Explore how research and innovation affect our daily lives during this inspiring day of free events at University of Lincoln.
WELCOME
I am delighted to share the University of Lincoln’s LiGHTS Expo with you. The University of Lincoln is proud of its reputation for providing a high-quality education underpinned by exciting research that seeks to contribute to the development of society, and our LiGHTS offers anyone and everyone the chance to explore the university for a day and enjoy being intrigued, inspired, informed and amazed by the discoveries that are being made by our researchers.
LiGHTS includes interactive displays, demonstrations, talks, films, quizzes, tours and exhibitions along with opportunities to talk to experts, try out equipment and even to take part in research. Whether you want to challenge a robot, see if you are safe to text while walking, find out how your dog sees the world or learn how and why to get a good night’s sleep – or much, much more – there really is something here for everyone. I am sure you will have a memorable day, and I wish you a very enjoyable visit to LiGHTS at the University of Lincoln.
Professor Mary Stuart, Vice Chancellor of the University of Lincoln
The University of Lincoln’s Lights Expo is a day of free activities giving anyone and everyone a chance to find out about research and discovery at the University of Lincoln by trying out equipment, exploring the university, taking part in experiments, hearing about the latest discoveries and seeing how research can affect all our lives. The range of activities on offer at LiGHTS is very broad, with something for everyone, of all ages and interests. Lights will be running next in summer 2020 so please watch this website for the date which will be announced soon. I look forward to seeing you here in 2020.
Carenza Lewis, Professor for the Public Understanding of Research, The University of Lincoln
ACTIVITIES
Are you interested in new discoveries, technology and science? Let LiGHTS enlighten you!
Join us at the University of Lincoln for an illuminating one-day expo and see how research undertaken at the university affects modern day life.
Free to attend, LiGHTS features a wide range of hands-on activities designed to capture the imagination of people of all ages.
Find out more about LiGHTS’ free demonstrations, exhibitions, workshops, talks and tours here.
NEWS
Keep checking this site regularly for the latest news or register here for email updates.
LiGHTS 2020
The next Lights Expo is being planned for summer 2020, giving schools and members of the public the chance to explore the university and find out about the new discoveries being made by its researchers. The date for Lights in summer 2020 will be announced soon on this...
LOOK
LiGHTS will feature a sparkling array of activities, from exploring laboratories, watching films and demonstrations, trying out equipment, listening to lectures, quizzing experts, visiting exhibitions and much, much more – all bringing learning to life by putting the spotlight on technology and science.
WATCH
Just like the first LiGHTS event, this year’s expo will feature a wide range of interactive events which show the cutting edge research and innovation taking place at the University of Lincoln.
LISTEN
Dr John Murray
Philippa Hoskin
Roger Bretherton
John Murray
SCHOOLS
As well as showcasing how research and innovation at The University of Lincoln affect our daily lives, LiGHTS aims to inspire children and ignite a passion for studying technology and science.
LiGHTS features a wide range of events designed with the National Curriculum in mind, from KS 1 through to KS5 all catered for.
Teachers wishing to bring a group of pupils to LiGHTS are asked to register by completing the registration form below. Teachers will then be sent a personalised itinerary and guidelines for schools visiting the University.
LiGHTS is free to attend, but if you are concerned about travel costs for your school, do please get in touch as we have a number of bursaries to support schools. These will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
With over 50 amazing events taking place at LiGHTS, making sure you experience as many of the exhibitions, workshops, demonstrations, lectures, tours and talks as possible may take a little bit of planning. Don’t worry though. As well as the events listings on this website, we’ve produced a programme which can be downloaded from here.
Many activities run all day, so no booking is required. Other activities are timed; if demand is high, space may be limited, so please do arrive early.
Groups of 10 or more should register their interest on the Non-School Groups Registration Form and they will receive a personalised itinerary for the day
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is LiGHTS? LiGHTS is a day-long event including scores of activities enabling members of the public to find out about research at the University of Lincoln. The first two years of LiGHTS was funded by the European Union as part of European Researchers’ Night. This was invaluable in establishing the event and has provided a firm base for the University to continue to host and develop LiGHTS to inform, entertain and inspire as many people as possible.
What is there to do? We have a range of activities on offer. There are talks, demonstrations, workshops, a film screening and radio broadcasts. Find out more about each activity on the activities pages, where you can also see what ages the activity is suitable for.
Do I need to book? Many activities are in public spaces and will be running all day, and you don’t need to book for these – just drop by to see them whenever it suits you. Other activities are timed, if demand is high, space may be limited, so please do arrive early.
What does it cost? All LiGHTS activities are free for everyone.
Where are the activities? LiGHTS is being hosted at the University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN6 7TS. Most of the activities are on the Brayford campus, with some at other venues within walking distance of the university.
Who are the activities for? Most LiGHTS activities are suitable for all ages. Some will be particularly appropriate for specific age groups, and you can find out more about which activities are aimed at which ages on the activities pages. Some activities, particularly those relating to careers in science, have been designed specifically for school groups and can only be booked in advance by schools.
Can I bring children? Yes. Each activity has a recommended age – find out more on the activities pages. Sessions which are inappropriate for younger children are clearly indicated.
When are the activities? The next Lights Expo event is being planned for summer 2020, at the University of Lincoln. We look forward to announcing the date soon.
