SCIENCE IN STORYTELLING

Scientists and filmmakers coming together in a symbiosis of minds to learn, collaborate and share how best to keep science at the heart of our natural world stories!

After a hugely successful premiere event in 2024, Science in Storytelling is back to put science in the spotlight once again for 2025.

Date: 24 March 2025

Venue: The Lantern Hall, Bristol Beacon

Our Aims -

  • Highlight the importance of nurturing relationships between those with knowledge, and those that want to share it.
  • Platform successful case studies of scientists and filmmakers coming together to communicate science effectively and creatively.

2024

In March 2024, Wildscreen hosted its inaugural Science in Storytelling event in Bristol. The event featured a programme of 5x sessions, an evening screening and Q&A, plus 2 x networking events during the day.

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rated out of 10 by Science in Storytelling attendees.

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academic, science and television production organisations in attendance.

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would return to a future Science in Storytelling event, online and in person.

What's Included?

Full Pass

Join us in Bristol for a full-day programme putting science in the spotlight. This pass includes:

  • Full Access to Science in Storytelling 24 March 2025
  • Networking Opportunities
  • 20% of for all Wildscreen Network members
  • Tea and coffee breaks with snacks

Programme

Explore some of our Science in Storytelling highlights below or dive into the full programme here.

Artificial Intelligence: An Altruist's Guide

09:45 – 10:45

Speakers: Kathryn Webb, Dr Sam Reynolds

In an age of augmented reality and artificial intelligence, how do we define authenticity in the natural world storytelling space. Is there a space for ethical AI use in creative sectors, if so, where and how? Can we learn from scientists and other industry’s use of AI for good and apply this to the wildlife filmmaking industry.

From Science to Screen

11:55 – 12:15 – a Lightening Talk!

Speakers: Bill Markham & Martha Holmes

Hear from the brains that brought you “A Real Bug’s Life”, focusing on how you take your scientificially grounded idea to the screen. From research and concept development to storytelling techniques, we’ll uncover the creative process of translating complex scientific concepts into engaging narratives.

The Science Behind "Our Oceans"

14:30 – 15:30

Speakers: Steve Simpson, Megan Soulsby, James Honeyborne

This panel explores the science and storytelling behind Netflix’s “Our Oceans”. Experts and filmmakers discuss the groundbreaking research, technology, and conservation efforts that shaped the series, highlighting how captivating visuals and narratives communicate the urgent need for ocean conservation and protect marine ecosystems.

Into the Unknown: Science, Exploration and Storytelling

15:45 – 16:45

Speakers: Lizzie Daly, Sheena Talma, Dr. Andreas Alexander

This panel delves into the extreme world of scientific exploration and the vital role of storytelling in documenting these journeys. From uncovering new discoveries to pushing human limits, experts will discuss why capturing these expeditions is essential for scientific advancement, education, and inspiring future generations to explore the unknown.

Sponsored by Peregrine Risk Management 

Programme Sneak Peak

Building on insights and feedback from the 2024 Wildscreen Festival, this year’s Science in Storytelling event will feature four thought-provoking panel discussions and four engaging 20-minute lightning talks. Together, they will dive into cutting-edge themes, including:

Ethical AI in Production and Conservation

In an age of augmented reality and artificial intelligence, how do we define authenticity in the natural world storytelling space. Is there a space for ethical AI use in creative sectors, if so, where and how?

Expedition Science & Storytelling

Exploring the synergy between expedition science and storytelling, this session highlights the extreme nature of fieldwork and its vital role in advancing scientific knowledge.

The Science of Storytelling

Exploring how stories can drive psychological and social change, this session examines how the science of behaviour change, psychology, and social impact can be woven into storytelling.

Innovative Storytelling and Science Communication

Examining innovative approaches to connecting audiences with scientific knowledge in the digital age, what is the future of science communication?

Find out more below and stay tuned to discover our full programme soon!

Speakers

Stay tuned to find out our fantastic line-up of speakers for Science in Storytelling 2025…

Liz Bonnin – HOST

Wildlife Biologist and Science, Natural History and Environmental Broadcaster

Kathryn Webb

CEO of AIMICI

Dr. Sam Reynolds

Post Doctoral Research Associate, University of Cambridge

Premdeep Gill

Job Title | Organisation

Rob Eagle

Researcher in Media and the Cultural Industries

Francesca Panetta

Director, AKO Storytelling Institute, UAL

Bill Markham

Series Producer, Plimsoll Productions

Martha Holmes

Chief Creative Officer, Natural History and Adventure, Plimsoll Productions

Dr Rosa Vásquez Espionoza

Executive Director, Amazon Research Int.

Danielle Broza

Head of Digital, PBS Nature

Gabrielle Ewing

Director of Programming, Digital Studios, PBS

Steve Simpson

Professor of Marine Biology & Global Change, University of Bristol

James Honeyborne

Founder and Creative Director, Freeborne Media

Lizzie Daly

Scientist & Wildlife Host

Sheena Talma

Consultant & PhD fellow, Talma Consultancy & Oxford University

Dr. Andreas Alexander

Glaciologist, Engineer, Expedition Leader

Maynard Okereke

Science Communicator, Hip Hop Science

Tom Mcdonald 

Job Title | Organisation

More Speakers

To be announced…

More Speakers 

To be announced …

Event FAQs

This event will be held on March 24th 2025. Arrival from 08:30 with tea and coffee networking taking place before the day's sessions start. 

In the Lantern Hall at the new Bristol Beacon. On arrival to the Beacon there will be signs and volunteers to point you in the right direction of the Lantern Hall.

The Bristol Beacon is fully accesible. 

Access information:

  • Step-free access: Yes
  • Accessible toilets: Yes
  • Assisted Listening: Yes
  • Guide/assistance dog-friendly: Yes
  • Quiet spaces available: Yes
  • Disabled parking: Trenchard Street car park across the road

Requests to transfer your ticket to an alternative person must be made in writing to [email protected] by the 1st March 2024. Such requests shall be approved or denied by Wildscreen in its sole discretion and a fee may be charged. 

Yes! There is an 'online only' ticket for those that aren't able to attend the event in person. You should recieve a link to access the live stream via vimeo. If you havent recieved your link by March 20th please contact [email protected].uk

No, tickets must be purchased in advance due to health and safety and materials provisions. 

Once purchased or booked, tickets cannot be refunded or returned unless the event / screening is cancelled or moved to another date. 

During the standard ticket pricing period, a special concession rate will be available at a massive 50% discount from the full pass price, to welcome an even wider audience to our event. 

You are eligible for this rate if you fall under one of these categories:

  • Under 25 years old
  • Student in full-time education
  • 65 years old or over
  • Unemployed

Please be prepared to provide proof of eligibility if requested. If you are unsure, please email the team at [email protected].

You should be aware that you may be photographed or filmed at times throughout the event and the recordings may be distributed.

Visitors must be aged 18 or over to attend Wildscreen Events. We reserve the right to seek confirmation of age if we consider it necessary and you agree to provide such proof of identity and age as we consider reasonably necessary from time to time. 

Registration includes important Delegate Updates which we will send you via email as well as subscription to our year-round e-news. Delegate updates contain vital information about accessing the Science in Storytelling event. Should you not wish to receive this information, or our year-round e-news, please click on unsubscribe at the bottom of the last email received. We will never share your email or personal details with anyone else without your consent. 

We will always respect your privacy and any personal communication between you and ourselves.

If you can't find the answer to your question on our FAQ, don’t hesitate to ask. us: [email protected]

Sponsors

 

Thank you to our Session Sponsors

Thank you to our Media Partner