What's on?

Falling Walls Lab Huddersfield (S) (T) (E) (A) (M)

Age recommendation: 14+

What can you say in just three minutes? Come and be inspired by Huddersfield’s finest student researchers who are competing in an international competition by presenting their innovative ideas, research projects and social initiatives in just three minutes.

Would I lie to you?  (S)

Age recommendation: 15+

Are you as good as spotting a liar as you think you are? Put your lie detecting skills to the test with our fun and interactive activity hosted by Dr Chris Street, to explore the ways people lie and how to spot them.

Synth building workshop  (T) (A)

Age recommendation: Girls aged 11+

Last year this workshop was very popular, so we decided to run it again! Learn basic electronics and solder a sound making printed circuit board with Dr Liz Dobson and synth developer and composer Nina Richards. Supported by the Yorkshire Sound Women Network this workshop encourages girls to try electronics and music/sound technology. For more information see this short film about the workshop http://tinyurl.com/noisetoy

From atoms to crystals to proteins (S) (E)

Age recommendation: 11+

Get up close and personal with crystals by looking at them under the microscope and having a go at atomic model building. Dr Chris Cooper and Dr Richard Bingham will show you how molecular models and crystals can help to uncover how proteins in cells can be used to develop drugs.

Hands-on radio presenting (A)

Age recommendation: 13+

Have you ever wanted to have a go at being a radio presenter? This is your opportunity to read and record a news bulletin and find out all about the history of radio with Dr Martin Cooper, by exploring the University’s research into this fascinating area.

Wildlife crimes on trial  (A)

Age recommendation: All

What do you think about the illegal trade in endangered species? We want you to judge wildlife crimes and vote on what you think is the right sentence to fit the crime. Melanie Flynn will share her research with the WWF – World Wildlife Fund – which explores the illegal trade of animals such as rhinos, tigers and pangolins.

Strawberry mess (S)

Age recommendation: All

Have you ever wanted to know how to extract DNA? Join Dr Francesca Gandini and discover how to isolate DNA from strawberries using simple everyday items you can find at home.

Archaeogenetics sandpit and human evolution tree (S) (A)

Age recommendation: 5-10 years

Meet Dr Maria Pala and Dr Ceiridwen Edwards, who are researchers in Archaeogenetics. Find hidden bones in a sand box and identify the species by using large posters of the skeletons to look at similarities across diverse species. Take part in a fun quiz on extinct human species and try to place posters of different extinct human skeletons on a family tree.

Inside sound (A) (T)

Age recommendation: All

What is it like to be inside sound? Enter the world of music technology with Professor Michael Clarke and Frederic Dufeu, as we invite you into the SPIRAL – the University’s Spatialisation and Interactive Research Lab. Explore the nature of sound and sonic characteristics in their most intimate details. You will be able to explore sound by navigating interactive sonograms in the SPIRAL’s advanced multi-channel environment.

Waterways to the past (E) (A)

Age recommendation: All

Many of us are in touch with Britain’s engineering, industrial and cultural past without even noticing it, when we cross or walk along a canal. This hands on session, with Dr Jodie Matthews and Professor Jessica Malay, invites people to think about the ways they interact with the waterways, what they feel about them, and how these are a route to knowledge about the past – and what we think about the past today.

Let’s Play Vinyl! (A) (T)

Age recommendation: 5-11 years

This is an opportunity to discover the magic of vinyl records with Sound System Culture and Professor Paul Ward and visiting Research Fellow, Mandeep Samra, from Let's Go Yorkshire. You can have a go at using a 1960s Dansette record player and play vinyl records on a turntable. Use your imagination to create colourful decorations using vinyl records.

Bhangra Renaissance (A)

Age recommendation: All

Did you know that Huddersfield was the birthplace of one of the oldest Sikh cultural and Bhangra groups in the country in 1968? This spectacular type of music and dance is deeply rooted in the traditions of India’s Panjabi region. Enjoy a Bhangra dancing performance and learn some of the basic steps with our visiting Research Fellow, Hardeep Sahota.

Circus of Six: The science of colour (S) (A)

Age recommendation: 7+

Dr Fiona Woodhouse is putting the ART in STEAM with fireworks, chromatography flowers, chemical garden jeweller, colour mixing, splitting light and rainbow indicators- can you complete all six challenges?

What does a scientist look like?  (S) (A)

Age recommendation: All

What do you think a scientist looks like? Join Professor Janet Fink to create your very own 21st century scientist using play dough, lego, whiteboards or collages. We can’t wait to see your creations!

Feminism in the digital age  (T)

Age recommendation: 15+

Young feminists now tend to begin their feminist journey online on social media. This workshop with Dr Grainne McMahon, is where you can debate "doing feminism" and "becoming feminist" online and being a feminist in the digital age.

Build a Railway Locomotive (E) (T) (A)

Age recommendation: 8+

Meet the team at the Institute for Railway Research and work in a group to build an aerodynamic railway locomotive. Have fun competing to achieve the course in the fastest time.