How long do the activities take? Different activities will take a different amount of time. Some activities are scheduled to last for a fixed period of time while others are ‘drop-ins’. Talks might last 45 minutes for example, while watching a demonstration may take just 5 minutes or so. Find out more about a specific activity on the activities page.
The University of Lincoln is in the centre of the city of Lincoln. Find out more about how to find the University here: https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/maps/
Where do I go on campus?
Activities are being hosted across the campus. You can pick up an event map from the Minerva Building on the Brayford Pool campus on the day and there will also be a mobile website you can download on to your phone. You can look at maps of the campus here: https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/maps/ Activities are being held across campus throughout the day and there will be volunteers to help you find your way – make sure you add some extra time for getting from place to place in between events.
Where can I park?
There are car parks near the University where you can park for the normal charges. Find out more about parking options here: https://www.visitlincoln.com/travel-tools/parking-in-lincoln
The University is a modern, accessible campus and all areas hosting LiGHTS activities are accessible for people with different needs. Accessible toilets are found across the campus. You can find out more about the campus here. If you have particular access needs and would like help to plan your visit to LiGHTS please contact lights@lincoln.ac.uk
Are refreshments available on campus?
Yes, there are places to eat and drink with seating across the campus, with restaurants and cafes nearby. There are also water fountains in most buildings.
Where can I get help with first aid or in an emergency?
The main contact point during LiGHTS will be in the Minerva Building but you can ask for help from any staff involved with activities or the security team on campus if you or another visitor requires first aid while on campus. First Aiders may be contacted by ringing 01522 886666. Be prepared to give the following details:
• The location of the injured party – e.g. Engineering Hub – Reception
• The nature of the first aid assistance required – e.g. person unconscious, cut, fall.
What happens in the event of a fire alarm?
On activation of the alarm you should follow the guidance of university fire marshalls/staff, leave the building through the nearest available exit and proceed to the designated assembly point. If you discover a fire you should:
1. Inform University of Lincoln Security (01522 886062)
2. Operate the nearest fire alarm point
3. Dial 999 and request the Fire Service (9-999 if internal phone)
4. Proceed to assembly point (please note: any employee/student who is with visitors at the time of emergency must also ensure that they follow the evacuation procedure).
For further details about Health & Safety at the University please click here.
Yes. School groups should bring packed lunches and drinks to avoid long queues.
Should pupils bring money for snacks?
Pupils may wish to bring snacks and/or money for refreshments which are available from campus vending machines.
Where can pupils eat lunch?
If the weather is fine the university campus has many attractive outside spaces where school groups can eat their lunch. There are also indoor public spaces across the University where school groups can sit and eat lunch – ask at the Information Desk in the Minerva Building on the day if you need help in finding somewhere you can eat.
Are tailored schedules available?
Yes, and we recommend groups larger than 10 arrange a tailored schedule with LiGHTS organisers. Please contact lights@lincoln.ac.uk.
Where are the school drop-off / pick-up points?
Coaches can drop groups off and pick them up outside LPAC (Lincoln Performing Arts Centre) – find out more about accessing the University on the campus maps available here: https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/campuslife/howtofindus/ Access to LPAC is via Ropewalk (use LN6 7TS for satnav systems). Details of your drop-off time will be on your tailored schedule.
Does my school need a risk assessment?
We recommend that schools carry out their own risk assessments for school trips in line with their school policies for trips. If you want to ask about school risk assessments please contact lights@lincoln.ac.uk. LiGHTS activity leads will conduct risk assessments for their own activities, e.g. visits to laboratories or using equipment.
Photographs are generally permitted throughout the campus and during specific activities with the consent of the activity lead. In sensitive activities such as those involving animals, photography may not be permitted.
Can I post about LiGHTS on social media?
Visitors are very welcome to post images and thoughts about their LiGHTS visit on social media, before, during and after their visit. The LiGHTS Twitter handle is @LightsExpo and the Facebook page is /LightsExpo
DIRECTIONS
The University of Lincoln is conveniently located in the centre of Lincoln. Should you need them, a variety of maps can be downloaded from the University of Lincoln website.
ROAD
Road access is via the A1 with intersections at Newark (A46) from the South and near Retford (A57) from the North. The city is 40 miles east of Nottingham on the A46 and 40 miles south of the Humber Bridge on the A15 Lincoln is less than an hour’s drive fro the M1.
RAIL
Lincoln railway station is in the city centre, just a few minutes’ walk from the Brayford Pool campus. Direct trains to London Kings Cross take just under two hours.
There are also frequent rail connections to other major cities, including Sheffield, Nottingham, Leicester and Leeds.
Book train tickets on the National Rail website. See information on Lincoln Central Train Station on the East Midlands Trains website.
OTHER PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Traveline can plan journeys to and from the university, display timetables and show next departures for services and stops serving the university.
Traveline provides impartial, comprehensive information for all bus, rail and coach services in the East Midlands and the South of England and is operated by a partnership of local authorities and bus operators.
Visit the Traveline East Midlands website and plan your journey.
DOWNLOAD
Route map
DOWNLOAD
City cente map
CONTACT US
If you have a question or query, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
© The University of Lincoln 2019 | Tel: 01522 882 000
The University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln LN6 7TS
