Pictures: Hatherleigh Science Week draws strong crowds as fair returns to West Devon

Hatherleigh Science Week returned with a strong turnout this month, marking a busy community fair that attracted more than 200 visitors to the town.

The third annual event, running from March 9-14, featured evening lectures and a free Saturday fair at Hatherleigh Community Centre, with organisers aiming to bring high-quality science outreach to rural communities across West Devon and northern Dartmoor.

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Professor Craig Beall, one of the organisers, said the event was designed “to spread awareness and scientific knowledge to rural communities,” adding previously that the ambition was for visitors to leave “having learned something new.”

Organisations from across the South West took part in the fair, offering hands-on activities and demonstrations spanning artificial intelligence, health research, marine science and microbiology.

Among the exhibitors was Exeter Science Centre, which showcased how AI is changing the way people work, including demonstrations of image recognition and generation. 

ExplorerDome, a Bristol-based science outreach group, presented a dome show exploring how the brain functions and how it changes with age.

AuthentiSci challenged visitors to distinguish between sensationalised and accurate science headlines, while researchers from the National Institute for Health and Care Research Biomedical Research Centre Exeter ran health-themed challenges, including a timed hand-grip test.

A major exhibit sponsored by the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research focused on stem cells and organoids, miniature lab-grown organs, and how they may reduce the need for animal testing. 

Visitors were able to view samples under microscopes and speak directly with researchers working on treatments for conditions including diabetes and dementia.

Marine charity Ocean Conservation Trust brought live “sea monkeys”, fish specimens and a virtual-reality experience simulating the main aquarium in Plymouth, allowing participants to encounter sharks and sea turtles in an immersive environment.

The University of Exeter’s Centre for Medical Mycology provided microscopes to examine fungal spores and ran craft activities in which children created model “fungi” from clay.

Visitors could also take part in engineering challenges, including building magnetic devices against the clock, mirror-drawing exercises exploring how the brain adapts to altered visual input, and popular craft stations such as origami with science facts.

During the week, two evening lectures were delivered by University of Exeter professors. 

Professor Alex Thornton spoke about the intelligence of jackdaws, including their ability to recognise faces and solve problems, while Professor Lorna Harries presented research on reversing aspects of ageing in human cells.

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Feedback from attendees highlighted the event’s appeal to families as well as adults.

Jade Ruby, a parent who attended with her three children, described it as “a fantastic day,” adding that there were “so many brilliant activities perfect for all ages, encouraging them to get hands on and enjoy learning.”

Another attendee, Fiona Bladonca, said: “It was a great day… We all learned a lot and the teams from the uni were incredible with my grandsons.”

Jonathan, dad to two, wrote: “Just to say a huge well done on Saturday. We all loved it and it felt like a huge gift to the community and spark of curiosity and opportunity towards a life in the sciences.

Organisers reported that more than half of visitors stayed for over two hours, with some remaining for most of the day.

Hatherleigh Science Week was supported by grants from the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research and the Biochemical Society.

The organisers have confirmed that the event will return for its fourth year in 2027.