Festival of Ideas event guide

10.00 – 16.00

Create. Learn. Discover.

Welcome to the University of Hertfordshire’s Festival of Ideas

Discover more than 50 free sessions, where you can listen to expert panel discussions, take part in family-friendly activities, watch captivating performances, view exhibitions, galleries and virtual reality simulations - and much more!

Thank you for joining us for our first ever on campus Festival of Ideas. We invite you to explore our University, be inspired by our staff and students and discover our pioneering and world-leading work...

...whether you’re visiting as a family, for business, as a member of our local community, as a prospective student, or as a graduate of the University, we hope you leave today feeling inspired and powered with new ideas and fresh perspectives.”

Professor Quintin McKellar CBE Vice-Chancellor, University of Hertfordshire

We’re ready to welcome you to the Festival of Ideas on our College Lane Campus. Make sure you pick up a map from check-in to help find your way around the festival, but if you’re not sure just ask a member of staff or student ambassador.

Campus accessibility

Our campuses are wheelchair accessible, and we welcome guide dogs and assistance dogs. Please let a member of staff know if you need additional directions or support.

College Lane Campus AL10 9AB

The Festival of Ideas will take place on our College Lane campus in Hatfield.

de Havilland Campus AL10 9EU

A very limited number of sessions for schools only will take place on this campus. Please check the programme venue details carefully. There is a free shuttle bus between campuses.

Parking and travel information

There is free parking available at our Park and Ride car park at Angerland AL10 8HS. It is located off Junction 2 of the A1(M) on Southway (A1001) and there is a free shuttle bus to campus.

Registered attendees can enjoy free bus travel across our UNO bus network to get to the Festival.

There is parking available for Blue Badge holders in car parks B, D and E on campus at College Lane.

Visit go.herts.ac.uk/parking for more details

Quiet room

We have a quiet room available for visitors to use and take time out of the Festival. See the map for location details.

Baby feeding and changing room

There is also a dedicated quiet room available for feeding and changing your baby. See the map for location details.

Buggies and pushchairs

Buggies and pushchairs can be used around the campus however there will be limited space in session rooms. There is a buggy park on-site but all items are left at visitors’ own risk.

Personal belongings

There is nowhere to store personal belongings so please only bring small bags and minimal personal items

Help and emergencies

In case of illness, injury or lost property, please inform a member of staff and we will be happy to help. Our team will be available across campus, and you can also speak to us at the Information Point at Main Reception (labelled on the campus map).

If you hear a fire alarm, leave the building immediately and follow the fire safety guidelines.

Enjoy over 50 sessions taking place throughout the Festival of Ideas - there’s something for everyone!

Please note, there are a couple of sessions with trigger warnings. These will be clearly labelled in the programme and signposted on the day.

Check-in

First up, head to the check-in desks located at our Main Reception and Union Square and show your registration confirmation QR code (this is included in your confirmation email).

Once you’re checked in, you can explore all the drop-in activities taking place across campus and gain entrance to your prebooked sessions, such as talks and panel discussions.

Bookable sessions

Some sessions are only accessible with pre-booked tickets. You can pre-book your tickets at herts.ac.uk/ideas. Make sure you book tickets for everyone in your group. Just show your confirmation QR code at the entrance to each venue.

Some spaces may still be available on the day, so do check latest availability on the website and book your place online. You can manage your booking at any time via your personal booking portal which you can find in your booking confirmation email.

Food and drink

Take your pick from our large number of options in the Food Court, ice cream vans, plant-based options and our on-campus cafes and bars. You can also bring a picnic and enjoy our outside green spaces and there is plenty of additional seating inside our venues – please check the map for locations.

Our food and drink outlets cater for a huge range of dietary requirements and include:

• College Lane Food Court

• Gallery Café

• Café Rore

• College Lane Shop

• Starbucks

• Subway

• EleHouse

Future Tech Zone

Meet our intelligent robots Miro-E and Pepper, say hello to Kaspar the humanoid robot, test your racing driving skills in our motion platform racing simulator, and step inside a vehicle prototype using cutting-edge virtual reality.

