In review: Science and Engineering Day 2025
On Saturday 15 March, during British Science Week thousands visited the largest Science and Engineering Day yet! Visitors were given the opportunity to go on a journey of discovery with a series of interactive events and activities, workshops, talks, laboratory tours and shows. For more on what was on offer during the day please visit the official website.
The day in numbers
- 129 Interactive activities
- 10 Workshops
- 10 Laboratory Tours
- 6 Shows
- 2 Exhibitions
- 2 Talks
- 284 academics
- 45 professional services
- 257 PhD students
- 72 MSc
- 246 UG students
- 161 External exhibitors
Video highlights
Staff reflections
Phoebe Miles, Lecturer in Adult Nursing, School of Health Sciences, and SOTSEF Steering Group member (Health Sciences rep) reflected on the day:
“It was a pleasure taking part in this year’s Science and Engineering Day, welcoming so many children, families, and members of the community to explore nursing and healthcare. The Teddy Bear Hospital, which aimed to help children become more familiar with health settings through play, proved incredibly popular, alongside our CPR demos and the Anatomage table. These activities gave visitors of all ages the chance to get involved and learn something new! We are especially grateful for our nursing students who were incredible ambassadors for the University. They put so much effort into running these activities, sharing their knowledge and creating a welcoming space for all. It was a fantastic opportunity to work alongside them and witness the positive impact they make when engaging with the community. Looking forward to next year!”
Mark Spearing, Vice-President Research and Enterprise said:
“I thoroughly enjoyed attending SOTSEF 2025. It is always a truly joyous event and a great celebration of our community. It also helped enormously that the sun was shining throughout and it was warm enough for people to spend good amounts of time outside. The scale and variety of activities and presentations is amazing, and the enthusiasm and energy with which staff and students engaged with their audience is phenomenal. The whole experience makes me tremendously proud to be part of the University. A massive well done to the 1000+ staff and students who contributed to its success and particularly the core team in the Public Engagement in Research Unit (PERU) who plan and coordinate the whole event.”
A lasting impact on visitors
The day had quite an impact on visitors. Here is a snapshot of their impressions.
Best part was interacting and learning from students and lectures that has inspired my son about his future, especially in engineering.My step son (13) was feeling disillusioned by school despite being bright, having been to the engineering day his whole attitude has shifted and he now understands all the options open to him if he works hard. It’s been quite transformative.
Family friendly, fun and educational. Inspiring the next generation! Well thought out sessions to suit all ages. All staff friendly and helpful. Best year yet!
We had the most amazing day and as always, we are blown away by what was on offer. It must take so much hard work to pull off. My kids who are 9, say it is the highlight of their year. My son wants to go to Soton Uni and my daughter, who tends to be more creative, said her favourite part was learning how magnesium is recycled. I love how enthusiastic everyone is about their exhibits and their work. Thank you so much to everyone involved.
Please continue doing it, my kids love this day everybody is so helpful and explains to them so many interesting things; we met a student he was so happy about his project it was contagious he explained fiber optics, laser and a laser maze and they made keychain with a chip inside for the kids! They loved this the most.
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