The science of scary scrumptiousness: Leicester chemist to present at New Scientist Live
Leicester’s culinary chemist Dr Josh Smalley will take to the stage as he joins the line-up of New Scientist Live at Excel London this weekend.
The Great British Bake Off finalist will put on a frightening feast for visitors on Sunday 19 October, just in time for Hallowe’en, with science as his secret ingredient.
His talk ‘The spooktacular science of baking’ will take place from 10.45am on the Future Stage. From the science secrets of pumpkin spice to the molecular mysteries behind our Halloween bakes, watch as Josh delivers a spooky concoction of food demos and science experiments – including a vomiting pumpkin or two!
New Scientist Live is for anyone and everyone who is curious about our brains, our bodies, our planet and our universe. From live science experiments to talks by the best loved scientists and top academic minds, this educational and enlightening festival promises to showcase the latest breakthroughs, innovations, and discoveries in science.
With 70+ incredible speakers, 5 fascinating stages and 90+ interactive exhibits, it is held at Excel London on 18 and 19 October.
Dr Josh Smalley is a chemistry researcher and science communicator at the University of Leicester and finalist of the Great British Bake Off 2023. In 2024, Josh founded the Science Kitchen at the University of Leicester, where he brings together the worlds of science and baking to deliver lectures, demonstrations and videos to enthuse the public and inspire the next generation of scientists.
Visitors will experience everything from cutting-edge electron microscopy and CT imaging - used in both food and research projects - to artistic inspiration drawn from a 19th-century manuscript in the University archives. To add a seasonal touch, the demonstrations will also feature some specially crafted Halloween-themed glassware made by the School of Chemistry glass blower.
Josh added: “I’m thrilled to be delivering my Spooktacular Science of Baking show at New Scientist Live this year. Having previously attended as a visitor, it’s incredibly exciting to now be stepping onto the stage with a show of my own. We’ll be exploring the fascinating overlap between baking and science - diving into the chemistry behind the rise, texture, and flavour of our bakes, all brought to life with live demonstrations. This has been a fantastic collaborative effort across the University of Leicester. I cannot wait!”
- Tickets are available for either day or the whole weekend, and if you can’t make it to Excel London, you can join online.