22 Located in Prince Edward Hall

Family Zone

Head over to the family zone to keep the little ones entertained with face painting, a petting zoo, the Bubble Lady’s giant bubbles, a soft play bus, ice creams and more! You can also explore the Autism Reality Experience Bus, which has been created to give non-autistic people the opportunity to develop an understanding of the sensory processing difficulties faced by people with autism.

6 Located on The Lawn Saturday only

Sustainability hub

Boost your knowledge of sustainability and the environment with our fun and family-friendly games and activities. Let the kids get their hands muddy with our plant potting and outdoor learning activities, join our recycling games and challenges, book onto our nature journalling or outdoor art sessions or pre-book to join our guided biodiversity walk around campus.

18 Located in LB390

by our keynote speakers and perfomances

Podcast hosts The News Agents

Jon Sopel and Lewis Goodall, live

Join the award-winning daily news podcast co-hosts and political journalists Jon Sopel and Lewis Goodall as they unravel the latest news in politics in a family-friendly way.

Saturday 18 May 11.30 – 12.30

7 Amphitheatre Stage

Breaking new barriers for women in sport

Be inspired by our panel of elite female athletes and Dame Liz Nicholls, former CEO of UK Sport, as they discuss their careers and breaking new barriers in women’s sport.

Friday 17 May 10.15 – 11.15

7 Amphitheatre Stage

Twice as hard: Navigating stereotypes and creating space for success

Renowned diversity and inclusion activist, entrepreneur, author and founder of UK Black Business Week, Raphael Sofoluke explores Black identity in the working world and shares his blueprint for success.

Friday 17 May 10.15 – 11.15

9 Union Square Stage

Festival fact: Raphael Sofoluke is an Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Hertfordshire and graduated from Herts with a joint honours in Business and Law.

Keynote

An audience with Helen Lederer

Join an icon of comedy for a conversation about her career. As part of the ground-breaking comedy scene in the 80s and 90s, hear how Helen fought for her place and continues to champion women in comedy today.

Friday 17 May 14.15 – 15.15

7 Amphitheatre Stage

Festival fact: Helen Lederer was awarded a Doctor of Letters in recognition of her outstanding professional achievements and continued involvement with the University of Hertfordshire.

How do we explore space sustainably?

Leading astrophysics journalist Dr Stuart Clark and former Chief of Staff at the UK Space Agency and MD of Orbit Fab, Jake Geer, and guests discuss the sustainable use of space.

Friday 17 and Saturday 18 May

7 Amphitheatre Stage

London Community Gospel Choir

The choir has been hailed as the nation’s favourite and they join us to close the Festival of Ideas with a spectacular performance and set list created especially for the festival.

Saturday 17 May 14.45 – 15.45

7 Amphitheatre Stage

Friday 17 May

Please pre-book your tickets for each session in your booking portal, which you can find in your Festival of Ideas emails.

Venue numbers refer to locations on the map - please pick one up at check-in.

Sign language interpretor

Introduction

Professor Quintin McKellar, Vice-Chancellor

‘(in)finite Beginnings’ Interactive Artwork

time

from 10.00 – 16.00 1 Lawn outside Main Reception Are you a planet protector?

– 11.00

Breaking new barriers for women in sport Fiona Scott, Dame Liz Nicholls and guests

Raphael Sofoluke, UK Black Business Show

The Hert of STEM industry: accessing science and technology careers

Professor Kate Asante and panel guests

Walk This Play: an immersive audio tour

This session requires your phone and earphones. Suitable for age 12+ or with adult supervision.

Mind the gap – a live podcast recording about disability sport participation

Dr Chris Brown

Ice detectives

The food you eat (and what it’s made of)

Dr Jane McClinchy and Dr Angela Dickinson

Note: Food samples may contain allergens

Future Tech Zone

Health and wellbeing with our future pharmacists

Live healthcare simulations

Trigger Warning: Some demonstrations may refer to cancer diagnosis and may be considered triggering for some audiences.

Science station

Worldbuilders

Dr Christoph Salge

Unseen, undetected and everywhere

Professor Daniel McCluskey

Towards a fairer balance of power

Professor Mairi Watson and panel guests

Powering future healthcare in Hertfordshire

Professor Quintin McKellar and panel guests

Collaboration and innovation in the healthcare sector

Yanina Aubrey-Gimenez and panel guests

Activism and action in the climate emergency

Professor Chamu Kuppuswamy

Lights, camera, action! How TV is made

Note: Operation of equipment may not be possible for all audience members, including younger children. There may be flashing lights in the studio.

