Wildscreen: Science in Storytelling Programme Announced

Annual event brings together world-renowned scientists and filmmakers for science communications summit in Bristol and online 

Wildscreen’s annual one-day hybrid event returns on 24 March, bringing together scientists and filmmakers from the wildlife film and TV industry to discuss topics around creating impactful science communication, both on screen and in the digital space.   

Science in Storytelling, will comprise a series of lightening talks, Q&As, and panel discussions centred on themes such as understanding the ethics and uses of artificial intelligence in the creative and scientific space, impactfully communicating science expeditions, as well as taking behind the scenes of the creation of new and innovative natural history series – and the scientists that supported them. 

The event will be hosted by Liz Bonnin, the Wildlife Biologist and Science, Natural History and Environmental Broadcaster and speakers will include: 

• Martha Holmes, Chief Creative Officer at Plimsoll Productions, who has been involved in the production of many natural history films including A Real Bug’s Life, of which series 2 recently aired on Disney+. 

• Dr. Rosa Vásquez Espinoza, a Peruvian chemical biologist of Andean-Amazonian heritage who has spent her career combining cutting-edge science and traditional knowledge to protect Amazonian biodiversity. 

• Maynard Okereke also known as the Hip Hop MD, an award-winning Science Communicator taking Instagram feeds by storm with his innovative digital science content. 

• Steve Simpson, Professor of Marine Biology and Global Change and the team behind the Netflix series Our Oceans. 

Notable sessions include: 

• ‘Science OF Storytelling’ sponsored by Save our Seas Foundation, which will explore innovative narrative techniques and impact storytelling strategies designed to inspire behaviour change and create lasting societal impact. 

• ‘Into the Unknown: Science, Exploration, and Storytelling’ sponsored by Peregrine Risk Management featuring leading explorers, scientists and storytellers who push human limits to expand knowledge education and progress.  

Lucie Muir, CEO of Wildscreen, said: “While wildlife film and TV is often seen as being about entertainment, it also plays an important role in educating people about environmental issues. The science behind this is key, so with this event we want to put science in the spotlight and highlight the importance of nurturing relationships between those with knowledge, and those who want to share it. We will platform successful case studies of scientists and filmmakers coming together to communicate science effectively and creatively, in order to reach audiences of millions.” 

The event takes place on Monday 24th March 2025 from 8.30am – 5:30pm, live at the Bristol Beacon and online.  

Tickets start at £20 and are available at: https://wildscreen.org/science-in-storytelling/