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Have you ever wondered why some gases glow? Or what it takes to be a vet? How biologists see inside the human body? Or what a helicopter and a rubber band have in common? What it felt like to be a juror on the most notorious criminal cases in history? Or what the homes of the future will look like?
The Community Open Day at The University of Nottingham is the place to discover all this information — and more. A fun, interactive day for people of all ages and interests, all you need to enjoy this event is an enquiring mind and an urge to find out what’s going on on your own doorstep. Entrance to the Community Open Day and all of the activities is free, so come along and get involved in science experiments, sociological debates and community projects.
Experts from across the institution are opening their doors for the day, inviting visitors to come and explore labs, take part in experiments and chat with academics who are carrying out world-changing research right here in Nottingham.
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And it’s not just academics who will be available to talk about the work of the University. Visitors can try out the sports facilities, learn a new language at the One Stop Language Shop, and find out how they can join the University community — either as a student or a colleague — through our jobs and adult learning stalls.
Activities on the day include:
A water survey with biologists — examine microscopic creatures fished out of the University Park ponds and lake that very morning
Mock trials with historians — play the part of a juror in a recreation of some of history’s most famous cases
Exciting chemistry in the famous Thunder and Lightning lectures — featuring barking dogs and firing rifles
Try out our sports facilities, including archery, squash and swimming — and even learn to dance in a Bollywood style
Experience Nottingham over the last 250 million years with our geographers — and have a go at deciding where the new A453 road should go
Make flying machines with our GPS and surveying experts — and find out why so much of global technology relies on us being able to fly
Create your own work of art with the Lakeside Arts Centre — chose from a window scene, forest habitat or a den from environmental materials
Learn how to lead effectively in management training exercises led by the University’s training unit.
“Many people read about famous trials taking place, but few actually get to experience one,” said Dr Rob Lutton from the School of History. “These trials are a key part of British history. As well as being colourful and entertaining they have a huge impact on the way we think and they shape our culture and morality.”
“When people recall geography from their school days they often remember learning about oxbow lakes or town planning,” said Dr Matthew Jones in the School of Geography. “We want to show that the subject is about even more than that. Geography informs us about history, culture, industry — and sheds light on important current debates such as climate change and globalisation.”
The Community Open Day has been organised by the University’s Community Partnerships team, which develops relationships with the local community — from schools and businesses to civic bodies and the general public.
The event will feature a Communities Marketplace. Local community groups will have stalls in the Portland Building offering information about their services. Groups will include the local Mental Health Trust, Notts Air Ambulance, Ecoworks and Co-operative Community Action. Volunteers will be giving out information on the services they provide, as well as recruiting volunteers and raising awareness of their organisations.
The Community Open Day takes place on The University Park campus on Saturday April 24 from 11am to 5pm. All the events are free. Most of the events are in or around the Portland Building, with a campus hopper bus available to transport visitors to events across campus. A full programme of events is available at www.nottingham.ac.uk/community/openday — directions to University Park are also available here. For more information call 0115 8232 452, or email communityday@nottingham.ac.uk
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Notes to editors: The University of Nottingham is ranked in the UK's Top 10 and the World's Top 100 universities by the Shanghai Jiao Tong (SJTU) and Times Higher (THE) World University Rankings.
More than 90 per cent of research at The University of Nottingham is of international quality, according to RAE 2008, with almost 60 per cent of all research defined as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’. Research Fortnight analysis of RAE 2008 ranks the University 7th in the UK by research power. In 27 subject areas, the University features in the UK Top Ten, with 14 of those in the Top Five.
The University provides innovative and top quality teaching, undertakes world-changing research, and attracts talented staff and students from 150 nations. Described by The Times as Britain's “only truly global university”, it has invested continuously in award-winning campuses in the United Kingdom, China and Malaysia. Twice since 2003 its research and teaching academics have won Nobel Prizes. The University has won the Queen's Award for Enterprise in both 2006 (International Trade) and 2007 (Innovation — School of Pharmacy), and was named ‘Entrepreneurial University of the Year’ at the Times Higher Education Awards 2008.
Nottingham was designated as a Science City in 2005 in recognition of its rich scientific heritage, industrial base and role as a leading research centre. Nottingham has since embarked on a wide range of business, property, knowledge transfer and educational initiatives (www.science-city.co.uk) in order to build on its growing reputation as an international centre of scientific excellence. The University of Nottingham is a partner in Nottingham: the Science City.