A walk on the wild side

Dr Alla Mashanova

– 12.00

– 14.00

– 16.00 17 Hutton Hub

– 12.00

– 14.00

– 16.00 17 Hutton Hub

– 12.00

Prince Edward Hall and The Suite

– 12.00

– 12.00

– 14.00

– 16.00 17 Hutton Hub

– 12.00 22 Prince Edward Hall and The Suite

– 11.30 5 A154 - Lindop Building

Transforming people’s lives with wearable medical technology

Dr Amit Pujari

Hollywood in Hertfordshire: Film and TV industry careers

– 13.45 9 Union Square Stage

Dr Stephen Partridge and panel guests 12.45 – 14.00 7 Amphitheatre Stage

Sport for good

John O’Callaghan, Herts Sport and Physical Activity Partnership, and guests

Social media – insights and strategies for improving your business’ presence Media, Media Communications and Public Relations students

Net zero communities

– 14.00 2 B05 - Film, Music & Media Building

Dr Luigi Pintacuda 13.30 – 14.15 18 Sustainability Hub

Without creatives, we’re in trouble

Richard Mitchell

– 13.30 5 A154 - Lindop Building

How do we explore space sustainably?

Dr Stuart Clark, journalist, and panel guests

Degree apprenticeships and your business Celeste Jones

IDENTITIES End of year graduate fashion show

– 20.00 12 Seventy7

Saturday 18 May

Please pre-book your tickets for each session in your booking portal, which you can find in your Festival of Ideas emails.

Venue numbers refer to locations on the map - please pick one up at check-in.

Trigger Warning: Some demonstrations may refer to cancer diagnosis and may be considered triggering for some audiences.

Lights, camera, action! How TV is made

Note: Operation of equipment may not be possible for all audience members, including younger children. There may be flashing lights in the studio.

Step into the game at the Cosmodrome

Unseen, undetected and everywhere

Professor Daniel McCluskey

Tomorrow and What Comes After A reading with poet J.S. Watts

Are you ready to spice up your dance moves?

Manda and Michael from Salsa Tropicana

Forest bathing: find peace amongst the trees

Professor Stephen Pack

Note: This session is not suitable for children. There may be natural hazards and risks.

– 11.30

– 13.00

–

– 12.00 19 Poets’ Corner

– 12.00

– 14.00 17 Hutton Hall

Podcast hosts The News Agents, Jon Sopel and Lewis Goodall, live 11.30 – 12.30 7 Amphitheatre Stage

Magic and the mind

Professor Richard Wiseman

Are you ready for the TikTok of tomorrow?

Calum Di Lieto, podcast host and founder of Flock Together Media 11.30 – 12.30 9 Union Square Stage

The myths and marvels of body language and how to use it

Dr Daniel Gurney 12.45 – 13.15 7 Amphitheatre Stage

A Poetry tribute to Gboyega Odubanjo

Associate Professor Chris Lloyd and poets

How do we explore space sustainably?

Dr Stuart Clark, journalist and panel guests

Net zero communities

Dr Luigi Pintacuda

Beyond sixth form: understanding degree apprenticeships

–

Bella Bullock 14.00 – 15.00 5 A166 - Lindop Building

Inspiring the scientists of tomorrow

Jane Turner, Director of Primary Science Quality Mark 14.00 – 14.45 9 Union Square Stage London Community Gospel Choir

Discover our speaker sessions, screenings, workshops and exhibitions

Sessions require pre-booking. If you haven’t pre-booked tickets, please check latest availability on your booking portal, which you can find in your Festival of Ideas emails.

Arts and culture

Creative Arts Graduate Show

An incredible collection of talent and boundary-breaking ideas, view captivating illustrations, thought-provoking fine art, visionary architectural designs, dynamic graphic design and digital animation, amazing photography and intricate 3D models.

Friday 17 May and Saturday 18 May 10.00 – 16.00

3 Art & Design Gallery

‘(in)finite Beginnings’ Interactive Artwork

Come and join acclaimed artist Abi Spendlove and contribute to a participatory artwork that will use water, ice, and colour to explore and celebrate our relationship with the environment.

