Voyage of Discovery is a free programme of events, activities and experiences that brings researchers and local communities together.
Meet the people behind the discoveries, try hands-on activities, and explore research that affects our everyday lives.
From Antarctic ocean expeditions to lunar rockpool science. From smart cities to soil health.
Research is stepping out of the lab and into local communities across Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall, and the voyage continues through 2027.
What is Voyage of Discovery?
Voyage of Discovery is the University of Plymouth’s Horizon Europe-funded European Researchers’ Night programme, delivered by the Public Engagement team across 2026 and 2027. It gives people across Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall the chance to meet researchers, try their work for themselves and see how research shapes everyday life.
Every September, European Researchers’ Night takes place across Europe on the same weekend. In September 2026 that meant an Antarctic dive inside a 15 metre dome at Market Hall Devonport, a panel on the cities of tomorrow at The Box, an interactive installation on New George Street, a food security showcase at Liskeard Library and a full day Research Fair at the University of Plymouth. See how the weekend went in our 2026 Events Gallery.
The voyage carries on between now and the next European Researchers’ Night.
Voyage to the Cold Deep returns. After selling out in September, the 360 degree Antarctic ocean dome experience is back at Market Hall Devonport on Monday 26 October for October half term. Free, with places to secure in advance. See what’s on
Researchers in Schools. Free activities for primary, secondary and college students across Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall, running through to summer 2027. Pupils get hands-on with real research and meet the people doing it. Find out more for schools
Short Voyages. Short films where researchers tell us what they do, what surprised them and how they got there, with new films added through the year. Watch the Short Voyages
Next September. European Researchers’ Night returns on Friday 25 September 2027, with more events across the region.
