Voyage of Discovery
Our EU-funded festival of research and discovery
Connecting communities with world-class research
Voyage of Discovery: Exploring Research Together is the University of Plymouth's European Researchers' Night programme, bringing world-class research out of the lab and into the heart of communities across Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall.
Through free public events, schools activities and online content, we connect people of all ages with the extraordinary research happening on their doorstep. From immersive dome experiences and interactive installations to panel discussions and hands-on research fairs, Voyage of Discovery creates genuine encounters between researchers and the public.
Voyage of Discovery is part of the European Researchers' Night, an annual celebration of science taking place simultaneously across 40 countries and more than 460 cities every September, funded by the European Union under the Skłodowska-Curie Actions and Citizens programme, Horizon Europe, Grant Agreement No. 101305587.
Research is all about curiosity, creativity and discovery – and through Voyage of Discovery, the people of Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall get to experience it first-hand.
Voyage of Discovery brings a programme of free public events across the city and Cornwall on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 September 2026, as part of European Researchers' Night.
The programme opens on Friday evening with Voyage to the Cold Deep at Market Hall Devonport, where
Professor Jenny Gales , Professor of Ocean Exploration at the University of Plymouth, brings her EU-funded Antarctic research to life in Europe's largest dome theatre. Two free screenings take place on the night: a 17:00 family showing and a 19:00 evening showing, each with an exclusive bonus film. The 17:00 screening features All About Sharks, an illustrated talk and 360-degree dome film from The Shark Trust, while the 19:00 screening includes an exclusive showing of Our Story, a breathtaking immersive experience narrated by Sir David Attenborough.
Also on Friday, The Way We Live: Designing Cities of Tomorrow takes place at The Box, Plymouth, where
Professor Katharine Willis leads a free evening of panel discussion and debate about the future of our cities and communities. Meanwhile, Voyage Home: Digital Architecture for Social Good brings an interactive installation to Armada Way in Plymouth city centre, where
Dr Alejandro Veliz Reyes shares his research on affordable and sustainable housing.
On Saturday 26 September, Voyage to Discovery HQ opens the University of Plymouth campus for a full day of free hands-on research, live demonstrations and stage shows across science, technology, the arts and more. Visitors of all ages are invited to meet the researchers, get involved with the science and explore how research shapes the world around us. A quiet hour runs from 09:30 to 10:30 for those who prefer a calmer experience.
Also on Saturday, Voyage Under the Surface travels to Liskeard Library in Cornwall, where the
CRISPS research team brings their food security science to the community with hands-on activities and conversations about soil health and sustainable farming.
All events are free to attend, with booking open now.
For the full programme and to secure your place, visit www.voyageplymouth.org
Public engagement at Plymouth
The University of Plymouth is committed to engaging the public with its research. Our researchers work with a diverse range of communities from in and around the city of Plymouth to right across the globe.
The public engagement team work across the University to provide advice and support, training and funding for engaged activities.
