After a long hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Lewes STEM Fair is coming back on Saturday 11 November at Lewes Town Hall. Open to all members of the public, this free event is a celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), which aims to inspire adults and children about the wonders of science.

Organised by Curiosity Sussex, a charity founded by Professor Stephen Wilkins (MPS), the fair includes exhibitions from various Sussex science departments. Researchers from mathematics, quantum technology, particle physics, astrophysics, psychology and quantum chemistry will be on hand to answer questions, share their knowledge and inspire the next generation of scientists.

Visitors will have the opportunity to hear about cutting edge research, learn about the science of brewing, courtesy of one of Lewes’s local breweries, and find out about efforts to make our community greener and increase biodiversity.

The fair will include hands-on activities suitable for all ages and exhibitors such us:

• the University of Sussex Departments of Psychology, Chemistry, and Physics & Astronomy;
• Lewes Climate Hub
• Lewes Astronomical Society
• the South Downs National Park
• OVESCO
• Institute of Engineering and Technology
• Wildflower Lewes
• and many more.

Lewes STEM Fair is also an exceptional opportunity for families to bond over collaborative learning and playful exploration. Children will learn about space and particle physics, challenge themselves to complete a puzzle faster than a gorilla, or learn how to make Ooblek! The hands-on experiments aim to help them to develop a deeper understanding of the world around them and spark their interest in STEM. Parents can actively engage with their children, nurturing their curiosity and sharing their excitement for knowledge.

Professor Stephen Wilkins, founder and organiser of the Lewes STEM Fair, said:

There is a huge amount of STEM happening all around us in Sussex, not just in the Universities but in local businesses, charities, and community groups. The Lewes STEM Festival is a celebration of all this activity. At this year’s fair we are welcoming more than 20 exhibitors including local businesses, charities, schools, University research groups, and community groups. This event is not just about learning; it’s also about nurturing children’s curiosity and inspiring a lifelong passion for science and technology for people of all ages.

The 2023 Lewes STEM Fair will be held in Lewes Town Hall on Saturday 11 November and will be open from 12noon until 3pm. The event is completely free and you don't need to register.

Lewes Town Hall has accessible entrances available and there is a lift between floors. It’s located only five minutes away from Lewes Train Station on foot and serviced by local buses. Parking is also available at nearby carparks.