On Saturday 18 May, the University of Leeds campus was alive with excitement as a record number of visitors attended the annual Be Curious event. With over 2,000 participants, marking a 25% increase from the previous year. The day was filled with free, family-friendly activities that highlighted the University’s ground-breaking research.

Organising the Event: A Team Effort

The Conferences and Events team played a crucial role in making this year’s Be Curious event a triumph. Our team, led by Sue Tattersall, was instrumental in sourcing venues and organising the event. Sue, who has been with the University for over 25 years and has been involved with Be Curious since its inception in 2016, managed the event with her extensive knowledge and dedication. Reflecting on the event, Sue remarked:

“Be Curious is one of the highlights of the year for me. Seeing the excitement build as the event comes together is always a delight, and welcoming the public to explore our campus and research fills me with immense pride. It’s truly rewarding to watch families and children engaging with the incredible work we do here.”

A More Inclusive Experience

This year’s Be Curious event was the most inclusive yet. Organisers went the extra mile to introduce features such as quiet hour and visual signposting to alleviate anxiety for some visitors. The event featured over 45 interactive stalls and activities spanning multiple faculties, including a Jellyfish Station and research exploring the emotional impact of Disney. Visitors had the chance to engage with hands-on activities in labs, studios, workshops, and lecture theatres, sparking the imaginations of many inquisitive minds.

Collaborative Efforts Across the University

Celine Roblin-Robson, the Public Engagement Officer at the University of Leeds, praised the collaborative effort of hundreds of colleagues across the University.

“Be Curious brings campus alive in a way not many other events do. We put families first – and this year, we really felt that shone through! Seeing children run about campus, dragging their parents behind them, means we created a space where they could confidently navigate and engage

with the amazing research that goes on at the university,” Celine said.

Support from University Departments

The Conferences and Events team worked closely with various University departments. Including Central Communications, Security, Catering and the Sustainability team, to ensure a smooth and successful event. The collaborative effort painted a comprehensive picture of life at Leeds, showcasing contributions from the Bike Hub, Gryphons Go, the Cultural Institute and the University’s galleries.

Engaging Activities for All Ages

Special recognition goes to the research community, whose dedication and creativity turned complex ideas into engaging activities for children. Celine emphasised the importance of this effort, stating:

“Finding a way to turn complex ideas into games, activities, puzzles, and crafts is a skill our researchers really excelled at this year. By communicating what they do in a way that’s accessible, we hope they’ve set our young visitors on a path to even greater learning and understanding of what it takes to make a real difference in the world.”

Looking Forward to Future Events

As we look forward to future Be Curious events. The University of Leeds Conferences and Events team remains committed to supporting initiatives that engage the public and showcase the incredible research happening on our campus. Thank you to everyone who attended, and we can’t wait to do it all again next year!