Bringing science to audiences of all ages, Hatherleigh Science boasts a series of public evening lectures and a day-long Saturday science fair that invites members of the public to get involved with science in interactive and engaging ways, taking world-leading research outside of university cities and bringing it to new rural audiences.
Visitors flocked to West Devon for this year’s science festival, featuring a mix of different stalls and activities, each inviting attendees of different ages to investigate the sciences. Taking place on the 14th March 2026, this year’s Saturday celebration, hosted in Hatherleigh Community Centre, highlighted research from the University, the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, with AI-themed interactive stalls from Exeter Science Centre. The event is part of the ongoing mission to improve STEM access and engagement in the region.
Professor Craig Beall, from the Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, is the co-founder and organiser of Hatherleigh Science Group, which coordinates the events associated with Hatherleigh Science Fair. This endeavour is supported by the University of Exeter, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre Exeter, Society for Endocrinology, the British Science Association, the NC3Rs and the Biochemical Society and the local town councillors. This seeks to make science accessible and entertaining for everyone, regardless of their background or previous experience.
Science festivals can be a great opportunity for researchers to bring their work to new audiences, and see the positive impact that STEM engagement can have. Not only do audiences go away with a new understanding of research taking place across the south west, but researchers can have their work informed by the perspectives and ideas of people with whom they may not otherwise interact.
You can find out more about the success of this year’s Hatherleigh Science Fair, and follow updates on Hatherleigh Science Week 2027 on the Hatherleigh Science website. If anyone would like to give a public lecture or create a stand for 2027, please email Craig (c.beall@exeter.ac.uk). Hatherleigh Science Week 2027 will run from 14th-20th March 2027. If you would like to keep up with some of the other festivals taking place in the South West, you can see a small selection on our Festivals page.