Public engagement
We engage with the public to share knowledge and inspire the next generation. We work with Goodwood Festival of Speed, exhibit at the Royal Society's Summer Science Exhibition and create immersive experiences which spark curiosity and dialogue.
Shaping the next generation
Our outreach activities help science teachers inspire the next generation, share groundbreaking research and spark dialogue. Our free talks and workshops are delivered by researchers or trained students, serving as role models for the next generation of scientists.
Bringing science to life
For many years, we have created hands-on activities and interactive exhibits that share the excitement of astronomy and cosmology with a wide audience. We exhibit at local and national science festivals, including the Royal Society's prestigious Summer Science Exhibition.
In 2026, our researchers are contributing to:
Discover the Summer Science Exhibition
Showcasing the future
We partner with the Goodwood Festival of Speed to deliver Future Lab. It's an exciting exhibition showcasing emerging technologies in areas such as robotics, AI, autonomous systems, space exploration, advanced mobility, virtual reality, sustainability, and engineering innovation.
2025 attendees could fast forward through billions of years of evolution in our simulated universe.
Inspiring the public
We regularly give talks sharing the latest discoveries in astronomy and cosmology with audiences of all ages.
A particular highlight is our annual Astronomy Christmas Lecture. Combining stunning visuals with big ideas, the lecture inspires curiosity and wonder about the Universe. We hope it encourages the next generation to pursue studies and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Close partnerships
We partner with the Observatory Science Centre, an interactive science and discovery centre in the village of Herstmonceux, East Sussex. Located on the historic site of the former Royal Greenwich Observatory, the Centre inspires visitors of all ages through hands-on exhibits and public events exploring science, astronomy and space.
Discover the Observatory Science Centre
Immersive experiences
We worked with pioneering documentary studio Atlantic Studios to develop innovative extended reality (XR) experiences:
Cosmos in Focus about the James Webb Space Telescope, and Cosmos Unseen: Blackholes.
Cosmos in Focus was showcased at the 2025 SXSW Festival.
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Image credits: Observatory Science Centre, Paul Gillett. Cosmos Unseen: Blackholes, Atlantic Studios.
