Olivia participates in the Universally Manchester Festival 2024

The Universally Manchester Festival 2024 took place from 6–9 June across the University of Manchester’s Oxford Road campus as part of the University’s bicentenary celebrations. The four-day festival offered more than 150 free events, bringing together students, staff and members of the public to engage with research, culture and creativity. Highlights included public talks from leading figures such as Professor Brian Cox and Professor David Olusoga, alongside live performances, exhibitions, hands-on science demonstrations and family-friendly activities.

A key part of the festival was the community fair, which aimed to showcase the research carried out at the University to the local community. Olivia participated on behalf of CNTM, helping to design and deliver a series of interactive activities based on our field of research. These activities were presented at the group’s stand, ‘Tiny Materials for New Medicines’, in the University Place building, attracting strong interest from both children and professionals across a range of backgrounds.

The experience highlighted the importance of public involvement in research, particularly in inspiring younger generations and raising awareness of the challenges currently faced by scientists.