Friday 17 May and Saturday 18 May various time slots from 10.00 – 16.00, please check your booking portal for availability.

1 Lawn outside Main reception

Sat-ART-day!

Calling all budding creatives, artists, and inventors! Come and craft a picture of how you see the future or use everyday materials (and some magic!) to invent the machines of the future.

Saturday 18 May various time slots from 10.00 – 16.00, please check your booking portal for availability.

3 Art & Design Gallery Café

Access all areas – live music performances and backstage with the production teams

Watch amazing live music and learn about the tech and expertise involved in the set-up and filming of live music entertainment. Herts music students take to the stage on Friday, whilst Saturday features two amazing up-and-coming headline acts, Tazzy and Cyrano.

Friday 17 May and Saturday 18 May 10.00 – 16.00

13 The Loft

Walk This Play®: An Immersive Audio Tour

Created by award-winning theatre company ThickSkin, Walk This Play® is a captivating audio play that will show you the University from a new perspective. Download the app and listen to a series of fascinating stories inspired by Herts and our unique history.

Please bring a phone and earphones to this session.

Friday 17 May and Saturday 18 May various time slots from 10.00 – 16.00, please check your booking portal

4 Information point

Pulse: The sounds of surgery

By exploring the repetition, rhythms and variations in sounds inside the operating theatre, this high-resolution and real-time audio experience aims to demystify the experience of an operation as it unfolds.

Friday 17 and Saturday 18 May 10.00 – 16.00

2 B01 - Film, Music & Media Building

Simon Mole: Raps, riddles and randomness

Experience the joy of poetry for all ages in this 30-minute show by acclaimed children’s poet (and sleep deprived dad) Simon Mole.

Saturday 18 May 10.30 – 11.00

19 Poets’ Corner

Lights, camera, action! How TV is made

Experience a live TV shoot in this immersive intro to TV production. Learn about key roles in the studio and try your hand at operating professional sound, camera and lighting equipment.

Friday 17 May 12.00 – 13.00 and 15.00 – 16.00

Saturday 18 May multiple sessions

2 B09 - Film, Music & Media Building

Operation of equipment may not be possible for all audience members, including younger children. There may be flashing lights in the studio.

Step into the game at the Cosmodrome

Dive into the surreal and discover the impossible with travel through space, treks in underwater cities, and encounters with dragons! Our postgraduate media students showcase their creativity in this immersive audio-visual experience.

Friday 17 May 10.45 – 11.25

Saturday 18 May multiple sessions

8 Hutton Lawn

Sculpture walk

Featuring works by iconic names including Barbara Hepworth, Diane Maclean and Andy Goldsworthy, this guided walk will take you on a tour of artistic ideas, methods and materials.

Friday 17 May 10.00 – 10.45 and 14.00 – 14.45

Saturday 18 May 10.00 – 10.45, 12.00 – 12.45 and 14.00 – 14.45

3 Meet at Art & Design Gallery

Without creatives, we’re in trouble

Richard Mitchell, University of Hertfordshire

Can we answer climate questions with creativity? Would imagination make politics more palatable? This discussion explores the many ways creatives, from architects to film makers, play a critical role in humanity’s journey.

Friday 17 May 13.00 – 13.30

5 A154 - Lindop Building

Tomorrow and What Comes After

A reading with poet J.S. Watts

Poet J.S. Watts weaves the fantastical with the literary in this glowing, multi-faceted reading of her poetry, followed by a Q&A session.

Saturday 18 May 11.00 – 12.00

19 Poets’ Corner

Are you ready for the TikTok of tomorrow?

Calum Di Lieto, podcast host and founder of Flock Together Media

From pictureless print to vertical videos - publishing has changed dramatically in the last 15 years. But what does this mean for the future and how can media professionals stay ahead?

Saturday 18 May 11.30 – 12.30

9 Union Square Stage

A Poetry tribute to Gboyega Odubanjo

Collaborators and friends of the late Gboyega Odubanjo, a multi award-winning and much beloved poet, come together to honour his life and work.

