As part of this year’s FUTURES festival, Exeter city centre became the site of workshops and interactive events led by researchers from the University of Exeter. With the aim of drawing together ground-breaking new research and the wider public, these events incorporated a broad range of themes, from the world of Greek mythology to making cyanotypes.
One of the highlights of the festival was the Killer Fungus Experience, a family-friendly activity led by the University’s MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, which attracted more than 200 visitors. This event challenged participants to save Exeter from a fictional outbreak of an unknown deadly fungus. The public got the chance to see first-hand how researchers at the MRC CMM are working towards better diagnostics and treatments to help stop the spread of fungal infections.
“I learnt so much and it was so interesting.” One participant reported. “Thank you so much. Rarely in my normal life would my daughter and I enjoy science together.”
For the less scientifically inclined, Saturday’s events also included a workshop from author and University of Exeter lecturer, Dr Emily Hauser, at Exeter City Library. Acclaimed author of For the Most Beautiful, Dr Hauser gave a talk exploring legendary women of Greek mythology, and the history of the ancient world. Visitors were then invited to make their own contributions to this rich mythology by showing their creative sides and writing new Greek myths.
Elsewhere in the city centre, at the Innovation Hub, Professor Corinna Wagner led Ultraviolet Images – a workshop where members of the public could learn about and create cyanotypes. This method of using iron compounds and ultraviolet light to make blue shadowgrams was invented in 1842, and is still used by artists today to create alternative photographic images. Participants could use this technique to make their own artwork, contributing to the medium’s fascinating history.
This weekend of events received high praise from visitors of all ages, with one young attendee saying they “learnt so much and [it] was such a great experience!”
To get involved with FUTURES 2025, email us at per@exeter.ac.uk