On June 14th, the Royce Outreach team had the pleasure of participating in the University of Manchester’s 2025 Universally Manchester Festival. This year’s festival theme of community engagement provided the perfect backdrop for Royce to showcase not only our cutting-edge research but also our unwavering dedication to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).
Since 2017, the festival has been a warm, welcoming and inclusive space for visitors of all ages to enjoy a free, fun and interactive experience. Each year, thousands from across the local region and beyond come together to explore research, engage with arts and cultural institutions, and connect with staff, students and community partners.
A Showcase of Innovation and Inclusion
The Royce Hub Building hosted a comprehensive range of exhibits that combined cutting-edge research with meaningful engagement. Our Science Inclusion Stand, themed “Is this the face of tomorrow’s scientist?”, captured the imagination of young visitors who could dress up as scientists complete with lab coats and goggles, then draft themselves as the scientists of the future.
This interactive experience encouraged children to envision themselves making discoveries, exploring space, or building the next big innovation, breaking down traditional barriers about who can be a scientist.
The CEAMS (Centre of Expertise in Advanced Materials and Sustainability) showcase demonstrated our commitment to sustainability with impressive displays including a striking chessboard crafted from bio-derived materials and dynamic 3D printed objects that change colour. This exhibit highlighted how CEAMS supports local businesses in commercialising sustainable materials and turning ideas into eco-friendly solutions.
Our public exhibition on materials science provided visitors with the opportunity to explore advancements at their own pace, learning about the crucial role of materials in the modern world and the cutting-edge research happening across the Royce institute.
Creating Spaces for Everyone: The Quiet Wellbeing Area
One of the most impactful additions to this year’s festival was our dedicated EDI space, a thoughtfully designed space that provided visitors with a peaceful retreat from the main exhibition areas and bustling festival. The Quiet Wellbeing Area was wheelchair-accessible, welcoming visitors with a calming water fountain and relaxed atmosphere. The overwhelming positive response to the wellbeing area demonstrated the real need for such inclusive spaces at public events.
Outreach at Royce
Through our Outreach and Public Engagement programmes, we demonstrated the importance of materials in our society, and how research with enable a greener and cleaner world for communities across the globe.
To learn more about our outreach activities and access free learning resources, visit our dedicated page.