Saturday 18 May 13.00 – 15.00

19 Poets’ Corner

The Elstree project: Interviews with the stars of film and TV

Howard Berry, University of Hertfordshire

These amazing stories, captured with the cast, crew and studio staff of six of the town’s studios, are now being shared with the public collectively for the first ever time.

Saturday 18 May 10.30 – 16.00

10 Forum Theatre

de Havilland Philharmonic Orchestra String Quartet

Enjoy wonderful music from members of the University’s resident orchestra, the de Havilland Philharmonic. Take a break, relax and listen as the String Quartet plays.

Saturday 18 May 10.15 – 11.15

9 Union Square Stage

Business and entrepreneurship

The Hert of STEM industry: accessing science and technology careers

Professor Kate Asante, University of Hertfordshire, and panel guests

Our panel will discuss why Hertfordshire is a key region for science, technology and engineering and how we can inspire people from all backgrounds to build successful careers in the industry.

Friday 17 May 10.15 – 11.15

10 Forum Theatre

Towards a fairer balance of power: Learnings from women leaders

Professor Mairi Watson, University of Hertfordshire, and panel guests

Does the glass ceiling still exist in 2024? Join inspirational leaders Becky Moffat, Chief Marketing Officer at HSBC, Rachael Moses, Head of Clinical Leadership Development at the NHS, and Professor Mairi Watson as they discuss their paths to leadership roles.

Friday 17 May 10.30 – 11.30

5 A154 – Lindop Building

Hollywood in Hertfordshire: Film and TV industry careers - expert discussion

Dr Stephen Partridge, University of Hertfordshire, and panel guests

Our panel of industry experts will share how the region’s creative sector is working together to develop new talent and create a wide range of exciting career and business opportunities across Hertfordshire’s booming film and TV sector.

Friday 17 May 12.45 – 14.00

7 Amphitheatre Stage

Social media – insights and strategies for improving your business’ presence

Do you want to power up your social media reach and engagement? Drop-in for a free consultation with our Media, Media Communications and Public Relations students who will share tailored advice.

Friday 17 May 13.00 – 14.00

2 B05 – Film, Music & Media Building

Degree apprenticeships

and your business

Celeste Jones, University of Hertfordshire

This talk provides employers with an introduction to degree apprenticeships, including what they involve, why they are increasingly popular and how they work.

Friday 17 May 14.00 – 15.00

5 A154 - Lindop Building

Beyond sixth form: understanding degree apprenticeships

Alison Moore and Bella Bullock, University of Hertfordshire

Find out how degree apprenticeships work, the opportunities they create and the alternative paths towards a degree qualification that they provide for young people.

Saturday 18 May 14.00 – 15.00

5 A166 - Lindop Building

Health and wellbeing

Health and wellbeing with our future pharmacists

Is it time for a health check-up? Our pharmacy department are here to help you feel better informed about your local pharmacy and how they can support you and your family.

Friday 17 May 11.00 – 12.00, 13.00 – 14.00 and 15.00 – 16.00

17 Hutton Hub

The food you eat (and what it’s made of)

Dr Jane McClinchy and Dr Angela Dickinson, University of Hertfordshire

In a world increasingly dominated by ultra-processed foods, ‘food label literacy’ is more important than ever. In this fun and informative workshop, our nutrition and dietetics experts explore and decode the information hidden within your food labels.

Friday 17 May 11.00 – 12.00, 13.00 – 14.00 and 15:00 - 16:00

Saturday 18 May multiple sessions

17 Hutton Hub

Live healthcare simulations

Experience a slice of life in the allied healthcare and nursing professions with live demonstrations and interactive experiences.

Friday 17 May 11.00 – 12.00, 13.00 – 14.00 and 15.00 – 16.00

Saturday 18 May multiple drop-in sessions

17 Hutton Hub

Our radiotherapy demonstration references a cancer diagnosis.

Powering future healthcare in Hertfordshire

Professor Quintin McKellar and panel guests

The University of Hertfordshire’s new Medical School, the School of Health and Social Work and regional NHS leaders are collaborating to play their part in building the medical and healthcare skills and services of the future. Find out more and bring your questions to this lively panel discussion.

