University opens doors to the community for an afternoon of inspiration and entertainment

The Surrey Showcase Live 2023 free event will feature a range of research-focused ‘lightning talks’ delivered by academics who will bring their work to life in ten minutes or less. Visitors to the Austin Pearce Piazza at the heart of the campus will also be treated to live music from Surrey’s students of music and musical theatre and have the opportunity for a selfie with a real-life DeLorean, a replica from the Back to the Future films. 

Other highlights from the day’s live and interactive demonstrations and inspiring talks will include: 

• a student-made miniature “rugged rover” vehicle demo; visitors can programme it to drive autonomously or sit in the remote driver’s seat 

• a talk from a Surrey researcher and pioneer from the University spin-out company Signapse, which is boosting accessibility for the world’s seven million Deaf people. Signapse is using  generative AI to create instant photo-realistic video translations – the technology is already being used to translate safety-critical messages at railway stations 

• “Viruses: Friend or Foe”, virologist Dr Lyndsay Broadbent will talk about the recent and historic devastating consequences of viruses, but also highlight their crucial role in human evolution and the potential benefits of their existence 

• a calming talk exploring the power of natural spaces to support mental health wellbeing and recovery – and the ways these spaces can be managed to maximise their benefits in wellbeing interventions. 

Professor Max Lu, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Surrey, said: 

“The University of Surrey has a proud history of research and innovation, making real-world impact and changing society for the better for over 50 years. From engineering the original Mini to pioneering small satellites; from quantum solid-state lasers that powered the electronics revolution in the 1980s to advancing AI for the benefit of all; nutrition breakthroughs to a game-changing blood test for meningitis, Surrey has long been a place of wonderful discoveries and inventions.  

“I am delighted with this year’s Surrey Showcase of our amazing researchers and their life-changing work, and invite our neighbours from across the Surrey community to join us to be informed, inspired and entertained by the innovation happening on our campus.”  

Families are encouraged to attend the Surrey Showcase Live event. A selection of street food and drinks stalls will be present as well as a Kid’s Fun Zone that includes a bouncy castle.  

Look at the University’s website for a full list of the talks and interactive demos that make up the Surrey Showcase. 

Book to reserve a place, or just turn up on the day. All of the activities are free.