A note from the editor about New Scientist Live

Preparations are now under way for our annual festival of science and ideas, New Scientist Live, which takes place in London in just one week's time. The show opens on Saturday 12 October for two days packed with talks, hands-on activities and demonstrations, with something for everyone regardless of your age or interests. Explore the exhibition space, where some of our most popular interactive exhibits are back this year, including the hospital of the future – where you can try out surgical robots and virtual reality at the cutting edge of medicine – as well as the adrenaline-filled virtual rollercoaster ride. There are also brand-new experiences, involving ocean beasts, dinosaurs and more. We have some amazing speakers joining us this year, including Alice Roberts, Turi King, Robin Dunbar and our own columnist David Robson.