MOON rocks and a volcano model will materialise in Oxfordshire as brainiacs share their passion for science.

Speakers and curious audiences will consider some of life’s most pressing paradoxes at this year's Oxfordshire Science Festival when it starts tomorrow.

The 11-day event will see renowned professors and researchers descend on Oxford and Abingdon to impart their expertise, engaging members of the public in the ways of the world.

Director Said Hasnaoui said: "It creates an opportunity to celebrate science and technology countywide: so much is happening round here with the science parks and universities.

"It’s about having fun but there are also events where people can really learn about science. All of us are living in a very scientific world were science shapes what happens. It is really important for the public to understand its value."

Speakers will discuss anything from aliens to anxiety at venues including Oxford Town Hall and The Story Museum, while schools and streets will be crammed with hands-on activities.

Bizarre highlights include an interpretive dance show based on scientific principles, a volcano model set to smoulder in central Oxford and an exercise in extracting DNA from a kiwi.

Packed days will end in Abingdon with the ATOM part of the programme, which joined forces with the festival two years ago.

ATOM was set up by residents in Abingdon, including events lover James White who recently initiated the town’s first river festival, and merged with Oxfordshire Science Festival to avoid date clashes and unhealthy competition.

Father-of-one Mr Hasnaoui, who lives in North Abingdon, said: "We were trying to create a focused and more coherent approach. It’s about sharing the passion for science with great questions about society, for example ageing and whether it’s possible to live forever with stem cells.

"Abingdon is so well-linked and surrounded by science, and four of our trustees live there. It’s a way to give back to the community and taking away the town and gown gap that can exist between science industries and the general public."

The town’s ATOM events, supported by Abingdon School and its Science Partnership, include a public conversation with Oxford West and Abingdon MP Nicola Blackwood who chairs the House of Common’s Science and Technology Committee.

Mr Hasnaou, who studied physics and astrophysics at university in his home country of France, said it was his "ambition" to build the event into the county’s "major festival".

Oxfordshire Science Festival runs in partnership with Science Oxford and is sponsored by several institutions specialising in the sciences, including Oxford University.

For details and to book a talk, which range in price from free to £5, visit oxfordshiresciencefestival.com.