How can children brought up in religious families reconcile the different 'truths' they are told about the world? And to what extent should we discuss these issues in schools: what exactly should science teachers say when asked about the 'truth' of science by religious students? In this talk, Alom Shaha will describe his personal experiences growing up in a Bangladeshi Muslim community in London, what role his science education played in his journey towards atheism and how, as a Physics teacher, he responds to the apparent conflict between science and religion in the classroom.

Alom Shaha is a science teacher, writer and film-maker and author of "The Young Atheist's Handbook". Details of his work and blog at www.alomshaha.com

After philosophy was dismissed by physicist Brian Cox, Dr. Clio Bellenis decided that she had to speak out in favour of this oft-misunderstood subject. Addressing philosophical concepts such as personal identity and free will, Dr. Bellenis will talk some modern philosophical thought and the transferable arguments between the two disciplines. She hopes to establish that philosophy can be of huge worth to scientists, skeptics and in developing critical thinking.
Dr. Bellenis is a child and adolescent psychiatrist with an MA in Philosophy. She is also an atheist,a skeptic and a feminist.

Skeptics and philosophers throughout history have never been afraid to ask the big questions. But what about the biggest questions of all - about infinity, higher dimensions and logic itself? These are questions mathematicians have been working on - but not without venturing into philosophy and even skepticism. In this talk, Katie will discuss some icons of mathematics who are also (or should be) icons of skepticism and the history of philosophy.

Katie Steckles is a mathematician who works in public engagement, giving talks about maths and performing at science festivals. She's also well totally an atheist and that.

Since early man with his rattles and whistles first read the entrails of a rabid mule, people have thought it possible to see into the future. You can predict certain things based on trends, but an all seeing third eye with aspirations of being the new Nostradamus is not a reality. However, it is almost impossible to walk through a busy town centre without seeing adverts for tarot readers and psychics who can tell you what’s in your future- using my own prediction ability I see a loss of about £10 in the future of anyone deciding to engage with a bit of pub tarot.

So join us as we attempt to unravel the mysteries of predicting the future, from phrenology to crystal gazing- feeling your bumps and playing with balls if you will- this show will use humour and audience participation to investigate prophecy. Is there anything to it or is it all just bunk? (hint: it’s probably the latter. Not that I’m psychic or anything).