Testimonials
Liz Bonnin, TV's Bang Goes the Theory
“I found The Darwin Centre to be really inspirational – both because of the enthusiastic and passionate people who work there and the visiting children who were full of curiosity and excitement for a subject that is very close to my heart. The atmosphere was a joy to experience as scientists talked about their work and got the children involved, and I was genuinely proud of all the schools as they presented their own science projects. By the time I gave my talk I felt I had big shoes to fill to maintain such a high standard and level of interest. Luckily for me tigers are interesting creatures and it was such a pleasure to see so many hands up at the end – I think I could have answered questions until the wee hours had we been allowed!
The Darwin Centre Festival is a very special event that embraces and encourages curiosity about the world. That’s what science is all about and nurturing that curiosity in children is rewarding work indeed. May the Centre continue in its important and inspiring work for many years to come.”
Monty Halls, TV Presenter, Animal Planets 'Great Ocean Adventures'
"“It was a particular pleasure for me to speak at the Darwin and Science Aglow event. The enthusiasm of all the staff at the event was palpable, and very quickly transmitted itself to the children attending. The children too had made a significant contribution, creating science and conservation projects of their own which they proudly displayed throughout. I feel initiatives such as these are vital to bring science and conservation to life for the next generation. There is nothing quite like the enthusiasm of a young audience – their thirst for knowledge and lack of cynicism makes speaking at such events an absolute joy. Darwin and the 'Science Aglow' event unquestionably create a real awareness of the joy of science, as well as creating the scientists and conservationists of tomorrow. Bravo to all concerned - a splendid day.”
Nick Baker, TVs Really Wild Show, on the Darwin Science Festival
"A chance to escape the classroom and meet other enquiring minds both of peers and professional scientists is a refreshing and welcome change! I’ve been twice now and just seeing the fun and discovery happening right in front of my eyes serves as a great reminder of what science is about – asking questions and playing! A boiling pot of ideas and young minds; throw in the catalyst of a professional scientist or two and you have real science. That’s real fun.’
Ellie Harrison, from the One Show
"Science Aglow at the Darwin Centre is a unique event, it gets young people enthused about science early, making the whole subject feel accessible and that makes all the difference in the world.
Sir Roland Jackson – Chief Executive of The BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science)
The Pembrokeshire Darwin Science Festival takes a distinctive approach which provides focus and impact. Particularly noteworthy is The BIG Experiment which encourages people of all ages to get involved and present their results to scientists – an ideal way both to involve people in science and demonstrate how it works.
Dr Andrew Parker of University of Oxford and NHM
This is one of the few science festivals to truly appeal to all ages, embracing a rainbow of subjects from the minor issue of evolution’s big bang to the much more important matter of bugs that glow in the night. From the Origin of the Species to the origin of faeces – all good fun!
Prof Paul McMillan, Physicist at UCL and the Royal Institution
We brought part of our laboratory to Pembrokeshire. We set up lasers, microscopes and extreme condition diamond anvil cells in the Town Hall. It was great to bring the excitement we feel about our research to the children and we hope we made them dream a little about the deep interior of the earth and other planets. The enthusiasm of the Darwin team gives budding young scientists a perception of what real science is about.
Professor Peter Herring, Marine Biologist at National Oceanography Centre, Southampton
The Pembrokeshire Darwin Science Festival aims to catalyze the natural enthusiasm of “children” of all ages for exploration of the natural world. I got into marine science because of an inspirational teacher, the excitement of a field course and the transparent enthusiasm of an eminent marine biologist. The Darwin Festival rolls all three elements into activities in which doing is the key and knowledge is the lock to open the door to the future.
Sid Howells - Regional Earth Scientist,
Countryside Council for Wales
I have been a contributor to and user of the Pembrokeshire Darwin Science Festival programme of lectures and guided walks since its beginning and it is my opinion that this is a very significant and worthwhile addition to the range of science-based educational activities available in Pembrokeshire. The programme content is carefully considered and all events are very well organised. I whole-heartedly support this venture and very much hope that it will continue to expand and improve.