It’s almost time for the return of the Orkney International Science Festival and its incredible programme of events which will be held across the islands between 4 – 10 September.
This year you can expect the usual wide range of fascinating walks, talks, and workshops on subjects ranging from astronomy to ancient Orkney, and submerged forests to Nordic sheep breeds.
Here are some of our favourite picks from the 2025 programme.
The robots are coming!
Don’t worry, this isn’t as scary as it sounds!
In fact, this special event offers a glimpse into the future where robot technologies could make a positive impact on Orkney’s marine energy industry. The Blue Robotarium hub is a new collaboration between the National Robotarium and Orcadian companies at the forefront of the sector locally. As a preview, the National Robotarium team will bring some of their favourite laboratory robots to Orkney during the festival.
Those attending will get the chance to try out the latest robot technology and enjoy activities and discussions exploring human interaction with robots. Please note that the event is aimed at folk aged 18 and over.
As old as the hills
Film is an important part of the Orkney International Science Festival, and we can’t wait to watch the latest production from Selena S. Kuzman, focused on the immensity of geological time.
Geologist Adrian Hall is joined by presenters Mara Gibb from Caithness and Katy Firth from Orkney on a grand scenic journey, taking in locations including the ancient mountains of Caithness, the Stromness granite on Brinkie’s Brae, the sand hills of Dunnet Bay, and the boulder clay in Shapinsay.
It’s a fascinating, beautiful trip across millions of years of Earth’s history.
Beyond Helgoland
100 years ago, a young German physicist developed the foundations of quantum theory on the windswept island of Helgoland. Now, a century on, his theory has led to hugely important developments in technology, from lasers to LEDs.
But it’s still a topic that the general public, and even many experts and authors, struggle to get their heads around. This year’s Orkney International Science Festival will host a series of events to explore quantum theory and how it can be applied. Fascinating talks will be joined by demonstrations, poetry, and even two special musical performances.
Come and immerse yourself in the quantum world.
Carrots, cooking, and quarry dust
Food and drink have always taken centre stage at the Orkney International Science Festival and 2025 is no different.
A few years ago, the festival looked at how rock dust could improve soil and crops and tested the theory with potatoes, then tomatoes. This year, carrots grown in Moray and Orkney will be subject to taste-tasting thanks to the talented hospitality students at UHI Orkney. They’ll serve up a selection of carrots grown with and without volcanic rock dust for attendees to compare.
As well as the sampling session, experts will be on hand to discuss the effect of rock dust on soil, provide advice on growing carrots, and offer some carrot-inspired recipes for your own kitchen.
Workshops and activities
It’s impossible to pick just one of the fascinating workshops and activities planned during this year’s festival.
On offer this September is the chance to explore all things wool at a special afternoon at Kirkwall’s Old Library, an opportunity to submerge yourself – virtually – into Orkney’s seascapes, and a visit to Highland Park Distillery to discover how its new heat recovery system helps in its production process.
Other events include a focus on healthy vegetable gardens in autumn, guided tours of the Ness of Brodgar and the Churchill Barriers, and the chance to learn how to transform discarded ocean plastics into beautiful or functional objects through the magic of 3D printing.
Climate action
The Orkney International Science Festival never shies away from important subjects, and there’s nothing more critical than climate change.
This year the festival will tackle this wide-ranging topic with Orkney’s first Climate COP, featuring different sessions and speakers, with the aim of putting forward recommendations for action on climate change that can be taken at an Orkney level. Subjects will include Orkney’s energy future, how Orcadians can become more self-reliant, and issues surrounding transport and housing.
Keynote speakers will open and close the day, with further talks and workshops scheduled throughout the festival too.
These are just some of the many highlights to be found at this year’s Orkney International Science Festival. View the full programme online and book your tickets now. The festival will be held across Orkney between 4 - 10 September, 2025.