Sharks, robots and fireworks – families invited on a Voyage of Discovery

Free community event at the University of Plymouth
Voyage of Discovery young girl with robot dog

Sharks, robots and fireworks – families invited on a Voyage of Discovery

Free community event at the University of Plymouth

Families across the South West are invited to embark on a Voyage of Discovery this weekend, as the University of Plymouth brings world-class research out of the lab and into the community.
Taking place on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 September 2026, Voyage of Discovery: Exploring Research Together will offer a packed programme of free events for all ages.
The festival’s flagship event takes place on the city centre campus this Saturday, with other events across the weekend at The Box, city centre and Liskeard Library. 
Book your place

Explore the full Voyage of Discovery programme 
The festival is funded by the EU as part of the European Researchers' Night programme – and part of a celebration of science and research taking place simultaneously across 40 countries and more than 460 cities every September.
Aiming to inspire the local community, it also comes on the back of Plymouth being named Community University of the year in the Daily Mail UK University Guide.
Voyage of Discovery
Roy Lowry pyromania
Voyage of Discovery

What’s happening?

The adventure begins on Friday evening at Market Hall Devonport with Voyage to the Cold Deep, where Professor Jenny Gales will bring her Antarctic research spectacularly to life inside Europe's largest dome theatre. Meanwhile Professor Katharine Willis will lead a discussion and debate at The Box about how to design the cities of tomorrow.  
Then on Saturday 26 September, the University of Plymouth opens up Voyage of Discovery HQ, a full day of hands-on research, live demonstrations and stage shows spanning science, technology, and much more.
Children and adults alike will have the chance to meet researchers, experience their work first-hand – including a humanoid robot and ‘pyromania’ demonstration – and discover some of the ideas and innovations shaping the world around us.
For visitors who would benefit from a quieter and calmer experience, a dedicated quiet hour will run from 9.30–10.30am. 

Voyage of Discovery aims to show that research is driven by the same things that inspire curious minds of every age: asking questions, exploring ideas, being creative and discovering something new.

We have so much right here on our doorstep that can open our eyes to the world, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone along. The event coincides with our open day, so the campus will be buzzing with energy!
It’s also a weekend of free bus travel across the city, so a great opportunity for a free family day out.
We want everyone to be inspired by the amazing work that happens right here in the South West, and how it makes an impact every day locally and globally.

Iola NelsonMrs Iola Nelson
Public Engagement Manager, who's leading the event

Find out more

University of Plymouth researchers at a public engagement event
Voyage of Discovery
Plant factory seed propagation and growth under a blue light
Research and expertise
A bright, colourful cartoon graphic of Plymouth city centre with the university buildings and local landmarks picked out
Our work with the local community