Voyage to Discovery HQ

This is a free, full day of hands-on research, live demonstrations, stage shows and interactive activities at the University of Plymouth campus. Meet the scientists, engineers, artists and researchers doing world-class work right here in Plymouth, explore their ideas and discover how research shapes the world around us. What to expect Throughout the day you will find: • Researcher stands and interactive exhibits across science, technology, the arts, engineering and the environment • Live stage shows in the Main Hall • 360-degree screenings in the Immersive Vision Theatre • Live magic in the foyer, running throughout the day • Activities and demonstrations suitable for all ages Expect a genuinely wide spread of research on the stands, from marine science and climate resilience to brain health, forensic science, robotics and psychology, most of it hands-on, with real equipment, real samples and researchers on hand to talk you through it. There's something to interest every age group, and no need to follow any particular order, just explore as you go. On the Main Hall stage, look out for Jake and The Humanoid, where robotics researcher Jake Shaw-Sutton introduces his new humanoid robot (you'll get the chance to help name it), and Pyromania, an explosive science show from chemist Dr Roy Lowry. In the Immersive Vision Theatre, catch 360-degree screenings including Ocean Exploration with Prof. Jenny Gales and Lanhydrock, Images of Plaster, revealing the hidden seventeenth-century plasterwork of a Cornish country house through laser scanning. Quiet Hour — 9.30am to 10.30am The Research Fair opens with a dedicated quiet hour from 9.30am to 10.30am, designed for visitors who prefer a calmer, less crowded experience. During this hour, music and loud demonstrations will be reduced, lighting will be adjusted where possible, and the venue will be less busy. The quiet hour is open to everyone and does not require separate booking. If you or someone in your group would benefit from a quieter experience, we recommend arriving during this time. The rest of the fair opens to all visitors from 10.30am. Practical information Date: Saturday 26 September 2026 Time: 9.30am to 3pm (quiet hour 9.30 to 10.30am, general admission from 10.30am) Venue: Main Hall, University of Plymouth Campus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA All events within the Research Fair are free and included with your booking. Accessibility The University of Plymouth campus is fully accessible. If you have specific accessibility requirements or questions, please contact us ahead of your visit and we will do our best to help. About Voyage of Discovery Voyage to Discovery HQ is part of Voyage of Discovery: Exploring Research Together, the University of Plymouth's European Researchers' Night programme. European Researchers' Night takes place simultaneously across 40 countries and more than 460 cities every September, bringing science and communities together. Other Voyage of Discovery events taking place on Friday 25 September include Voyage to the Cold Deep at Market Hall Devonport, The Way We Live: Designing Cities of Tomorrow at The Box, Voyage Home: Digital Architecture for Social Good in Plymouth City Centre. Find out more and book at voyageplymouth.org Voyage of Discovery is funded by the European Union under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions and Citizens programme, Horizon Europe, Grant Agreement No. 101305587.