Public Engagement

Walkie Talkies

Hit the streets with our team of experts to explore the local area in a fun and fascinating way. Join one of our Walkie Talkie excursions, led by academics at University of Exeter, to find out for yourself where the magic happens! 

In the ultimate science ‘show and tell’, you will head on a guided tour to witness research brought to life, delve into important discoveries, and visit inspiring places where vital work happens. These events are very popular so pre-booking is required. Click the event titles below to book onto them.

There are 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.

Events on the 28th of September

Monitoring Asian Hornets: From Human Eyes to AI  – Dr. Thomas O'Shea-Wheller (12:00 – 13:00)

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 discuss how researchers are using AI to address this and talk about and how the public can get involved too. 

Watch your language! Speaking French in Medieval Exeter – Professor Thomas Hinton (13:30 – 14:30)

This walk-and-talk will bring familiar Exeter locations to life in ways you may not expect. From Rougemont Castle to the Cathedral, we’ll trace 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 (10:30 – 11:30)

Join us on an hour walk where we’ll shine a light on how sunlight can help us achieve net-zero targets! Whether you’re a science buff or just someone curious about harnessing the sun, this is your chance to connect and learn.

The Wonderful World of Fungi – Professor Mark Ramsdale (11:00 – 12:00)

Have you considered how fungi affect our daily lives or how important they are to our environment? Join us on an hour long exploration through the city centre looking at the interconnectedness between fungi and humanity.

Watch your language! Speaking French in Medieval Exeter – Professor Thomas Hinton (13:30 – 14:30)

This walk-and-talk will bring familiar Exeter locations to life in ways you may not expect. From Rougemont Castle to the Cathedral, we’ll trace 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 (13:00 – 15:00)

Join Dr Ghee Bowan to explore the rich multicultural history of Exeter. This two hour walking tour will guide you though the hidden aspects of Exeter’s 2000-year history.

Pop Up Shops

Find out more about our Pop Up Shop Curiosity Events taking place on 28-29th September.

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.