Families are invited to celebrate over 530 years of curiosity, creativity and discovery at the University of Aberdeen's free Discovery Day, a flagship public event taking place as part of Founders' Week celebrations.
Discovery Day on Monday 9 February will bring together researchers from across the University for a fun-filled programme of hands-on, family-friendly activities, offering visitors of all ages the chance to explore the latest research – from science and medicine to history, technology, psychology, art and creativity.
Designed to spark curiosity and conversation, the event at Elphinstone Hall, King’s College Campus, will transform research into interactive experiences. Families can make and model microbes, explore prehistoric geometry through Neolithic stone balls, experiment with augmented-reality landscapes in an AR sandbox, and discover how hydrogen could power the future by producing it themselves and running a miniature hydrogen car.
Other highlights include eye-tracking experiments that reveal how we look at art, botanical crafts inspired by the Cruickshank Botanic Garden, Chinese paper crafts, badge-making with University Collections, and the opportunity to peer through a computerised telescope to explore the universe. Visitors can also step back to discover more about James Lind’s famous scurvy trials, or learn about cutting-edge research tackling antibiotic resistance, motor neurone disease, and child development.
Health, psychology and society will also be explored through engaging activities, including learning what happens to fat cells when body weight changes, discovering the role of microbes in everyday life, testing reaction times, and sharing views on what school uniform might look like in the future.
To ensure the event is welcoming and inclusive, a relaxed hour from 10–11am will be available for visitors who prefer a calmer environment. Places for the relaxed hour should be booked in advance.
Visitors to campus can also take in the Zoology Museum, home to a world of skeletons and specimens from reptiles, fish, primates and more.
Discovery Day is part of the University of Aberdeen’s Founders’ Week celebrations, marking more than five centuries of world-leading education and research.
Dr Christopher Croly, Public Engagement with Research Managersaid: “Discovery Day is about opening our doors and sharing the excitement of research with everyone. Last year we welcomed more than 800 visitors, and the enthusiasm from families of all ages was fantastic.
“As the University of Aberdeen celebrates the 531st anniversary of its foundation, Discovery Day is an opportunity to inspire the next generation of thinkers, creators and problem-solvers.”
Discovery Day will run from 10am to 3pm on Monday 9 February. Advance booking is preferred but drop-in visitors will also be welcome.