British Science Association is thrilled to be back here for the 2014 British Science Festival. As well as having a vital historic role in both the scientific and industrial revolutions, Birmingham is a hub for world-leading science in the here and now – we’re delighted to be able to work with the city’s amazing researchers, and share this fantastic science with the public.”

Birmingham Year of Science 2014 highlights include:

• Selfridges – Festival of Imagination (running until February 23^rd)
• Big Bang Fair (NEC, March 13^th-16^th)
• Gadget Show Live (NEC, April 9^th-13^th)
• The British Science Festival (September 2014)
• The Skills Show 2014 (NEC, November 13^th-15^th)