Science Spectacular took Manchester by storm as visitors mastered clouds and tornadoes at our 7^th annual family-friendly science event.

Returning as a key event in the Manchester Science Festival programme, the event attracted around 1,500 visitors, with more than 180 researchers delivering over 40 interactive science activities. Taking over the Whitworth Building and Manchester Museum and filled with fun challenges, experiments and demonstrations, the day provided our scientists and engineers with the opportunity to showcase the amazing research taking place across the University.

Some of the activities on offer included using genetic code to build Lego robots, investigating the body through a gigantic game of operation, chocolate biscuit impact materials testing, targeted drug delivery through medicines in bubbles, glow in the dark chemistry, and exploring the genes we have in common with other species.

Our visitors were encouraged to explore both buildings via a ‘secret corridor’ linking the Whitworth and the Museum, and along the way they met up with our science buskers and explored the sci-art exhibition ‘Placenta: journey of a lifetime’.

One family said of the event: “We had a fabulous day and learnt a lot; great for 4, 8 and 42 year olds! Great experiments!”

Science Spectacular aims to engage our local communities in the wonder of science taking place across the University, and to share different perspectives on science in our everyday lives, providing both our researchers and our visitors the opportunity to inspire and to be inspired.

Want to see for yourself what we got up, then take a look at the Science Spectacular storify.