Roller-Rig Tour (E) (T)

Age recommendation: 8+

Join Professor Simon Iwnicki and his team for a whistlestop tour around Harold, the largest roller-rig in the UK and find out how it is used to test rail safety. A must-see for all engine enthusiasts!

Hidden pond life (S)

Age recommendation: 8+

Explore pond water under the microscope and try to identify different microbes, with Dr Hamid Merchant. You will observe the different organisms in pond water and learn more about how they interact with one another. Do you know what predation, competition and mutualism are? Well you will after this workshop!

Pictures of the organisms from the event can be seen here.

Community Spirit  (M)

Age recommendation: All

Do you want to take part in an economic experiment where you will be asked to fundraise for a good public cause, such as a road, a hospital or a park? Help Dr Maria Kozlovskaya investigate how different types of public projects affect the amount of voluntary contributions. They need your help to find out more about issues such as inequality and intelligence and people’s behaviour.

None in Three  (A) (T)

Age recommendation: 10-17 years      

Have you ever considered how computer gaming can be used for education? Here at Huddersfield, Professor Adele Jones and her team have been using computer games to teach young people about domestic violence. Come along and have a go for yourself.

Wake up and smell the coffee (T)

Age recommendation: 10+

Ethiopia comes to Huddersfield! Find out how coffee and honey are harvested in Ethiopia and take part in a tasting session of some of the products, with Professor Adrian Wood and Fiona Hesselden.

World of microbes (S)

Age recommendation: All

The good, the bad and the ugly! Discover a whole new world of micro-organisms with postgraduate research student Sophie Glossop, from bread to your belly and everything in between.

Virtual Reality Hub (S) (T)

Age recommendation: 5+

Want to learn science using virtual reality? Now you can! This session will let you work in a multi-million pound laboratory, shrink yourself down and travel through the bloodstream, or use a million dollar piece of scientific equipment all in virtual reality. Come along and learn how we use science to catch criminals, how cells replicate, and how to work safely in a laboratory, all using VR.

Take my breath away (S) (T) (E)

Age recommendation: All*

*Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Please note that the simulation asthma attack experience is unsuitable for asthma sufferers.

Come and explore the Pharmaceutics laboratory where you will get to meet our lab technicians, experience what it is like to have asthma and find out more about the work researchers are doing at Huddersfield. If you use an inhaler, why not take part in a test to see if you are getting the most out of your device? You can also take part in a range of activities, including a simulated asthma attack, find out how old your lungs are, an interactive smart screen, a researchers’ display, powder flow and a ‘make and do’ section.

Life as a Journey (A)

Age recommendation: 7+

Have you ever thought of your life as a journey? Researcher Bridie Moore will help you to create a map of all the places you have lived (or ever been) in your life and bring to life your own personal journey in three minutes or less of movement and questions.

Clean designs (A)

Age recommendation: All

Laundry care symbols, as we know them, were introduced in the 1950s. Do they still reflect our laundry behaviour today? Should we have a symbol for sniff before washing? Come along and design a brand new laundry symbol for the future, with researcher Jade Whitson-Smith.

Light fantastic (S)

Age recommendation: All

Explore some of the properties of light with Dr Jeremy Hopwood and take part in experiments to see how these properties are used to shed light on our material world.

Turbocharger technology (T) (S)

Age recommendation: TBC

Discover how designers use the turbocharger component to reduce engine emissions, increase efficiency and maximise performance. Professor John Allport explores how and why this ancient technology is now at the forefront of powertrain engineering.

3D Holograms (A) (T)

Age recommendation: 10+

Did you know you can make a 3D hologram at home with a few basic materials? You won’t believe your eyes when researcher Katrina McLaughlin shows you how! Come along and set up your own mini hologram, and work as a group to design a giant version.

The Gleneden Post War Design Archive – Matthew Taylor (A)

Age recommendation: All

Drawing from a textile pattern collection with Matthew Taylor.

Communal Stitch Collage (A)

Age recommendation: 6+

Researcher Nicola Perren would like to invite everyone to contribute to our Researchers' Night communal stitch collage. It doesn’t matter if you have never sewn before. Textiles can be about more than just colour and pattern - making things together can be fun, so come along and take part!

Balloon Game (A) (M)

Age recommendation: 5+

Join postgraduate research student, Parisa Azar to guess the carbon footprint of different activities displayed on cards and use helium balloons to demonstrate them. Depending on the height of the balloons you will see which one of your day to day activities has the biggest carbon footprint.

Drawing as research (A)

Age recommendation: 5-10 years (session 1 and 2), 11+ years (sessions 3 and 4)

This workshop takes inspiration from ancient myths to tell stories that connect the past with our lives today. Use a combination of new and old drawing techniques to see what you can learn.

3D Printing (A) (T)

Age recommendation: 8-12 years

Join researcher Rob Lovett to learn about using a laser scanner and scan a full size emergency vehicle! Send this information to a 3D printer so that you can create a replica to take home.

