Press release issued:
15 August 2019
Step back in time aboard Brunel’s SS Great Britain or glimpse the future with the latest in robotics, at FUTURES, a free festival of discovery which returns to Bristol this September [Friday 27 and Saturday 28].
From how to levitate with ultra sounds, to live experiments and mind-blowing discoveries, the festival promises a spectacle of research in action and a chance to lift the lid on the life-changing work taking place at the University of Bristol, University of Bath, Bath Spa University and Cardiff University.
FUTURES is part of European Researchers’ Night, an annual event that takes place in cities across Europe. This year Bristol will be one of more than 300 cities in 30 countries taking part in the event. It’s an opportunity for people, of all ages, to meet the scientists whose work is helping to shape the world we live in.
The festival gives visitors the chance to explore the past, create the present and imagine the future alongside scientists, engineers and historians from the region’s universities as they lead hands on, interactive activities and demos across the city.
Suzanne Wright, FUTURES Project Coordinator from University of Bristol said: “We’re very excited to bring FUTURES to Bristol again this year and have the opportunity to host events in some of the city’s most iconic venues. Not only is FUTURES set to be a lot of fun but we also get to share and celebrate the amazing and diverse research taking place across the city and region.
“All of the events have been created to give people the opportunity to explore how current research is shaping our future. It’s also a chance for our younger visitors to find out just how exciting and varied a career in research can be. There will be something for everyone, young and old, and we’re looking forward to a busy, entertaining and inspiring weekend.”
Further information
Bristol schedule of events:
Friday 27 September
FUTURES @ Brunel’s SS Great Britain, 6pm-9pm:
Join us aboard Brunel’s historic ship for a family friendly event with interactive trails and a host of hands-on activities. Come and see Bristol’s past brought to life and explore where research might take us next. There will be food, fun and the opportunity to explore this fascinating ship after hours for free.
Saturday 28 September
FUTURES Up Late @ We the Curious, 7.30pm-10.30pm:
How will robots affect our future? Should all countries be equally responsible for climate change? How can engineers today learn from nature? This is your chance to meet the researchers seeking out the answers to these questions, and more, right now. Grab a drink and wander around the exhibits, share your ideas about fascinating experiments and make mind-blowing discoveries! A fascinating night out for all ages.
Saturday 28 September
FUTURES Researchers on Loan, Bristol Central Library, two workshops from 1-2pm and 3-4pm:
Come along to a living library as our researchers take over the Children’s Library at Bristol Central Library. We’ll be leading workshops for families with interactive activities exploring the topics of health and nature. Come and meet real scientists, find out something new and discover why libraries are about so much more than books! (Recommended ages 6-11 but all welcome)
Saturday 28 September
FUTURES Researchers on a train
Researchers will be entertaining travellers on trains running between Bath Spa and Bristol Temple Meads throughout the day on Saturday with some fun and fascinating science busking.
All events are free, but some are ticketed. Please check the Eventbrite page to register.
