Light is central to our existence. From the life-giving light that travels 93 million miles from the Sun to the fibre optics that keep our world connected, light has a vital role in all aspects of our daily lives. 2015 is the UN International Year of Light; the perfect opportunity to investigate the ways in which light and light-based technologies have revolutionised the modern world.

This year’s Festival will explore this historic tradition of the Scottish Enlightenment, including events that explore the life and work of the physicist James Clerk Maxwell and the impact his achievements have had on our understanding of colour in Invisible (April 12) and A Sense of Wonder (April 15).

But the Enlightenment is not just a thing of the past. We’re bringing together pioneering scientists, artists and thinkers to shine a light on some of the amazing work taking place in Edinburgh and beyond today across a range of fascinating fields. You can learn about the cutting-edge research using light in Engineering the New Enlightenment (April 14) or its usage in culture throughout history in Light Fantastic (April 4). You can also become a bit sceptical after a discussion Should You Trust What You Hear about Science? An Enlightenment Debate: Hume vs Reid (April 17) during which two philosophers at University of Edinburgh will enact the famous disagreement.

Edinburgh International Science Festival

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