Rise of the Super Rats (S)

Age recommendation: All

Super rats have been in the news headlines over the last few years. Come and discover the facts and fiction about super rats with Dr Dougie Clarke and postgraduate research student, Zoe Hollis

Brain game (M)

Age recommendation: 10+

Meet Professor David Bamford and find out how our brains can sometimes mislead us! Guess the time it takes to move balls from one box to another. Then move balls and count the time difference of how long you thought it would take compared to how long it actually takes.

Cancer curing molecules (S)

Age recommendation: All

Join cancer research specialist, Dr Nikolaos Georgopoulos, to hear all about how scientists at the University of Huddersfield have been working on a potentially revolutionary cancer treatment that kills cancer cells.

Cancer corner (S)    

Age recommendation: All 

Dr Simon Allison and Postgraduate researcher Makhosi Mgombane demonstrate how we are working towards improving cancer treatments. See if you can spot cancer cells down the microscope, learn about cancers that specifically effect children, help create a cancer balloon model and sponsor a ‘cell’ for a chance to win in our prize draw!

CERN live session (T) (E) (S)

Age recommendation: 12+

Take part in this exciting live session in the central control room of CERN in Geneva!

Diet and Health: Who's accountable? (S)

Age recommendation: All

The food we eat has a huge impact on our health. Hear about research into the influence of the food industry on the diet of the nation with researcher, Pamela Anderson.

Shadows and Reflections (A) (T)

Age recommendation: All

Explore an exhibition of paintings by Andy Fullalove with sound by Professor Monty Adkins. Originally exhibited at Bradford Cathedral in 2016, Fullalove’s paintings take inspiration from the unique stained glass windows designed by William Morris and his fellow pre-Raphelite designers. A soundscape uses original organ phrases slowed down and layered to create a subtle, immersive sonic experience.

Eureka! Fun station (S) (M) (A) (T)

Age recommendation: All

Visit the Eureka National Children’s Museum team and have fun with science! Use a scribblebot, make a lava lamp, get creative with absorption art and much more.

Dinosaur experience (S) (A)

Age recommendation: All

Get close to genuine and replica dinosaur fossils with Dinostar, including the bones of a Triceratops and a real dinosaur egg. Create your own fossil ‘brass’ rubbing and challenge yourself not to be scared by the Allosaurus skull with its scissor sharp teeth!

Railway bridge challenge

Age recommendation: 5+

Try your hand at this fun activity, hosted by Railway Civil Engineer Nick Beilby, from North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Learn about the scientific and engineering principles behind the structure of railway arches and test your skills.

Colour chemistry

Age recommendation: TBC

Back by popular demand! Join Dr Chris Gabbutt and Dr Mark Heron for a colourful demonstration to discover the science behind high-tech materials used to manufacture photochromic sunglasses and CDs. Learn about the development of switchable molecules that change colour when exposed to heat, light or electricity.

Think Forensic

Age recommendation: All

Join educational charity, Think Forensic, to discover some of the tricks used by real Crime Scene Investigators. Find out what kind of fingerprints you have using magnetic powder and see things like never before under a digital microscope.

EU Corner

Age recommendation: All

Visit the EU Corner to discover all about collaborative research the University of Huddersfield conducts across Europe and beyond. See if you can win a prize in our Researchers are All Around Us competition, take part in tea tasting with our international students, discover what research Universities across the Yorkshire region are involved in and have a go with our interactive map!

STEAM finalists exhibition

Age recommendation: All

Take a look at some of the stylish researcher-themed lab coats, photographs and poems, created by children at schools in the Yorkshire region. This inspiring exhibition showcases the work of the finalists for the STEAM competitions.

Vortex (S) (T) (E) (A) (M)

Age recommendation: All

Experience a sculptural sound installation on a grand scale, with live music from IOU theatre and University of Huddersfield musicians. Engineered by Professor Rakesh Mishra, the performance uses large steel air-ducts and cones to produce sound inspired by vortex rings travelling through the atmosphere.

Billy the Burglar! (T) (A)

Age recommendation: 7-10

Come along and join criminologist Dr Leanne Monchuk and West Yorkshire Police's Force Crime Prevention Officer Chris Joyce try and stop Billy the Burglar! We'll be looking at a house with lots of insecurities and trying to make it more secure. How many insecurities can you spot? How would you make the house more secure?

Poetry Safari (A) (T)

Age recommendation: 8+

Join Dr James Underwood for an animal-inspired poetry and print workshop, taking inspiration from famous poets, such as Ted Hughes. Have fun creating your own poem and illustration to take home.

Lost Frontiers (S) (T) (A)

Age recommendation: All

Join Professor Vince Gaffney from Bradford University and try an augmented reality sandbox to create your own landscape. Learn about how this EU funded project uses cutting-edge techniques to explore drowned landscapes. Experience a changing world and see how hunter-gatherers react to variations in climate and conditions.

Grand Finale

Join us to celebrate the talented young winners of the lab coat design, senses photography and science poetry competitions. Followed by the fantastic finale display combining multi-coloured lasers and fireworks.