Edinburgh Science Festival 2026: First Shows Announced

Science is more than knowledge – it’s a shared pursuit that transcends borders, uniting people, ideas, and discoveries in a global endeavour to create a future that’s fairer, healthier and sustainable for all.

Exploring the theme Going Global, Edinburgh Science Festival 2026 [Saturday 4–Sunday 19 April] will showcase the research and innovation created through international partnerships that address shared challenges, directly aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

And ahead of the full programme launch in February we’re excited to announce that the first British astronaut Helen Sharman and wildlife cameraman, presenter and author Hamza Yassin will be headlining the 2026 Edinburgh Science Festival, with tickets on sale from Wednesday 10 December.

Hamza Yassin’s Adventure in Nature [2pm, 12 April, Usher Hall]

Hamza Yassin’s Adventures in Nature brings wildlife cameraman, presenter and author Hamza Yassin in conversation with science presenter Siân Bevan, sharing stories of unique experiences and adventures as a wildlife cameraman. Having been born in Sudan, Hamza moved to the UK as a young child and now lives on the incredible west coast of Scotland where he is often found high up in the mountains filming his beloved eagles.

An Evening with Astronaut Helen Sharman [7pm, 12 April, Usher Hall]

An Evening with Astronaut Helen Sharman will see the first British astronaut sharing her extraordinary experiences from her historic 1991 mission aboard the Mir space station. Audiences will hear about her training, blasting off on a Soyuz rocket and what it’s like to live and work in space including conducting science experiments. In conversation with Earth scientist and former BBC presenter Dr Hermione Cockburn, Helen will reflect on the evolution of space exploration – from Tim Peake’s International Space Station mission to private space companies – and the growing international diversity in space programmes.

Announcing the first shows, Edinburgh Science Director and CEO, Hassun El-Zafar said: "As we prepare for the launch of our full 2026 festival programme in February, we are excited to have Helen and Hamza, who have both worked at the forefront of their respective industries, back with us at the Festival to share their stories and experience."

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Image credit: Hamza Yassin (Image: BBC/Silverback Films/Ellie Jo Hilton)