Past FUTURES events

Find out more about FUTURES events from previous years
Futures2021 - people using the immersive vision theatre (IVT)

Past FUTURES events

Find out more about FUTURES events from previous years

FUTURES2024

The 2024 programme was about exploring the past, creating the present and imagining the future. As a hub of outstanding research and innovation, the South West showcased projects that address some of society’s biggest challenges and make a real difference. The festival celebrated groundbreaking initiatives at local universities, helping to shape a brighter future for all.

Highlights from Plymouth

The Big Talk: Harnessing the Ocean’s Energy: Professor Deborah Greaves OBE FREng gave a public lecture on the latest advances in ocean power and how Plymouth is leading the way toward eco-friendly energy.
Voyage of Discovery: A dive into a world of science, technology and art at the historic Royal William Yard. This family-friendly event offered interactive exhibits, hands-on activities and engaging demos, from talking robotic pets to discovering how research is improving our daily lives.
Ocean Commotion: An investigation of bio-toxicology at The Box with the Ocean Conservation Trust and PhD researcher Anneliese Hodge. In Lotion in the Ocean, Annaliese talked about why protecting ourselves from the sun may be harming marine life. Meet The Marine Park with the Ocean Conservation Trust had activities for all interests and audiences focused on the UK's first National Marine Park right here in Plymouth.
 

FUTURES2023

The 2023 programme had something for every age, FUTURES brought science, culture and research to life in new and exciting ways. 
There were plenty of events to experience, including late-night museum openings, hands-on activities, exhibitions, storytelling, comedy nights, talks, quizzes, radio shows and much more!

Watch the highlights from 2023 "

Highlights from Plymouth

Screening the Future: Discover Plymouth's Urban Heritage Through Film: The University's Dr Angela Piccini, along with Tony Davey and Adam Milford from The Box engaged with like-minded individuals who share a passion for shaping Plymouth's future.  
Stories in the Stones – GEO Trail Walks: Geologist Dr Jodie Fisher ventured through time, turning Royal William Yard and surrounding areas of the South West Coast Path into a living museum. We headed back 380 million years on a walking tour to discover how Plymouth had changed over millennia.
Future Neighbourhoods: Professor Katharine Willis and Nudge Community Builders delved into the future of inclusive neighbourhoods.
Voyage of Discovery: An engaging interactive showcase for all ages covering the wonder of science, technology and art.
 

FUTURES2022: Bridging Divides

The 2022 programme included a range of online activities and in-person events at venues across the South West. With storytelling, talks, quizzes and comedy all exploring the worlds of science, culture and research, there was something for everyone.

Highlights from Plymouth

The Big Talk: Why antimicrobial resistance needs a global perspective 
Antimicrobial resistance is the most urgent global healthcare challenge for the human species. Dr Tina Joshi , Associate Professor in Molecular Microbiology at Plymouth, shared her expert insights on why this is happening – and what we can do about it.
FUTURES2022 geo trail walking tour
Images from our 2022 events
FUTURES2022 Eden Project get your dirt on event
FUTURES2022 event - child playing piano with Dr Bob Taub
 

FUTURES2021

In September 2021, over 500 individuals and families locally and across the South West joined us to discover research across science, heritage, health and history, and meet the University of Plymouth researchers who work to make a difference to our daily lives.

Highlights from Plymouth

Voyage of Discovery: Through interactive activities, experiments, talks and demonstrations our researchers and collaborators shared their projects covering everything from history to health, the environment and robotics.
Pandemic Poetry: Writers from the University talked about how poetry has been read and written during the ongoing pandemic, providing inspiration and solace, and a way for people around the world to interact during periods of lockdown.
Seas the Day!: World-leading experts from the University’s Marine Institute explored the global challenges facing our planet: how to protect our seas at the National Marine Aquarium. 
Futures2021 festival of discovery - Pandemic poetry Held as part of European Researchers Night, a range of events featuring academics from the University of Plymouth. Writers from the University of Plymouth, including Professor Anthony Caleshu, talked about how poetry has been read and written during the ongoing pandemic
Images from our 2021 events
Futures2021 festival of discovery.Held as part of European Researchers Night, a range of events featuring academics from the University of Plymouth.Seas the Day (National Marine Aquarium) – world-leading experts from University of Plymouth’s Marine Institute will explore one of the global challenges facing our planet – how to protect our seas – through a range of talks and family activities.
Voyage of discovery, FUTURES2021
 

FUTURES2020: Celebrating European Researchers

The 2020 festival was an opportunity for all to meet the University of Plymouth researchers working to make a difference to our daily lives. The University had 24 researchers showcasing our research and innovation at the festival.