The Interdisciplinary Science Society demonstrated how to make microplastic trawlers from household materials

Student societies exhibited science activities and demonstrations at the University Open Day on Saturday 7 June 2025.

Based in the Meeting House, the current University students engaged with the Open Day visitors on a wide range of scientific research.

The Interdisciplinary Science Society showcased the biodiversity on campus and along the Sussex coastline, including projects on lichens and common periwinkles. They also showed how to make small microplastic trawlers from household materials.

The Sussex Neuroscience Society has been making BrainCast, their student-led podcast highlight research at Sussex, and they showed off a number of hands-on activities based around sensory illusions.   

These student societies are part of the STEM volunteering group which was formed this year by students from many disciplines, including Life Sciences, Psychology, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, and Geography.

This fantastic student-led initiative is supported by Life Sciences academics, Dr Haruko Okamoto, who has led the STEM Ambassador/volunteer group, Dr Jon Baxter, the School’s Outreach lead, and Professor of Neuroscience, Paul Graham, alongside the University’s Open Day team.

Dr Haruko Okamoto said: “It was great to see Open Day visitors enjoy their time learning about science through our students. It is a fantastic initiative by these societies and the University is really supportive of all student societies sharing their outreach at the upcoming Open Days in October and November.”

The student STEM volunteer group can help societies to create hands-on outreach activities. Those interested should contact Dr Haruko Okamoto (h.okamoto@sussex.ac.uk).