Voyage of discovery with Be Curious 2020

Where can you donate your footprint to science, listen to a volcanic tremor, build a windmill, see dancing dentists or use maths to discover more about your favourite cartoon character?

Embark on a voyage of discovery by attending Be Curious 2020

Voyage of discovery with Be Curious 2020. February 2020

NB: Be Curious has been rescheduled to Saturday 10 October.

These and other fascinating attractions feature in the fifth annual instalment of the hugely popular Be Curious open day, as we once again seek to engage the public in the pioneering studies undertaken at Leeds by showcasing some of our world-leading research in an easily accessible format.

Record numbers attended last year’s event, and with a 50% increase in the number of stalls and activities from 2019, Be Curious 2020 promises to be the best ever.

More than 60 exciting activities will be on offer on Saturday 28 March across several locations on campus, including the Parkinson Building.

Free, interactive, family-friendly fun is the order of the day, with stalls for all ages running from 10am to 4pm.

Find out what happens when you dive further and further into the dark ocean. Be Curious 2020. February 2020Find out what happens when you dive further and further into the dark ocean 

Among the highlights is the Deep Ocean Lab event – a voyage of discovery with Greg Foot, YouTuber and BBC TV and radio presenter.

What happens as you dive further and further into the dark ocean? Join Greg for the story of his scientific adventure to the deep. With experiments and stunning videos, Greg will show you the high-tech submersibles that took him down a crazy 1,000ft into the twilight zone. He’ll explain the importance of our oceans and – thanks to Greg’s work with the Blue Planet II team – uncover the effect we’re having on them.

Plus you’ll get the chance to meet a creature from the deep!

Tickets for the performance are free (maximum four per person) but spaces are limited, so make sure you register via Eventbrite as soon as possible.

YouTuber and BBC presenter, Greg Foot, who will take you on a voyage of discovery as he recounts the story of his scientific adventure to the deep. Be Curious 2020. February 2020YouTuber and BBC presenter, Greg Foot, who will take you on a voyage of discovery as he recounts the story of his scientific adventure to the deep 

First taste of university life 

Be Curious has become a favourite way for many researchers to share a flavour of their work with the wider community, while others see it as the perfect opportunity to take their first steps in public engagement (PE). Many of those who attend the event are children enjoying their first taste of university life.

Dr Alexa Ruppertsberg, Head of Public Engagement with Research at Leeds, said: “This will be the fifth time we’ve held Be Curious and we have a 50% increase in stalls and activities from last year.

“The vast majority of stallholders are new to Be Curious, making this a great platform for colleagues to dip their toes in the water of public engagement. For everyone working at Leeds, it’s a great opportunity to find out about the research here and how this is geared to make a difference in the world. We’ve even had new research collaborations begin because colleagues met at Be Curious!

“We’re also very pleased Greg Foot is joining us, as well as Leeds International Piano Competition, which is bringing Skylar’s Missing Note to campus – a musical participatory story for Key Stage One children about the missing middle-C key of a piano.”

Visitors can also learn how to restyle their old clothes. With little to no sewing, our fashion students will help you reimagine and re-inspire your wardrobe!

Further information 

A full list of attractions will appear on For Staff and the Be Curious website closer to the date, together with a link to download the programme and a map of events. You can also access the latest updates on Facebook.

Refreshments can be bought at the cafés in Parkinson Court and the Laidlaw Library.

Parking is available in the multi-story car park, payable by debit or credit card on exiting (free to staff if their car is registered). And bus routes, including 1, 6, 28 and 97, all stop outside the Parkinson Building.

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