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Demystifying AI in Bristol

Just what exactly is, AI? And could you explain what it is to a friend? 

Published: 19/03/2026
Author: Jen Forster

To say that AI is a rapidly evolving area, would be an understatement – the rate of development is astounding. No wonder it can be hard to wrap your head around the scope of just what it can do or how it can be applied as every time you blink the picture has changed. 

AI literacy levels are low, as only one in five could explain what AI is in detail
Government report ‘AI Skills for Life and Work: General Public Survey Findings’ (published in January 2026)

This is where we come in, as a science centre we can play a valuable role as a bridge, connecting public audiences with this emerging technology, enabling people to connect with contemporary science by taking part in it themselves.

We aim to meet people where they’re at, and by that, we mean that we don’t assume knowledge; and our brilliant team design and deliver activities in a way that’s playful and accessible, and works for all ages, knowledge and experience. 

AI in the City - image credit Paul Blakemore

Exploring AI together

This Easter, thanks to funding from the Association of Science and Discovery Centres (ASDC), we’ve got the exciting opportunity to deliver ‘AI in the City’; a set of activities which explores how AI is used in Bristol.
A group of people are in the middle of a science centre playing with a soft playable map.

AI in the City

Aimed at families visiting us over the Easter holidays, visitors will be able to enjoy a fun exploration of Artificial Intelligence using a giant playable map, building blocks and a card game called ‘Is it Cat?’

Demystifying AI

This activity is all part of a nationwide science engagement Demystifying AI project run by the Association of Science and Discovery Centres (ASDC), supported by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), with project development from Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC, part of UKRI).

It's been created to support young people, families, schools and communities to understand AI in everyday life, careers and skills development in AI, and to platform regional diversity through both in person and online engagements.


More about Demystifying AI 

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