'Could there be aliens hiding in our Solar System' and 'what if aliens are smart?' To get answers to these intriguing questions and more, Francesca MacLennan, Director of Science Education at the Oxford Trust | Science Oxford, introduced astronomer and author Dr Matt Bothwell at the Oxford Literary Festival on Saturday 5th April 2025, to speak about his new book, ‘Astrophysics for Supervillains: The Great Alien Hunt’. This family talk was held at the University of Oxford’s Mathematical Institute.
Science Oxford were delighted to invite a group of pupils and their families from Rose Hill Primary School in Oxford to join Dr Bothwell’s talk, thanks to a partnership with Oxford Literary Festival.
Young space-enthusiasts learned about how the search for extraterrestrial life and planets are linked as well as discovering the four most terrible places to live in the universe, which include lava and liquid metal planets! They were keen to know if oxygen is like poison to aliens and how new planets are discovered.
One child remarked, “I was amazed to learn about the diamond planet!”
‘Astrophysics for Supervillains: The Great Alien Hunt’ is the second book of Dr Bothwell’s Supervillain Academy series, and many children and their families were delighted to meet the author for a book signing too. Dr Bothwell is the public astronomer at the Institute of Astronomy, University of Cambridge, and has been a professional astronomer for 15 years.
Francesca MacLennan, The Oxford Trust’s Director of Science Education and Engagement, said, “What an inspirational and insightful tour of the universe with Dr Matt Bothwell. It was a delight to hear children asking a wealth of deeply curious questions about life beyond Earth, throughout this interactive session. Highly engaging and feeling grateful to live in the Goldilocks zone!” As a leader, educator, engagement specialist and training programme builder, Francesca is passionate about raising STEM career aspirations and developing future talent, actively working to ensure science careers are accessible to all. She aims to excite young people about the opportunities to help solve societal challenges, both today and in the future.
Ben O’Donnell, Director of Children & Young People’s Programme, Oxford Literary Festival said, “It was a huge delight to have Matt Bothwell at the Oxford Literary Festival this year, all the more so as it allowed us to continue our collaboration with the wonderful Science Oxford for a fifth year, inspiring new generations through great science and children's literature.”
This event marks the fifth year of partnership between Science Oxford (the public facing brand of The Oxford Trust), and the Oxford Literary Festival. Previous partnership events include Science Oxford introducing Space scientist and BBC The Sky at Night presenter, Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock’s ‘Grand Tour of the Solar System’ in 2021 and ‘Am I Made of Stardust’ talk in 2023; ‘Extinct’ talk with scientist and TV presenter Professor Ben Garrod in 2022 and, ‘We Are All Astronauts’ talk with author and illustrator Kate Pankhurst in 2024.
Oxford Literary Festival 2025 ran Saturday 29th March – Sunday 6th April in various venues across Oxford.
https://oxfordliteraryfestival.orgscienceoxford.com
Photos of Dr Matt Bothwell and Francesca MacLennan, Director of Science Education at the Oxford Trust | Science Oxford
By Photographer in Residence for The Oxford Trust, Jason Warner (Fyrefly Studios)
Location: University of Oxford’s Mathematical Institute
About Science Oxford
The Science Oxford Centre in Headington is the UK’s first indoor-outdoor primary science education centre, with over 20 hands-on exhibits in the Exploration Zone and 15 acres of woodland. Open every Saturday for Family Days and regular STEM Clubs – see what’s on.
