What's on at ASDC26

Screenshot of the online schedule. Bright blocks are put along a vertical timeline, labelled with session titles. In this screenshot, we can only see the Day 1 Registration, Welcome, Movement break, Deep dives, and lunch.

The first-look conference programme is now live!

Explore sessions and speakers on Sched

This programme is an outline - more details, including full descriptions of each session, are being updated every day. Keep an eye out for updates on the link above, in your inbox and on our socials.

Note: Timings are subject to change

Conference walkthrough: Two days of ideas, debate and connection

A group of people sit at a table having a discussion, as one writes on a piece of flipchat paper

Day one

We’ll welcome delegates to Techniquest from 10am on Wednesday 14th October for networking and refreshments, ahead of the opening welcome at 10.45am.

The morning gets straight into some of the sector’s big questions with four Deep Dive sessions focusing on:

  • Community + Co-creation
  • Careers + Skills
  • Articulating Impact
  • Climate + Sustainability

This year these longer sessions replace the discussion tables, giving delegates more time to get beneath the surface of issues shaping public engagement in science.

In the afternoon, we’ll hear directly from a group of local young people studying science at GCSE and A-level as they give us an insight into what they care about. Professor Dame Angela McLean will then take to the stage for her keynote and delegate Q&A.

After a short break, delegates will choose from three further sessions, which can be viewed on our digital programme linked below.

Then it’s time to head off, check into your hotel, freshen up and get ready for the evening, with drinks, dinner and a line-up of entertainment.

A panel of people on a stage - one has a microphone and is speaking as the others listen.

Day two

We start with the provocation Who cares about space?  as Professor Anu Ojha shares his perspective on the future of public engagement with space. Delegates can then choose from a programme of sessions led by science engagement professionals from across the network.

New for 2026 is Exploration Hour, giving everyone space to take part in the collaborative art project, wander on a guided wetland walk, meet our exhibitors, catch up with colleagues, network with new ones, or try out Techniquest’s exhibits.

In the afternoon, Dr Gosia Gocłowska will share her research with Cambridge Science Centre on the connection between emotions and attitudes towards science. Then it’s over to our Lightning Talks, followed by the final sessions, closing plenary and a look ahead to ASDC27.