Be Curious: get involved
Inspired by Be Curious 2018? Get ready to take part in the University's biggest Public Engagement event next year.
Despite adverse weather conditions, 600 visitors were welcomed to 40 family-friendly stalls at Be Curious 2018, which celebrated the world-class research that takes place at Leeds.
With this year’s theme ‘We are International’, 220 academic staff and researchers showcased the diversity of its research and nationalities at the University to the public, with half of the visitors being under 18.
For 12% of the visitors, Be Curious was their first visit to the University, and about 30% came from outside of the city, some from as far as Manchester and Liverpool.
Professor Lisa Roberts, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research & Innovation, says: “Something like this isn’t just an opportunity to bring the public in; it’s a fantastic opportunity to share the wonders of our research with each other."
Visitors’ comments
From piano sessions to a life-size, interactive model of a cow, the activities were met with curiosity and excitement:
“Fantastic event – fascinating stalls and engaged, interested researchers & presenters. Came @ 10am, tried to leave for lunch but the kids wouldn’t let us! Stayed till 4pm”
“This was awesome! This was the best place I’ve ever been to! I really enjoyed it. I feel really happy!” (Annie, aged 8)
“This has made me more excited to start my course in September as I have found new interests and hobbies I would like to get involved in”
“The enthusiasm on show was amazing – it was really obvious with everyone I saw. They were really engaging with visitors and I could see a lot interested visitors” (Mystery shopper)
Curious about taking part? 57% of this year’s staff
participants were new to Be Curious and 80% see their experience at Be Curious
as a stepping stone to other engagement activities.
Register to attend the next Public Engagement Programme Network (pepnet) meeting discussing activities for festivals between noon and 2pm on Wednesday 20 June, room 1.06 of the Baines Wing.
A surgery will also take place in July 2018 for those who wish to discuss thoughts and potential ideas for the next Be Curious. Dates to be confirmed on For Staff and Twitter @UniLeedsStaff or sign up to the pepnet email list.
Bookmark the PE website and contact the PE team at peteam@leeds.ac.uk if you have any questions.
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