York's Festival of Discovery is being held this year from 5-19 March. As part of National Science Week, the Festival aims to demystify science by showcasing this exciting and rapidly growing sector of York's economy and promote its' status as a 'Science City'.

Smith & Nephew is one of many York organisations offering the opportunity for hands-on involvement in Science at 'Discovery Days' at the Guildhall 6-8 March.

Michelle Paton, Cell Biologist with international medical devices giant Smith & Nephew, said," Our exhibit is called 'Stick with it!' We want to stimulate enthusiasm for science amongst school children and this is a real opportunity for them to see how fun practical experiments can be and how some of the experiments they do at school are applied to the 'real world'.

There are many exciting career opportunities for young people within science, engineering and technology organisations, and we need to engage an interest in these areas at an early age. We hope the activities we are arranging will be enjoyable for children of all ages."

The Festival comprises free demonstrations, lectures and events throughout the City for both residents and visitors, including:

- Special launch event at York's CafŽ Scientifique (Merchant Taylor's Hall) with Prof. Heinz Wolff, famous for TV & Radio series such as "The Great Egg Race" and "Great Experiments which Changed the World"

- An interactive, hands on 'Discovery Days' exhibition at The Guildhall,

- Science Tours at York Brewery - including free sample tasting!

- Junior Story Time & Crafts Workshop with a science theme at York Central Library

- A series of fascinating science 'lectures' revealing the impact science has on all our lives

- Special events at the Minster, the National Railway Museum, City Screen and many other venues all aiming to celebrate science and innovation

- The launch of a special NVQ aimed at Women in Science

The Festival will culminate with the 'Creative Futures' Event due to be held at The Barbican Centre on 19th March. 'Creative Futures' is a unique showcase designed to promote careers and skills development opportunities in the cultural and creative industries in the region. In the evening following the event visitors will also be able to hear from one of the UK's leading speakers on innovation and creativity, Dr Ken Robinson.

York Councillor and Executive Member for Economic Development, Bob Scrase commented: "Science can still be a bit of a mystery for some of us and this festival is about finding out about the wealth of opportunities in science. I want this Festival to encourage people of all ages to explore the career, business and educational opportunities there are... and have some fun finding out!"

For further information about the Festival Programme contact Andrew Hewitt at Science City York, Tel: 01904 554428 or visit www.sciencecityyork.org.uk/discovery.

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Editor's Notes:

York Festival of Discovery is a two weeklong series of free events organised for York citizens and visitors. The first week coincides with National Science Week (7-16 March). The event attracted more than 7800 visitors in 2002.

Science City York is a partnership between the City of York Council and the University of York with the objective of growing York as an internationally recognised science base.

Science City York is committed to growing the Science and Technology community in York, providing high quality jobs for local people. In 2002 more than 9000 people were employed in science and technology occupations, which is 10% of York's working population and equivalent to employment in tourism.

The project was launched in November 1988 by the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Science and focuses on three fast growing science clusters:

o Bioscience and Healthcare: Bioscience York

o E-science York (Information and Communication Technology)

o Heritage and Arts Technology York

York is one of nine cluster areas for bioscience recognised by the UK government.