EPS at Be Curious 2024: Cutting-edge computers, future fabrics, and much more
The Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences is once again proud to be part of this year's Be Curious, the University of Leeds' annual family open day, on 18 May.
We’re involved in eight incredible activities across the Leeds campus, hoping to inspire allcomers through our pop-up stands in the Parkinson Building, Michael Sadler Building, Riley Smith Theatre, and on the Precinct at the heart of the University.
Alongside our partners across other Faculties, we’ll showcase our expertise in engineering, physics, maths, computing, chemistry, and much more! Here’s what we have in store for everyone on Saturday 18 May, between 10am and 4pm:
Fabric Futures
Ashley Victoria (School of Chemical and Process Engineering)
Just like John Smeaton, Ashley is working to make better construction materials. Find out what composites are and how they can help us make things more sustainable.
Location: Parkinson Building, Parkinson Court
Suitable for: ages 5 and above
What can computers learn from your voice?
Mary Paterson (School of Computing)
Discover the secrets of your voice! See if you can trick the computer as it tries to guess your age and go head-to-head to see who is better, computers or humans!
Location: Michael Sadler Building, LG.16
Suitable for: ages 5 and above
Mechanics of Life
Dr Briony Thomas (School of Mechanical Engineering)
Ever wondered how ballet dancers do all those amazing moves? Find out how art and science meet to inspire new engineering research.
Location: Parkinson Building, Parkinson Court South
Suitable for: ages 5 and above
Can you win the chocolate game?
Dr Pablo Andújar-Guerrero and Dr Lluís Hernández-Navarro (School of Mathematics)
Moriarty challenges Sherlock Holmes to a deadly game. Following certain rules, chose pieces to eat from a chocolate tablet, but be careful to avoid the poisoned one. Can you find the winning strategy and survive?
Location: Riley Smith Theatre
Suitable for: ages 5 and above
How will we build the computers of the future?
Dr Philippa Shepley (School of Physics and Astronomy)
At the scale of atoms (30,000 times smaller than one of your hairs!) we can unlock special properties that can help build quantum computers or data storage that uses less energy.
Location: Michael Sadler Building, LG.15
Suitable for: all ages
What is it like being a laser scientist?
Dr Thomas Gill
Come and experience what it is like to be a laser scientist at the University of Leeds! Play with lasers and discover how we use them in our labs!
Location: Michael Sadler Building, LG.17
Suitable for: ages 5 and above
How does nature make a raincoat?
Dr Sepideh Khodaparast (Mechanical Engineering)
Explore nature's secrets by discovering how special surfaces stay clean and dry naturally. Have a look at the tiny structures these surfaces hide up close and watch droplets dance on them!
Location: Riley Smith Theatre
Suitable for: ages 5 and above
Kingsley Ahenkora-Duodu was one of three Physics and Astronomy students involved in the creation of Moon Palace. (Photo credit: Charles Emerson)
Moon Palace
East Leeds Project in collaboration with the School of Physics and Astronomy
A gift from East Leeds to the world, Moon Palace is your ticket to the stars without leaving the city. An artwork and mobile observatory by Heather Peak and Ivan Morison, Moon Palace brings together creativity and art, engineering and science.
Location: Precinct
Suitable for: ages 5 and above
