980f6c4f-f54f-4926-a739-7751c308e6a9 copyThe dates have been set for the 2016 Nebraska Science Festival, following a 2015 festival that organizers called a great success.

The 2016 Science Festival will be returning April 15 to 23, 2016.

“In 2016, we hope to add additional teen programming, school science components, and an increased focus on women in science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM), as well as expanding the geographic reach of the festival,” Kacie Baum, NE SciFest coordinator said.

Presented by UNMC, the 2015 festival:

  • Added more events (from 48 in 2014 to 56), venues (30 to 36), cities (eight to 12) and attendees (12,008 to 13,699).
  • Continued its tradition of popular signature events, including the student and public science expos and the keynote presentation by Reed Timmer, extreme storm chaser and meteorologist, which increased content and attendance.
  • Added more adult programming across the state.
  • Added more of the Arts in STEAM with a presentation, “Building Beasts” and a 3D sculpting class with Grand Island native and sculptor Gary Staab.

Baum praised the event’s volunteers, exhibitors, sponsors, teachers, students and sites for sharing their passion for science. “Their dedication to and support of this event makes it possible to showcase Nebraska’s strengths in science,” she said.

The Nebraska Science Festival began in 2013 as an initiative of UNMC, which continues to administer the festival with the assistance of a number of organizations and individuals interested in the advancement of science literacy.

The Science Festival is designed to make science accessible, interactive, relevant and fun for kids and adults alike. In addition to UNMC, other sponsors, to date, include Nebraska Medicine, the Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures, Metro Credit Union, HDR, West Corporation, Metropolitan Community College, Pinnacle Bank, Scott Dobry Pictures, American Elements and media sponsors KETV and the Omaha World-Herald.

For more information please visit Nescifest.com