Bringing science to life at BBC Countryfile Live

The University of Southampton will be bringing its world-leading research to life at the first-ever BBC Countryfile Live this week.

Southampton is an invited contributor to the four-day event, which runs from 4 to 7 August at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire.

The University of Southampton Roadshow will be hosting a marquee full of hands-on and interactive displays, demonstrations and activities based on its research.

The Roadshow makes an annual tour and has previously been at Brighton Science Festival, The Times Cheltenham Science Festival, Glastonbury, The New Forest Show, Winchester Science Festival and Camp Bestival.

For BBC Countryfile Live, the Roadshow has selected a set of activities themed around the interests of the TV show, including:

• A mobile anaerobic digester and other activities demonstrating the potential of the Circular Bioeconomy. Researchers from the University’s Bioenergy and Organic Resources Research Group will be on hand to discuss technologies for producing energy and products from waste.

• A modern water wheel, river management technologies and a chance to see the effect of beavers on the environment from the Centre for Doctoral Training in Sustainable Infrastructure Systems (CDT-SIS).

• A scale Wind Tunnel in which visitors will be able to build and test their own aerodynamic design. In association with the University’s National Infrastructure Lab, part of the UK Collaboratorium for Research in Infrastructure & Cities (UKCRIC).

• 3D printing bespoke cattle pads to address anti-microbial resistance and its impact on farm animals. In association with the University’s Network for Anti-Microbial Resistance and Infection Prevention (NAMRIP).

• The very popular Stem Cell Mountain, designed by researchers in the University’s Bone and Joint Research Group as a way of discussing advances in regenerative medicine with the public. It was built by Winchester Science Centre and is housed at the Centre when it’s not on the Roadshow.

• A video bank about the Sound Heritage project, researching the interpretation and performance of music in historic houses.

Dr Steve Dorney, Principal Public Engagement Fellow at the University of Southampton and organiser of the Southampton Roadshow, said: “We’re really pleased to be joining BBC Countryfile Live at Blenhein Palace. We’re bringing some of our most inspiring and interactive research-based activities and we’ve made sure they will be suitable for all ages. We hope visitors will take this opportunity to talk to our researchers, find out more about we do at Southampton, as well as getting thoroughly involved with the hands-on science and research displays.”