Public Engagement

Walkie Talkies

Hit the streets with our team of experts to explore the local area in a fun and fascinating way! FUTURES Walkie Talkie excursions work with University academics to find the magic in our city.

In the ultimate science ‘show and tell’, visitors are a guided tour to witness research brought to life, delve into important discoveries, and visit inspiring places where vital work happens.

Walkie Talkies, held in 2024, offered a wealth of topics to jump into on these excursions, including how to monitor Asian Hornet invasions using AI; how French formed part of everyday life in medieval Exeter; shining a light on the power of harnessing the sun; an exploration of multicultural Exeter; and the wonderful world of fungi.

Thomas O'Shea Wheller welcoming attendees of his walkie-talkie

 

Visitors observing Exeter's medieval sites on Thomas Hinton's tour

 

Attendees at the walkie-talkie delivered by Thomas O'Shea Wheller

 

Attendees at Thomas Hinton's walkie-talkie event

 

Events on the 28th of September

Monitoring Asian Hornets: From Human Eyes to AI  – Dr. Thomas O'Shea-Wheller 

The invasive Asian hornet has spread rapidly across Europe and East Asia in recent decades and are predatory to native pollinators. In this talk we discussed how researchers are using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to address this, and ways for the public to get involved.

Watch your language! Speaking French in Medieval Exeter – Professor Thomas Hinton

This Walkie Talkie brought familiar Exeter locations to life in unexpected ways. From Rougemont Castle to the Cathedral, the event traced how medieval French was part of the everyday lives of the nobility, the clergy, merchants, and the people of Exeter. 

Events on the 29th of September

Sun-sational Walkie Talkie – Dr Anurag Roy

This hour-long walk shone a light on how sunlight can help us achieve net-zero targets! Perfect for science buffs, or those just curious about harnessing the sun, this was a chance to connect and learn more.

The Wonderful World of Fungi – Professor Mark Ramsdale

Have you considered how fungi affect our daily lives or how important they are to our environment? This event provided an exploration through the city centre looking at the interconnectedness between fungi and humanity.

Watch your language! Speaking French in Medieval Exeter – Professor Thomas Hinton

This Walkie Talkie brought familiar Exeter locations to life in unexpected ways. From Rougemont Castle to the Cathedral, the event traced how medieval French was part of the everyday lives of the nobility, the clergy, merchants, and the people of Exeter. 

Explore Exeter’s multi-cultural history – Dr Ghee Bowman

Dr Ghee Bowan explored the rich multicultural history of Exeter, with this two hour walking tour that guided visitors through the hidden aspects of Exeter's 2000-year history.

Pop Up Shops

Find out more about our Pop Up Shop Curiosity Events.

FUTURES hosts researchers from five of the region’s world-class universities at a wealth of brilliant events and activities where you can explore the past, create the present, and imagine the future.