Research Arcade

Join researchers from the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University for a fun, interactive and family-friendly showcase featuring activity stands and exhibits that explore the ideas and issues that shape our everyday lives.

At the Research Arcade, you can play a giant board game about digital exclusion, help create Sheffield's 'Quilt of Welcome', learn about the global history of workers' rights, meet Robopeep the robotic sheepdog, find out how to improve the healthiness and sustainability of your diet, and get cozy in our graphic novel reading corner.

Opening Times:
Friday 31 October | 12pm - 4pm
Saturday 1 November | 11am - 4pm
Sunday 2 November | 11am - 4pm

No booking required

Discover how 'greening' classrooms and workplaces can improve your wellbeing and support sustainability in this immersive installation based on research into green schools in Argentina.

Led by Dr Miguel Kanai, University of Sheffield

Get cozy in our graphic novel reading corner and dive into a library of comics exploring experiences of social care.

Led by Dr Ankita Mishra and Dr PJ Annand, University of Sheffield

Join our team of sustainable food researchers to learn about home hydroponics and how to build a healthier, more sustainable diet.

Led by the Professor Louise Dye and colleagues from the Co-Centre for Sustainable Food Systems

Explore young people's hopes and fears for the future in this mixed-media art exhibition examining the thoughts and worries of young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Led by PhD candidate Sally Thomas, University of Sheffield

Map out your own story about the history of worker's rights in this interactive exhibition taking a global look at how people understand, express and contest their work-related rights in different parts of the world, at different points in time.

Led by Professor Julia Moses, University of Sheffield and Dr Niels Boender, The University of Edinburgh

Learn about how young people’s experiences of the labour market shape their careers, earnings, health and wellbeing in this infographic exhibit exploring the findings of the 'Transitions of Young Workers' project. 

Led by Professor Jason Heyes, University of Sheffield 

Join nutrition experts at this exhibit exploring evidence-based advice on how to improve the healthiness and sustainability of your diet.

Led by Dr Jordan Beaumont, Sheffield Hallam University and colleagues from the SHUFood Research Cluster

Explore the sanctuary of creativity that is an artists’ studio in this immersive installation looking at the everyday realities of working as an artist in a ‘meanwhile space’. 

Led by Dr Gabriella Cioce and PhD candidate Hayley Reid, University of Sheffield

Play a giant board game to explore the digital barriers faced by unpaid carers and young people when accessing services in a digitally-mediated world. 

Led by Professor Kate Hamblin, University of Sheffield and colleagues from the Centre for Care

Meet Robopeep the robotic sheepdog and play a ‘digital futures’ cardgame at this interactive exhibit exploring emerging technologies and how they could reshape work in industries like wool, agriculture, and beyond — and what a ‘good’ digital future might look like.

Led by Professor Helen Kennedy, University of Sheffield and colleagues from the Digital Good Network

Try your hand at quilting at this live, interactive exhibit where researchers, community groups and attendees are creating a ‘quilt of welcome’ from fabric squares decorated by school children with words - in multiple languages - that make them feel happy and safe.

Led by Dr Sabine Little, University of Sheffield

Read and share ‘digital love notes’ at this fun and interactive, digital exhibition that reflects on how we show our affection for others through texts. 

Led by Professor Abigail Millings, Sheffield Hallam University

Add your 'brick' to the 'Wall of Compassion' and talk to our researchers about how together we can build more compassionate, empathetic, and supportive workplaces.

Led by Dr Cristian Vasquez and Sofia Topakas, University of Sheffield