Manchester Science Festival is here!

The University is running loads of fun science events for the family between 27 October and 1 November.

The University of Salford has always been a big part of the annual Manchester Science Festival, and 2012 is no exception! With explosions, creepy-crawlies, fish and chips and retro computers just a selection of the things to see and learn about, this year’s set of events explores the science behind the everyday and extraordinary.

Many of this year’s events have sold out, but you’ll still be able to keep up with all of the action online. We’ll be posting pictures, videos and news on our College of Science and Technology Facebook page and Tweeting live from @SalfordScience . You can also find out about events all over the region on the Manchester Science Festival website .

And we still have two events you can come along to.

At one of them you’ll have the chance to get your hands on some old-fashioned gizmos during a weekend of communications and retro computing fun at MediaCityUK.

Using a vintage brick mobile phone, dabbling in special effects and showing the kids what using a computer used to be like are just some of the highlights of our free, ‘ From semaphore to smartphone’ event on 27 and 28 October.

In a change of pace, there’ll also be some discussion on the often fractious relationship between science and religion at a debate chaired by University Vice-Chancellor Professor Martin Hall. Hosted by nearby St Philips Church, leaders from science and faith groups will explore evolution, creationism and bioethics, delving into the facts, the fiction and the possibilities to come.

Science and religion: Debate, discord and dialogue takes place at 5.00pm on 31 October. Admission is free but you’ll need to book.