Friday 17 May 11.30 – 12.30

7 Amphitheatre Stage

Collaboration and innovation in the healthcare sector

Yanina Aubrey-Gimenez, University of Hertfordshire

The healthcare sector is rapidly evolving. Join our expert panel of healthcare entrepreneurs, researchers and innovation specialists as they discuss opportunities for innovation in healthcare.

Friday 17 May 11.30 – 12.30

9 Union Square Stage

Transforming people’s lives with wearable medical technology

Dr Amit Pujari, University of Hertfordshire

Discover one man’s journey from bioengineering research to the creation of a wearable device with the potential to transform lives for people with severe muscle stiffness.

Friday 17 May 12.45 – 13.45

9 Union Square Stage

Forest bathing: find peace among the trees

Dr Stephen Pack, University of Hertfordshire

Join Dr Stephen Pack and a small group on a calming and sensory forest bathing experience through the beautiful Hazel Grove Woodland on our College Lane Campus.

Saturday 18 May 11.00 – 12.00 and 12.00 – 13.00

11 Hazel Grove Woodland, meeting point is Forum Foyer

This session is not suitable for children. Hazel Grove has natural hazards and risks e.g. fallen branches, low-hanging branches, uneven and possibly slippery surfaces.

Magic and the mind

Professor Richard Wiseman

Join psychologist, best-selling author and member of the Inner Magic Circle, Professor Richard Wiseman, and enter the world of magic and mystery with this live demonstration of some of the world’s greatest optical illusions.

Saturday 18 May 10.15 – 11.15, 11.30 – 12.30 and 12.45 – 13.45

5 A166 - Lindop Building

The myths and marvels of body language and how to use it

Dr Daniel Gurney, University of Hertfordshire

In an era defined by ‘fake news’, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to separate truth from fiction. In this interactive workshop, Dr Daniel Gurney, a non-verbal behaviour expert, will guide you through the truth and lies about body language.

Saturday 18 May 12.45 – 13.15

7 Amphitheatre Stage

Policy and protection

What Were You Wearing?

This moving installation aims to prove that someone’s experience of sexual violence can never be blamed on their clothing or appearance. ‘What Were You Wearing?’ is curated by University of Hertfordshire Law students and staff in collaboration with Red Kite Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Service.

Friday 17 May and Saturday 18 May 10.00 – 16.00

23 Chapman Gallery

Content warning: themes of sexual violence and rape.

Science and technology

Science station

Build a rocket, make a star constellation and discover new ideas in our fun and family-friendly science-based craft sessions.

Saturday 18 May 11.00 – 12.00 and 13.00 – 14.00

8 Hutton Lawn

Unseen, undetected and everywhere: advancing biodetection to protect people and the planet

Professor Daniel McCluskey, University of Hertfordshire

What do bacteria, viruses, fungi, pollen and toxins have in common? Join us to discover how Herts is pioneering research into new technologies that enable us to better understand and detect these airborne threats.

Friday 17 May 11.00 – 12.00

Saturday 18 May 11.00 – 12.00 and 14.00 – 15.00

22 Prince Edward Hall and The Suite

Worldbuilders – How AI is creating new worlds for you to explore in games

Have you ever wondered how AI might interact with the games you love? Drop in to explore AI generated Minecraft settlements first-hand and meet our resident expert in AI and gaming, Dr Christoph Salge.

Friday 17 May 11.00 – 12.00 and 13.00 – 14.00

Saturday 18 May 10.00 – 16.00

22 Prince Edward Hall and The Suite

Welcome to the Cosmodrome

Embark on an immersive journey through the universe in our awe-inspiring planetarium show. Our expert astronomer will guide you through captivating tales of constellations and unravel the mysteries of stars.

Friday 17 May 12.50, 14.15 and 15.00 – 15.45

Saturday 18 May multiple screenings

8 Hutton Lawn

Inspiring the scientists of tomorrow

Jane Turner, Primary Science Quality Mark Science education is critical for the future of society, the economy and the planet. Discover how and why science education in primary school must be effective, enjoyable and empowering.

Saturday 18 May 14.00 – 14.45

9 Union Square Stage

Sport

Get active with Hertfordshire Sports Village!

Compete in our next generation sports day or test your speed and performance by taking on the challenges of elite athletes in our quick reaction tests and jump trials. These sessions are open to all ages and abilities – with a firm focus on having fun!

