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Get hands-on with engaging research at Science in the Park

Scientists from Nottingham’s two universities are joining forces to showcase their research with a range of fun family activities at the annual Science in the Park event.

    Science in the Park

    ‘Science in the Park’ is a free annual festival at Wollaton Hall that takes place as part of British Science Week. Visitors will be able to find out about elephant welfare, the solar system, dinosaurs, treating disease and much more.

    The event will take place on Saturday 9 March between 11am and 3pm and will feature a range of interactive exhibits suitable for pre-school children through to adults.

    Scientists and engineers from the University of Nottingham will be showcasing a range of exciting research – from learning about elephant welfare using a hologram, getting hands on with microscopes and telescopes to discovering what plant fossils can tell us about dinosaurs.

    The University of Nottingham participation has been organised and supported by the Institute for Policy and Engagement. Maria Richards, Head of Public Engagement at the Institute said: “This is a hugely popular local event that showcases some of the amazing research happening at the city’s two universities. We hope the fun and hands-on nature of the activities will give families not just a great day out but also the opportunity to explore STEM subjects.”

    Biomedical Scientists from Nottingham Trent University will be showing how disease is detected in blood and urine and letting visitors have a go at performing tests which are used to diagnose patients who are ill.

    Scientists from NTU will also run other exciting activities including building a sweet cannon to see how far and fast a sweet can travel, which aims to teach about forensic science, ballistics and physics.

    Dr Michael Loughlin, scientist and event lead at Nottingham Trent University, said: "Now in its 16th Year, Science in the Park continues to give staff and students from both universities the chance to engage with the public in investigating the topics that shape the world around us."

    Other community partners will also be at the event including Nottinghamshire Girl Guiding, the local RSPB who will be leading a guided walk spotting birds and the opportunity to explore Wollaton Hall and see the incredible miniature work of Dr Willard Wigan.

    Wollaton Hall is wheelchair accessible by lift and for those who want a quieter experience it is recommended to arrive earlier.

    You can find out more about Science in the Park 204 and book your free place here.

    • Notes for editors

      Press enquiries please contact Dave Rogers, Public Relations Manager, on telephone +44 (0)115 848 8782, or via email.

      Nottingham Trent University (NTU) received the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education in 2021 for cultural heritage science research. It is the second time that NTU has been bestowed the honour of receiving a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for its research, the first being in 2015 for leading-edge research on the safety and security of global citizens.

      The Research Excellence Framework (2021) classed 83% of NTU’s research activity as either world-leading or internationally excellent. 86% of NTU’s research impact was assessed to be either world-leading or internationally excellent.

      NTU was awarded The Times and The Sunday Times Modern University of the Year 2023 and ranked University of the Year in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023. It was awarded Outstanding Support for Students 2020 (Times Higher Education Awards), University of the Year 2019 (Guardian University Awards, UK Social Mobility Awards), Modern University of the Year 2018 (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide) and University of the Year 2017 (Times Higher Education Awards).

      NTU is the 5th largest UK institution by student numbers, with approximately 40,000 students and more than 4,400 staff located across five campuses. It has an international student population of 7,000 and an NTU community representing over 160 countries.

      Since 2000, NTU has invested £570 million in tools, technology, buildings and facilities.

      NTU is in the UK’s top 10 for number of applications and ranked first for accepted offers (2021 UCAS UG acceptance data). It is also among the UK’s top five recruiters of students from disadvantaged backgrounds and was the first UK university to sign the Social Mobility Pledge.

      NTU is ranked the second most sustainable university in the world in the 2022 UI Green Metric University World Rankings (out of more than 900 participating universities).

      About the University of Nottingham

      Ranked 32 in Europe and 16th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2024, the University of Nottingham is a founding member of Russell Group of research-intensive universities. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience, and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia - part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement.

      Nottingham was crowned Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 – the third time is has been given the honour since 2018 – and by the Daily Mail University Guide 2024.

      The University is among the best universities in the UK for the strength of our research, positioned seventh for research power in the UK according to REF 2021. The birthplace of discoveries such as MRI and ibuprofen, our innovations transform lives and tackle global problems such as sustainable food supplies, ending modern slavery, developing greener transport, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

      The University is a major employer and industry partner - locally and globally - and our graduates are the second most targeted by the UK's top employers, according to The Graduate Market in 2022 report by High Fliers Research. We lead the Universities for Nottingham initiative, in partnership with Nottingham Trent University, a pioneering collaboration between the city’s two world-class institutions to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing for residents in the city and region we are proud to call home. More news…

    Published on 19 February 2024
    • Subject area: Sciences including sport sciences
    • Category: Press office; Research; School of Science and Technology