Faculty researchers join stellar line-up for Be Curious 2026
Researchers and staff from the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures will take part in the University's annual open day this spring, offering hands-on activities that bring their work to life.
Launched in 2016, Be Curious brings together researchers from across the University to showcase the ideas shaping our world, offering visitors a chance to discover how research connects to everyday life. In 2026 Be Curious celebrates its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of inspiring curiosity across Leeds and beyond.
This year’s event will take place on Saturday 16 May and researchers and staff from the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures will be among those taking part. They include:
- Dr Beverley Adams, School of Performance and Cultural Industries – What do a giant puppet and a curious child have to do with the planet? – Meet Gaia and Maia, a giant puppet and an inquisitive child on a mission. Watch their street performance and discover how the natural world around us works together.
- Dr Sonja Andrew, School of Design – What is the connection between your clothes and fossils? – Discover why coal forest fossils have cool patterns and how fossil fuels link to polyester. Then stitch your own fossil design!
- Dr Jieun Kim, School of Languages, Cultures and Societies - How does blood travel outside of our body? – Join Mina the Mouse on her incredible blood journey! Discover how blood travels after donation and meet the many people involved, each with unique stories.
- Dr Xunnan Li, School of Performance and Cultural Industries – Want to try a traditional Chinese dance rooted right here in Leeds? – Discover Qilin Dance, a vibrant tradition brought to Leeds by the Hakka community. Watch a live performance, then get involved and try the moves yourself.
- Dr Hye-Won Lim, School of Design – What can we turn fabric scraps into? – Make a small fabric collage using colourful fabric scraps. Turn leftover pieces from fashion production into a hanging design to display or take home.
- Dr Ana Sevilla-Merino, School of Languages, Cultures and Societies – Can you say hello around the world? – Travel the world in one stop! Learn to greet people in their language and discover their animals – are they different to yours?
- Dr Bintan Titisari, School of Design – What can we colour with? – Most colours are man-made, but did you know that we can dye using natural materials like plants, fruits, insects, and even kitchen food waste?
By opening up research through creative, hands-on experiences, Be Curious offers a unique opportunity for families to engage with the work taking place at the University and to discover something new together.
More information
- Be Curious takes place on Saturday 16 May 2026 at the University of Leeds.
- The event is free and open to everyone.
- Visitors can find more information about the programme, accessibility options and booking on the Be Curious event page.
If you have any questions or specific requirements, please contact the Be Curious team at BeCurious@leeds.ac.uk.
