Contributor Policy

Merthyr Science Festival works with a wide range of contributors, including multinational companies, universities and local community organisations. This diversity enables the Festival to present an engaging mix of science, creativity and innovation to public audiences on a non-commercial basis.

The legal framework for participation is outlined below.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please read these Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) carefully before using our website or submitting content to the Festival.

If you have any questions, please contact: info@merthyrsciencefestival.co.uk

By using our website or submitting content to the Festival through any channel, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, you must notify us to discuss a possible exemption or refrain from using our platform.

By submitting content, you acknowledge that we may process your personal data. Further details will be provided in our Privacy Policy.

OUR SCIENCE & CREATIVE PLATFORM

What is our Platform?
Our “Platform” refers to the Merthyr Science Festival, delivered through our website and related channels. It provides access to materials, creative ideas and activities including videos and publications (“Festival Content”), managed by us or selected partners.

We are an independent not-for-profit organisation. We curate and share content for public engagement and non-commercial use.

Donations and payments
Donations or payments may be made via methods such as bank transfer or recognised online platforms.

Content submissions
You may submit content (“Submitted Content”) to share your work and engage audiences within the scientific and creative sectors.

Website performance
While we take reasonable steps to maintain security, we do not guarantee the website will be free from bugs or viruses. You are responsible for your own systems and security.

We do not guarantee uninterrupted access and may suspend or withdraw services for operational reasons.

We are not liable for issues caused by internet or telecommunications failures.

Links to third-party websites are provided for convenience only and do not imply endorsement.

CONTRIBUTOR CONTENT TERMS

Merthyr Science Festival aims to inspire interest in science and support innovation.

By submitting content, you agree that it may be used across our Platform. Different terms apply depending on the type of content.

Commissioned Content

Where we commission content from you (“Commissioned Content”):

• We will own all intellectual property rights in that content

• You agree to transfer those rights where required

• You may use the content for self-promotion or non-commercial purposes unless agreed otherwise

• You confirm you have the right to transfer ownership

Background Content
If commissioned content includes pre-existing material (“Background Content”):

• You must inform us in advance

• You must have permission to use it

• Where ownership cannot be transferred, you grant us a non-exclusive, perpetual, royalty-free licence to use it

Non-Commissioned Content

For content you voluntarily submit:

• You retain ownership

• You grant us a worldwide, perpetual, royalty-free, non-exclusive licence to use, adapt and share it

• This includes use in promotional and marketing materials

You remain responsible for ensuring your content is lawful and accurate.

Our Rights

We reserve the right to:

• Edit or adapt submitted content

• Remove content at our discretion

• Use submitted content across current and future media formats

Personal Data in Content

If your content includes personal data (e.g. images, names):

• You must have appropriate consent

• You allow us to use and display that data

Content Standards

All submitted content must:

• Be suitable for its intended audience

• Be accurate and evidence-based where applicable

• Comply with the laws of England and Wales

Content must not:

• Be defamatory, abusive or discriminatory

• Be unlawful or misleading

• Promote explicit or violent material

• Infringe intellectual property rights

• Contain harmful or malicious elements

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Our website and content
We own or license all intellectual property rights in the website and Festival content.

You are granted a limited, non-commercial licence to use the site.

You may not reproduce, distribute or commercially exploit Festival content without permission.

INDEMNITY

You agree to indemnify us against any losses arising from your breach of these Terms.

LIABILITY

We are not liable for:

• Loss of profits, business or revenue

• Business interruption

• Indirect or consequential losses

We do not exclude liability where it would be unlawful to do so, including for death or personal injury caused by negligence.

The Platform is provided “as is” without guarantees.

BREACH OF TERMS

If you breach these Terms, we may:

• Suspend or terminate access

• Remove content

• Take legal action where appropriate

COMPLAINTS AND DISPUTES

All complaints or legal matters should be directed to:
info@merthyrsciencefestival.co.uk

GOVERNING LAW

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.
Legal proceedings may be brought in the courts of England and Wales.

CHANGES TO THESE TERMS

We may update these Terms from time to time. The latest version will always be published on our website.

March 2026 v1.0