FameLab training
2026-01-30 09:30 - 13:00 (Europe/London) | Queen’s University Belfast – The Great Hall, University Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT7 1NN, United Kingdom
FameLab is a prestigious competition to find the new voices of science, technology, engineering and maths.
Could it be you?
To find out more a training/information session is to be held on Friday 30 January for all applicants in preparation to take part in the Regional Final to be held on 17 February 2026 as part of the NI Science Festival.
Winners of the NI Regional Final will go on to compete at the UK final at the Cheltenham Science Festival in June 2026.
Previous winners include: Emer Maguire who won the regional final and then the UK final in 2015.
Dr Aaron Monson was NI’s winner in 2024 , and Dr Erin McAvoy won in 2025.
Find out more about FameLab International
Register now to attend the free training session

'Hack to the Future' 2050 - Hackathon
2026-02-21 08:45 - 21:00 | Ulster University Belfast, York Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT15 1ED, United Kingdom
As part of the NI Science Festival, we warmly invite you to join the hackathon by Matrix NI at Ulster University, Belfast, on Saturday 21st February.
Be part of a vibrant community of innovators, technologists, and creative thinkers as we explore and design the future of Northern Ireland using
Matrix NI foresight reports as a guide.
Building and proposing innovative solutions to improve life for people in Northern Ireland in 2050.
How to take part?
You can participate as an individual or team, as a coder, designer, policymaker – you decide!
With 3 easy steps.
1. Select one of the ‘5 Future World ‘themes below
2. Agree an associated challenge to solve; and
3. Devise and present a creative solution.
Future World Themes:
1. Clean and Green
2. Health, Wellbeing and vitality
3. Joined up and connected
4. Safe, protected and secure
5. Inclusive and shared value
Please read ‘Future world’ narratives for some guidance and inspiration.
Judging criteria?

The degree of impact of the proposed solution in a selected world;
The degree of innovation and creativity; and
The potential for delivery (either commercial or not for profit).
Presentation impact

There will be a presentation/pitch to the judging panel for an overall winner and participants will also have the opportunity to vote for their chosen winner.
Registration free: Join us at the NI Science Festival

(Strictly 18+)

HTTF Hackathon Flyer
Hackathon agenda
Code of Conduct
