The Voyage of Discovery Research Fair opens up the University of Plymouth campus for a full day of free, hands-on research activities.

Welcome to Voyage to Discovery HQ is part of Voyage of Discovery, the University of Plymouth's European Researchers' Night programme.

This is a free, full day of hands-on research, live demonstrations, stage shows and interactive activities at the University of Plymouth campus. Meet the scientists, engineers, artists and researchers doing world-class work right here in Plymouth, explore their ideas and discover how research shapes the world around us.

What to expect

Throughout the day you will find:

Researcher stands and interactive exhibits across science, technology, the arts, engineering and the environment

Live stage demonstrations and talks

Screenings in the Immersive Vision Theatre

Activities and demonstrations suitable for all ages

A full programme of researchers, activities and show timings will be published ahead of the event.

Screenings - Immersive Vision Theatre

The Immersive Vision Theatre will be hosting a programme of screenings throughout the day. Full screening times and titles will be confirmed and published here shortly.

Quiet Hour - 9.30am to 10.30am

The Research Fair opens with a dedicated quiet hour from 9.30am to 10.30am, designed for visitors who prefer a calmer, less crowded experience. During this hour, music and loud demonstrations will be reduced, lighting will be adjusted where possible, and the venue will be less busy.

The quiet hour is open to everyone and does not require separate booking. If you or someone in your group would benefit from a quieter experience, we recommend arriving during this time.

The rest of the fair opens to all visitors from 10.30am.

Practical information

Date: Saturday 26 September 2026

Time: 9.30am to 3pm (quiet hour 9.30 to 10.30am, general admission from 10.30am)

Venue: University of Plymouth Campus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA

Admission: Free

Booking: Recommended to guarantee your place - walk-ins welcome on the day subject to capacity

All events within the Research Fair are free and included with your booking. No tickets are required for individual activities on the day - just turn up and explore.

Accessibility

The University of Plymouth campus is fully accessible. If you have specific accessibility requirements or questions, please us ahead of your visit and we will do our best to help.

About Voyage of Discovery

Voyage to Discovery HQ is part of Voyage of Discovery: Exploring Research Together, the University of Plymouth's European Researchers' Night programme. European Researchers' Night takes place simultaneously across 40 countries and more than 460 cities every September, bringing science and communities together.

Other Voyage of Discovery events taking place on Friday 25 September include Voyage to the Cold Deep at Market Hall Devonport, The Way We Live: Designing Cities of Tomorrow at The Box, Voyage Home: Digital Architecture for Social Good in Plymouth City Centre. Find out more and book at voyageplymouth.org

Voyage of Discovery is funded by the European Union under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions and Citizens programme, Horizon Europe, Grant Agreement No. 101305587.

Description supplied by the event organiser.