work

So what do we do? Well, Sounds of Science started out as the not-for-profit company behind the science/music phenomenon Geek Pop. But we’ve been gradually evolving into an organisation with a broader scope, drawing on the wealth of science communication experience within the team, and our broader network of affiliates. We’ve worked with science festivals, music festivals, local communities, schools and private companies to produce fresh, playful and exciting content, with an emphasis on science and creativity. We’ve received funding from the Institute of Physics, the government’s Learning Revolution scheme and the British Science Association, as well as commercial sponsors.

Bright Club Bristol

We’re currently in our first year of Bright Club Bristol, a variety show developed based on University College London’s original format. Bright Club mixes comedy, research and music, turning researchers into stand-up comedians for a night. Sounds of Science produces and markets the Bristol event based on a different theme each time, and trains the researchers. We’ve also been commissioning themed songs from local artists for unveiling at the shows. Here’s the response to our first show in November 2011.

Geek Pop

Sounds of Science runs Geek Pop, the virtual science and music festival. In its first year, 2008, Geek Pop attracted tens of thousands of festival goers and it’s been growing like a lovely, geeky epidemic ever since. Having unearthed more science-inspired musicians than you could shake a boiling tube at, and working with established acts such as Jeffrey Lewis, Baba Brinkman and Amateur Transplants, Geek Pop now boasts its own website, monthly podcast, mini-album and celebrity following (okay, Carol Vorderman). Geek Pop has also ventured out into the real world, culminating in a co-production with the team at the historic Wilton’s Music Hall in March 2011.

Geek Pop 2011 Festival highlights

Recorded in March 2011. [34:30]

Stars & Stories at the Green Man Festival

Following a successful night of astronomy funded by the Learning Revolution  in Bristol, the Sounds of Science team successfully gained funding in Round 2 of the Institute of Physics Public Engagement Grant Scheme in May 2010. Collaborating with Explorer Dome and professional storyteller Martin Maudsley, a band of intrepid storytellers descended on the 2010 Green Man Festival and, despite the relentless rain, engaged hundreds of people with stories of the stars, resulting in some fascinating conversations about physics. The star storytellers have subsequently appeared at the BBC’s Stargazing Live event in Laycock, Witshire, January 2012.

Bug Explorers

Bug Explorers is a project that takes the critters that most people hate and presents them in a better light. Primarily working with children in both formal and informal situations, we challenge the preconceptions that we all have about creepy crawlies by fostering greater understanding of these amazing creatures. We have taken live bugs into youth centres, schools and companies, leave a lasting (and generally positive!) impression with all those they meet. The bugs also featured on the 2011 BBC Deadly Days Out tour, helping entertain the crowds with Steve Backshall and his Deadly 60 team. Bug Explorers is supported by a standalone website that informs and entertains in equal measure, combining images, video and an informal writing style.