Families flocked to University Parks on Tuesday 21 July for another successful Science in the Park, where researchers from Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics (DPAG) welcomed children and their families to explore science through hands-on activities and conversation.
Organised by the department’s Outreach and Public Engagement Working Group, the annual free event once again transformed the park into an outdoor mini science festival, giving visitors the opportunity to meet researchers, ask questions and discover how scientific research shapes our understanding of the human body and health. Building on the success of previous years, the event featured a wide range of interactive activities designed to spark curiosity in visitors of all ages.
We were delighted to again welcome Zeinab Rekad (Department of Biochemistry) and colleagues from STEM Dorado, whose engaging activities added another dimension to the day's programme.
Throughout the day, children eagerly worked their way around the activity stations, meeting scientists and exploring topics ranging from anatomy and neuroscience to medicine and cardiovascular research. As in previous years, the emphasis was on making science interactive and enjoyable, with plenty of opportunities for visitors to ask questions.
The enthusiasm of both visitors and volunteers created a welcoming atmosphere that reflected the event's core aim: making science accessible to everyone and inspiring future generations of researchers.
One parent commented, 'My 6-year-old wants to be a scientist and I think this is a fantastic event for making science accessible. The scientists were great at explaining different scientific concepts to children.'
Another visitor said, 'Brilliant! This is a first-class event and the interaction is excellent; it's so good to see how the researchers engage with the children.'
These comments capture what makes Science in the Park such a valued event each year: the opportunity for children to engage directly with researchers, ask their own questions and discover that science is something they can take part in, not just read about.
The volunteers were equally positive about their experience, 'I really enjoyed interacting with the kids. They were very excited and eager to learn. It was a very rewarding experience!'
We are grateful to everyone who helped make Science in the Park 2026 such an enjoyable and inspiring day, including our collaborators, volunteers, support staff and, of course, the hundreds of children, parents and carers whose curiosity and enthusiasm brought the event to life. We look forward to welcoming everyone back next year for another day of discovery.
Acknowledgements:
• DPAG Facilities Team for leading on set up and set down, as well as for constructing and supporting elements of the activities.
• DPAG volunteers for creating and delivering activities and managing the event: Hanouf Almutairi, Jemima Becker, Liam Cocker, Anna De Boer, Matthias Fritsche, Kevin Giraldo Rodriguez, Rachel Heon-Roberts, Emily Higgitt, Emma Jones, James Lambton, Hannah Mooney, Jessica Moretti, Kalina Naidoo, Karina Piotrowska, Sharmila Rajendran, Christophe Ravaud, Andia Redpath, Hugo Ribeiro Fernandes, Elly Robles, Brent Ryan, Hadas Sloin, Claire Wilbur, and Wan Wong.
• Hayley Backus, Department of Biochemistry for the gazebo loan and help with set-up.
• Zeinab Rekad, Department of Biochemistry and colleagues from STEM Dorado for sharing their activities.