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Soapbox Science is calling on budding scientists to grab their test tubes and head down to Brighton seafront as the renowned science event returns to the city on Saturday 30 May.

The daytime event, which has been running for nine years, will take place on Brighton seafront by the i360, showcasing the work of women and non-binary scientists from the South East.

It is free to attend, and members of the public can drop in and hear academics from the University of Sussex and UCL discuss the latest discoveries in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM) fields.

The seafront will be transformed into an arena for public learning and scientific debate. This year, visitors can hear about how babies perceive colours and shapes and what captures their attention, whether AI can learn to see as we do, and hear about the latest in new cancer diagnostic tools.

Postdoc Dr Katarina Morakova and PhD student Emily Rose James from the University of Sussex will be taking part in this years’ event, sharing insights into their work which looks at how our eyes communicate with the brain to help us see the world around us.

Katarina says: “I have participated in a few science engagement events and was curious to try Soapbox Science as I’m really impressed with how much it has grown since its first event. I'm looking forward to seeing what insights people can bring to the table, sometimes the naive mind can point out the most interesting mysteries!”

Emily says: “I wanted to be part to be part of Soapbox Science to have the chance to hopefully inspire a sense of curiosity and possibility in people. I’m really looking forward to hearing the questions and perspectives people will bring and seeing what parts of the research capture their interest.”

The initiative was set up in Brighton nine years ago to raise the profile of women and non-binary scientist and highlight the variety of work that is being researched. Over the years, locals have heard from researchers about quantum physics, exploding stars, how robots may be able to assist in healthcare and the biodiversity of our Sussex coastlines.

This year’s event lead, Dr Laura Blackburn says: “Soapbox Science is all about breaking down barriers between the public and science, and challenging outdated ideas about who can be a scientist. I had a fantastic experience as a speaker in 2023, which led me to get involved in organising the event. I'm always amazed by the creativity of the speakers in making their research understandable without oversimplifying it.”

The annual event is now part of the Brighton Festival and will run from 11am-2pm along the seafront by the i360.