Hertfordshire Sports Village is the ultimate hub for beginners to elite athletes, offering a wide range of sports and physical activity. From a fully-equipped gym and swimming pool to diverse classes, racquet sports, climbing facilities, and beyond.

Saturday 18 May 10.00 – 16.00

8 The Lawn

Mind the gap – a live podcast recording about disability sport participation

Dr Chris Brown, University of Hertfordshire

Join a live recording of the Disability Sport Info podcast to gain a new understanding about how the sport and physical activity gap between disabled and non-disabled people can be narrowed.

Friday 17 May 11.00 – 11.45

2 B05 - Film, Music and Media Building

Are you ready to spice up your dance moves?

Join Manda and Michael from Salsa Tropicana for a salsa or merengue taster session to learn the basics of this vibrant dance in a fun and welcoming atmosphere.

Saturday 18 May 11.00 – 12.00 and 13.00 – 14.00

17 Hutton Hall

Sustainability

The Coffee Historian: Connecting coffee’s past, present and future

Professor Jonathan Morris, University of Hertfordshire

Professor Jonathan Morris takes you on a tour through the history of coffee and today’s coffee culture. You’ll also have the chance to sample some freshly prepared speciality coffee!

Friday 17 May and Saturday 18 May 10.15 – 11.15

20 Chapman Lounge, Main Reception

Ice Detectives

Dr Phil Porter, University of Hertfordshire

Dr Phil Porter shares the research he has undertaken at extreme altitudes in the High Himalaya and extreme latitudes in the High Arctic, including descents into the frozen depths of glaciers! Phil will discuss why there is reason to be optimistic about climate change and how we can all take action.

Saturday 18 May 10.15 – 11.15

7 Amphitheatre Stage

Powering the towns of tomorrow

Professor Mike Page, University of Hertfordshire

Learn about tiny houses and their lessons for fossil-free homes. Discover how Professor Mike Page’s pioneering Cube Project homes (featured on George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces) provide a blueprint for sustainable living.

Friday 17 May 10.30 – 11.00

18 LB390 - Sustainability Hub

Ice Detectives – Monitoring the meltdown of our vanishing glaciers - Interactive exhibit

In this interactive display featuring a giant ice block, find out about some of the research undertaken in the frozen parts of our planet over the past thirty years. Get hands-on with some of the tools of the trades.

Friday 17 May 11.00 – 12.00 and 13.00 – 14.00

Saturday 18 May 10.00 – 16.00

17 Hutton Hub

Activism and action in the climate emergency

Professor Chamu Kuppuswamy, University of Hertfordshire

The ‘Greta Thunberg effect’ has pushed climate change protests to the top of the news agenda. Learn about the significance of protests, the legal right to protest, and what climate protests have achieved.

Friday 17 May 11.30 – 12.30

10 Forum Theatre

A walk on the wild side

Dr Alla Mashanova, University of Hertfordshire

Join our guided walk through our College Lane Campus and discover the green spaces and sometimes surprising nature that lives here with us.

Friday 17 May 12.00 – 13.00 and 13.30 – 14.30

18 LB390 - Sustainability Hub

Net zero communities

Dr Luigi Pintacuda, University of Hertfordshire

Learn about an urban design concept known as ‘Village 2.0’ which creates sustainable and connected communities, where you can access all your essential services within a 15-minute walk, bike ride, or journey on public transportation.

Friday 17 May

18 LB390 - Sustainability Hub

Saturday 18 May 12.45 – 13.45

9 Union Square Stage

Are you a Planet Protector?

Nana Bloomquist, University of Hertfordshire

Boost your family’s knowledge of recycling with our fun recycling games and competitive challenges to find out what can and cannot be recycled in the home, or let the kids get their hands muddy with our plant potting and outdoor learning activities.

Friday 17 May 10.00 – 11.00, 12.00 – 13.00 and 14.00 – 15.00

Saturday 18 May 10.00 – 16.00

18 LB390 - Sustainability Hub

Thank you to our Festival partners

University of Hertfordshire

Hatfield AL10 9AB

+44(0) 01707 284000

herts.ac.uk/campaign/herts-beats-faster ideas@herts.ac.uk

Follow us on social media @UniofHerts /UniversityofHertfordshire