Seven science predictions for the future

Seven leading scientists predict what we will achieve in the next ten years.

Most predictions about the future tend to look more like science fantasy than science fact.

So what happnes when you ask seven leading scientists to predict a big scientific breakthrough in the next 10 years, based on their own detailed knowledge of current scientific development?

We talked to seven scientists, each of whom has been a finalist in the prestigious FameLab competition - a search, backed by Nesta, to find and nurture scientists and engineers with a flair for communicating with public audiences. Between them they cover a diverse range of disciplines - from astrobiology to evolutionary biology. Take a look at the interviews below to find out what they thought the future might look like in 10 years' time - and how our lives could change as a result.

Science prediction #7: We will walk on Mars

Space scientist Maggie Aderin-Pocock (and her toddler!), says we will finally set foot on Mars - and she will retire there!

Science prediction #6: We will have personalised medicine

Sima Adhya, an expert in Space Technology, says GPs will be able to prescribe 'cosmiceuticals' - medicine designed specifically for our genetic make-up.

Science prediction #5: We will kill off a major disease

Simon Watt, an Evoltuionary Biologist, says we will save millions of lives by driving another disease into extinction.

Science prediction #4: We will find Earth's twin

Andrew Pontzen, a Cosmologist, says we will discover more and more exoplanets - planets outside our own Solar System - and we will be able to find out whether they bear the signatures of life.

Science prediction #3: We will find life on Mars

Lewis Dartnell, an Astrobiologist and expert in extremophiles, says we will send robotic probes to Mars and discover water - and new life.

Science prediction #2: We will find the Higgs

Tom Whyntie, a particle physicist and winner of Famelab 2009, says we will discover the missing piece in the make-up of the known universe.

Science prediction #1: We are not alone

Martin Coath, a Neuromorphic Engineer, says we will find out once and for all that we are not alone in the universe.

FameLab was set up in 2005 by Cheltenham Festivals in partnership with Nesta to find and nurture scientists and engineers with a flair for communicating with public audiences. Since 2007, thanks to a partnership with the British Council, FameLab has gone global, with competitions now held in 20 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa. In 2012 Cheltenham Festivals signed an agreement with NASA to run FameLab in the United States. Globally more than 4000 researchers have taken part. To read more about FameLab visit www.famelab.org