Cheeseology 3.0 and 7 other highlights from the Edinburgh International Science Festival

• Deborah Chu
• 27 March 2018

Existence: Life and Beyond

The 2018 EISF programme is packed with fun and accessible events for all ages

Haven't done anything remotely scientific since high school? Don't know the difference between a beaker and a shot glass? Never fear, because the Edinburgh International Science Festival makes science fun and accessible to the average layperson – such as ourselves – by showing us how science is at work in our everyday lives. We pick out a few of this year's highlights.

Massaoke: Club La La
Sing your heart out to a live band in an auditorium full of other people. With a set list ranging from 70s classics to contemporary indie hits, you'll be belting along with the best of them in no time.
Summerhall, Fri 30 Mar.

Ecoville
What would an eco-friendly society look like? The answer may be closer to hand than we think, as a stroll through this interactive low-carbon village inspires visitors to reframe everyday decisions – from what we eat to how we travel – in greener, more sustainable directions.
The Mound, Sat 31 Mar–Sun 15 Apr.

Existence: Life and Beyond
An artistic panorama of the past and future of life on Earth and our singular place within it. Featuring a colossal balloon sculpture by renowned artist Jack Hackenwerth and interactive displays on current research happening in Scotland.
National Museum of Scotland, Sat 31 Mar–Sun 15 Apr.

Synthetica
A contemporary art exhibition featuring works from prominent bio-artists Ting-Tong Chang, Marta de Menezes and more. Manipulating living tissue using scientific tools and practices, Synthetica blurs the line between the natural and the artificial.
Summerhall, Sat 31 Mar–Sun 15 Apr.

Cheeseology 3.0
This wildly popular workshop returns to the EISF for the third year in a row. Follow dairy technologist Paul Thomas and 'curd nerd' Patrick McGuigan as they unlock the science behind cheese. Don't you worry – there are definitely tastings involved.
Summerhall, Wed 4 Apr.

Lost Voice Guy
Though Lee Ridley can't speak, he still has plenty to say. The first stand-up comedian in the UK to use speech synthesis technology, Ridley's set will leave you speechless with laughter.
National Museum of Scotland, Thu 12 Apr.

Translating Travels
A retrospective on the works of Imi Mauf, who has been documenting her travels and transforming them into books for the past 15 years. A SwimWalk – based on the traditional practice of Norwegian ice bathing – will also take place during this period.
Edinburgh Printmakers, Fri 6 Apr–Sat 21 Jul (not Sun or Mon).

Edinburgh Mini Maker Faire 2018
Another festival staple, the Mini Maker Faire showcases the projects of creative minds in Edinburgh and beyond. From wind-powered machines to reconfigured homewares, there will be a dizzying array of gadgets to be inspired by.
Summerhall, Sun 15 Apr.