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MAKE A DATE WITH DISCOVERY AS FREE FUTURES FESTIVAL COMES TO EXETER THIS WEEKEND

This weekend (11th & 12th of October), Â鶹¹ÙÍø will once again become a playground for curious minds as FUTURES – a festival of discovery – returns with a weekend of wonder. Visitors can dive into hands-on science, explore cutting-edge research, and discover the extraordinary work happening right on their doorstep at the Â鶹¹ÙÍø.

The weekend builds on the success of previous FUTURES events, but with more to do than ever before, and an exciting new format. This year's festival takes place at Â鶹¹ÙÍø Phoenix, the city centre's multi-artform venue. All events are completely FREE and form part of the South West FUTURES programme, funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

The packed programme showcases world-class research in ways that are fun, accessible, and inspiring for all ages. It will cover a vast variety of topics, from tiny viruses that fight superbugs and the mysteries of the human brain, to the enthralling secret lives of plants and climate-fighting technology – there's something to spark every imagination. And join a screening and Q&A of a groundbreaking new climate change documentary, created by a Â鶹¹ÙÍø academic.

 

What's in store:

Workshops & Performances

Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th October at Â鶹¹ÙÍø Phoenix

Get creative with social justice and sustainability education expert Caitlin Kight, discover Ukrainian wartime poetry in a thought-provoking with Professor Hugh Roberts, or learn seed-saving secrets with the Â鶹¹ÙÍø Seed Bank. There's even a performance where composer Chris Hoban transforms Dr Laura Sangha's research into 25,000 historic wills into music.

 

Walking Tours

Saturday 11th October, various locations

• 12pm - 1pm. Sensing Â鶹¹ÙÍø's Air Quality (start at Â鶹¹ÙÍø Phoenix) – A Bird's View.
• 1.30pm - 2.30pm. Honey Bees, Hornets, and Deep Learning (start at Â鶹¹ÙÍø Phoenix).
• 2pm - 3pm. Sensing Â鶹¹ÙÍø's Air Quality – A Bird's View (start at Â鶹¹ÙÍø Phoenix).
• 2pm - 3pm. Out in Nature: A queer nature trail (Â鶹¹ÙÍø Queen's Building).

 

Pop-Up Curiosity Shop

Sunday 12th October, 11am-3pm at Â鶹¹ÙÍø Phoenix

The FUTURES Pop-Up Curiosity Shop invites visitors to let their imaginations run wild and embrace extraordinary new ideas! The shop welcomes learners of any age to immerse themselves in interactive activities – just drop in, it's completely free with no need to book.

Step into a world of wonder where over 20 interactive stalls await. Watch bacteria-munching viruses in action, extract DNA from strawberries, learn to spot fake news, discover how light can fight disease, and explore virtual reality bird flight. Meet researchers investigating everything from Tudor women's working lives to the building blocks of the brain. Plus, test your teamwork skills in "Be a Fish, a Rhino, a Pelican" – an inclusive adventure game where no one gets left behind!

Climate Film Screening

Sunday 12th October, 12:15 - 1:30pm at Â鶹¹ÙÍø Phoenix

Don't miss renowned climate scientist Professor James Dyke's specially created film exploring our changing planet – a must-see for anyone wanting to understand the climate challenge. 'System Update: Reboot Our Future' is a bold new documentary film exploring how we can meet the climate crisis head-on. Join Professor Dyke from the Â鶹¹ÙÍø’s Global Systems Institute for an exclusive screening and Q&A, and watch as he brings together world-leading experts and change-makers to look at how transformative shifts in politics, economics, and society can protect people from climate catastrophe. .

FUTURES is an opportunity to find out more about the innovative and world-class research taking place at universities in Bath, Bristol, Devon, Cornwall, and online. Visit

See the recent news story here:

Look forward to seeing you there!