Faculty researchers taking cutting-edge ideas to Be Curious 2025

Researchers and staff from the faculty will take part in the university’s annual family open day this spring, offering fun hands-on activities that bring their work to life.

Leading researchers and staff from the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures will take part in the University of Leeds’ annual family open day this spring, offering fun hands-on activities that bring their work to life. 

Launched in 2016, Be Curious is a free event designed to engage the public with research taking place across the University of Leeds. This year’s Be Curious will take place on Saturday 17 May from 10am to 4pm.  

With over 50 stalls and activities on offer, Be Curious invites families across Leeds to explore a diverse range of topics in new and exciting ways, for instance, through interactive sessions and demonstrations.  

Researchers from across the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures will be hosting activities throughout the day, covering topics ranging from extinction and the benefits of foreign languages to blood donation and the hidden cultural histories of fossils. 

This year’s participants include: 

• Dr Jieun Kim, School of Languages, Cultures and Societies – These hands-on activities developed with textile artist Leigh Bowser are based on a children’s picture book on blood donation. Using sample pages from the book, Jieun and her colleagues will introduce the main characters of the book (Mina, Jun, Yumi) and the challenges they face in supporting blood donation.  

• Dr Katie Carpenter, School of History -  Inspired by a series of science magazines produced by teenage girls between 1912 and 1914, Katie Carpenter is exploring the lives of these women and the role of schools in establishing women’s scientific communities in a period in which they were marginalised. 

• Steve Ansell, School of Performance and Cultural Industries – A fun and interactive theatre workshop open to anyone aged between 9-16. stage@leeds young company is an inclusive and accessible creative space for young people. Join Artistic Director Steve Ansell for this 30-minute taster session. 

• Dr Sonja Andrew, School of Design - Discover the fascinating hidden cultural histories behind fossils, while also exploring the link between fossils and polyester.  

Accessibility, collaboration and innovation at Be Curious 

This year’s Be Curious continues the University of Leeds’ commitment to accessibility, collaboration and innovation. The event will begin with a quiet hour from 10am, offering a calmer environment for those who prefer a less busy space.

Visitors can book tickets in advance or collect them on the day, subject to availability. There will also be a dedicated space for young people, curated by Leeds Youth Council, while vegetarian and vegan cold snacks will be available from the Parkinson Café and the Refectory throughout the day. 

For more information about the event and accessibility options, visit the Be Curious event page. If you have any questions or specific requirements, please contact the Be Curious team at BeCurious@leeds.ac.uk. 

More information

• Book your quiet hour ticket (10am–11am)
• Book your general admission ticket 11am–4pm
• For more information about the event and accessibility options, visit the Be Curious event page.
• If you have any questions or specific requirements, please contact the Be Curious team at BeCurious@leeds.ac.uk.