DISCUSSIONS about the lives of dinosaurs, the voting habits of Bradfordians and a possible future ruled by machines are just some of the topics to be covered when the British Science Festival comes to Bradford in September.

Some of the world's top scientific minds will come together to reveal research at the event, which is expected to attract thousands of visitors to its host venue, the University of Bradford.

The line-up for the Festival, which runs from September 7 to 10 and was previously in Bradford in 2011, has been released today. It includes presentations from the Born In Bradford project, which has followed the lives of over 13,000 children, and local lecturers.

A Bradford university spokesman said it was thrilled to be hosting the event.

"The University prides itself on its world-class research and knowledge transfer activity and the Festival provides a wonderful opportunity to showcase our achievements and the city itself," she added.

"This is a very exciting programme that contains something to engage absolutely everyone and it will be a fitting celebration of the role and importance of science and innovation in society.

"When we hosted the Festival in 2011 we were able to announce the development of a new cancer treatment, the autumn crocus ‘smart bomb’ and we look forward to hearing news of more major research projects in September."

Researchers from the University of Leeds will announce results of a survey into air quality in Saltaire and University of Bradford Sociology lecturer Parveen Akhtar will share her work about Bradford's diverse political views.

A panel of experts from around the UK will take part in a debate on the future of artificial intelligence, and if machines could ever take over mankind.

Soazig Clifton will share results from one of the world's biggest scientific sex studies, palaeontologist David Button will discuss how dinosaurs lived in his Recreating Lost Worlds session, and a panel will discuss prolonging lives and anti-ageing techniques.

Bradford's Bombay stores is the venue for an evening of music, demonstrations and a celebration of Asian culture, and a North Parade after dark evening will see artists, scientists and performers take over the city's independent quarter.

The festival will be followed by a festival event including family-friendly experiments, classes and demonstrations in City Park and numerous other locations.