2025 International Orkney Science Festival

Join us to explore ideas at the front line – and to explore Orkney itself. We mark the centenary of quantum theory by bringing together several outstanding people in the field – with the challenge to explain its remarkable features in a clear and fresh way.

We go back to the past, to the mystery of the northern origins of Stonehenge’s Altar Stone and how to ship it there. We look at astronomy in an ancient Babylonian tablet and in van Gogh’s paintings – and with visiting astronomers reporting on comets and auroras and the earliest stars and galaxies ever seen.

We travel deep in geological time, from the mountains by Berriedale and Helmsdale to the shores of Shapinsay and Hoy Sound. We hear stories from Orkney folklore of submerged forests, dated today to several thousand years ago. We look at ancient sheep breeds in Nordic lands – and new markets for their meat and wool today.

And we look into the future with the first-ever Orkney Climate COP – speakers will tackle energy, food, housing, transport – with fresh ideas for action for the audience to assess.

On Friday 5 September, from 2:00 - 4:00 pm, join the European Marine Energy Centre for ocean energy talks at its main office in Stromness. Learn about innovative projects harnessing the power of Orkney's seas, storing energy as green hydrogen, and creating e-fuels to decarbonise aviation. Admission free.