Earlier in October staff and students from the University’s Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) participated in a vibrant, space-themed public engagement event at the Trafford Centre as part of our HubLab (formerly ScienceX) programme. Running throughout Sunday at the shopping centre, the event welcomed close to a thousand visitors, with many families and shoppers staying for hours to explore hands-on activities and learn about the University’s cutting-edge space research!

The showcase reflected the breadth of science and engineering at Manchester. Visitors piloted Lego Rovers created by the Department of Computer Science, explored a Space Rocks activity led by Earth and Environmental Sciences, and discovered how we ask questions of the Universe with activities from members of the Square Kilometre Array project. A team of enthusiastic student volunteers and our Faculty Engagement team kept younger audiences absorbed with space-themed colouring, games and robot challenges. Adding further excitement, volunteers from the charity 99th Garrison joined us in full Star Wars costume, drawing crowds and helping spark conversations about real science behind science fiction.

Building on this success, we will take over the Trafford Centre on 7–8 March 2026 for a much larger event celebrating and showcasing the full breadth of our science and engineering teaching and research. This provides a unique, ready-made opportunity to reach one of the UK’s busiest shopping centres and engage thousands of people with the University of Manchester’s science and engineering programme.

For University of Manchester staff:

Planning is already underway, but contributions are still welcome. If you have an activity, exhibit or demonstration you’re keen to showcase, please contact the FSE Engagement Team by filling in the expression of interest form.

FunLab is our young children and families-oriented engagement programme. Other opportunities to engage with other older audiences are in development and will be advertised via our new HubLab website.