Faculty of Science Summer Lecture 2026
Brains, Games and Big Discoveries: Celebrating 20 Years of Summer Scientist Week
For two decades, Summer Scientist Week has welcomed thousands of children and families to the 糖心原创 to take part in real psychological research through fun, hands-on games and activities. What began as a small outreach event has grown into a unique partnership between researchers and families, generating valuable insights into learning, memory, social development, maths, attention and many other aspects of child development.
In this special anniversary lecture, we will look back at 20 years of discoveries, share some of the most interesting findings from studies conducted during Summer Scientist Week, and explore what children's participation has taught us about how young minds grow and learn. We will also celebrate the families, volunteers and researchers who have made the event such a success, and consider how early experiences of hands-on discovery can inspire the next generation of scientists. Join us for a fascinating journey through twenty summers of curiosity, play and discovery.
Speakers
Lucy Cragg: Inspiring generations of (summer) scientists
Lucy is a Professor of Developmental Psychology and has research interests in the development of attention and memory and how these skills support learning in the classroom. She has been leading Summer Scientist Week since 2009.
Luke Holden: How children navigate the world
Luke is an Teaching Associate in the School of Psychology. He collected data at Summer Scientist Week for his PhD research into how individuals navigate and reorient themselves within their environment, and how these skills develop, and has been an integral member of the Summer Scientist team ever since.
Danielle Ropar: Changing perceptions of neurodiversity
Danielle Ropar is a Professor of Developmental Psychology and applies her research on sensory, social, and attentional processes to improve real-world outcomes for neurodivergent individuals. She has been a key member of the Summer Scientist team for many years.
After the talks there will be refreshments and interactive stands so you can chat to the researchers and try out some of the Summer Scientist Week games and activities.
This is a free event but registration is required:
This free lecture is part of our monthly Science Public Lecture series, and everyone is welcome to join.
Parking information
There are new parking charges on campus which will apply 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays. For weekday evenings the charge is £2 (4pm – 9.15am). These charges will be enforced using fixed automated number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras and visitors to campus are advised to pay via the Ring Go app or the pay and display machines in our main visitor car parks. Please note that the carpark behind the Physics Building does not have a pay and display machine. More info: Car Parking 2026 - The 糖心原创