Check the events in English, French, Spanish and Chinese in chronological order here or browse by title in the Events menu.
AI – Pick Two: Fast, Cheap, or Good?
live online
8 May, 6:30 pm, COSMOS Hall, 8 – 12 class, adults
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to transform nearly every aspect of our society and daily lives. However, assuming artificial intelligence is fast, cheap, *and* good is a mistake that many people make — often hoping for the best of all worlds. Overestimating the capabilities of AI can lead to unintended or harmful outcomes. Short of a dream AI, there are good options and uses for AI technology. We argue that everyone should really think through the implications of these options, their use of AI, and how AI is being used to shape their lives. Join Professor of Robotics and a Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Michigan Chad Jenkins for a discussion on one of the hottest topics in today’s world.
In English with simultaneous interpretation.
In partnership with the Embassy of the US.
Rock Guitar in 11 Dimensions
What causes the revolutionary, history-changing sound of rock guitar and how does it relate to the entire universe? Join physicist Mark Lewney to enjoy expert musicianship and mind-expanding physics colliding in this introduction to the science of sound and quantum physics.
Dedicated to the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology 2025
CrowdScience: the science of food
radio show recording with live audience
10 May, 12 am, ENERGY Hall, 8 – 12 grade, adults
The BBC World Service radio show CrowdScience takes listeners’ questions about life, Earth and the universe to researchers who are hunting for answers at the frontiers of knowledge.
Inspired by the famous Bulgarian yogurt, hosts Caroline Steel and Marnie Chesterton will be immersing themselves in local food cultures with the help of a panel of Sofia Science Festival experts.
Are the ‘live’ cultures in fermented foods actually alive by the time you eat them, and how can you tell? If you can eat the mould in blue cheese, why can’t you eat other cheese when it’s mouldy? And if you put a drop of vanilla into a litre of milk, how come it all tastes of vanilla?
If you have any questions about the science of food, email crowdscience@bbc.co.uk and we’ll do our best to answer them!
In English with simultaneous translation into Bulgarian.
The Evidence: Can we beat the heat?
Les forces naturelles inconnues : sciences et merveilleux dans la littérature de science-fiction du début du XXe siècle
En français. Interprétariat en bulgare.
En partenariat avec l’Institut français de Bulgarie
In partnership with Institut français in Bulgaria
From Myth to Reality: China’s 20-Year Wonderful Journey into Deep Space Exploration
10 May, 17:30; COSMOS Hall, 8 – 12 grade, adults
The Future Ain’t What It Used To Be
What happened to all the futuristic predictions of decades ago? Why aren’t astrologers rich? What actually IS time when you really think about it? Join Dr Mark Lewney in this journey into the history of the future and the future of history.
Image: generated by ChatGPT
The Strange Story of Lydia Fairchild
presentation
11 May, 12:00 am, ENERGY Hall, 8 – 12 grade, adults
What would you do if a DNA test claimed your children weren’t biologically yours? Can science ever be wrong? And how far would you go to prove your own identity? In this talk, geneticist Myrtani Pieri from Cyprus unpacks a true story that shook the foundations of genetic science and the legal system—the case of Lydia Fairchild, a woman who faced losing everything due to the results of a test meant to reveal the truth. Through this real-life mystery, Myrtani reminds us that there are still hidden complexities within our own biology—and that it’s essential to stay curious, search deeply, and keep an open mind.
Dedicated to the 40th anniversary since DNA analysis was first used in forensic science.
Qu’en est-il des Thraces ? Recherches actuelles et futures sur la Thrace antique
En français. Interprétariat en bulgare.
En partenariat avec l’Institut français de Bulgarie