On Saturday 29 June, we’re so happy to be able to welcome visitors to site to explore our amazing facilities, science and technology and meet the wonderful people who work here! In order to manage the event safely on our secure site, we do need everybody to register to attend.
We are a very large site: it would be impossible to see everything even if the day was ten times as long! Do plan your visit carefully – you can find more information about us, our stories and our activities on our “About us” page. We have a series of fascinating talks throughout the day at our Lecture Theatre in Zone D – do join us there (or online!) to hear about quantum computing, mines and life as an astronaut! The full schedule is below.
Do wear comfortable, close-toed shoes and clothing that’s appropriate for activities indoors and and ourdoors. We are a working laboratory, but our team is working hard to make everything as accessible as possible. We’ve put together some information about accessibility around our site – please do read the “Event accessibility” pages carefully to find out how we’re welcoming everyone to site.
Getting here
You can find full details on all of the different travel options on our “Getting here” pages.
Food and Refreshments
There will be a wide range of refreshments available, from drinks and snacks to pizza and dessert! Please note that we operate a cashless site. We will be updating this page with menus, including allergen information, and maps of where each option is located on site, but if you have any questions in the meantime please do get in touch at [email protected].
Security
Tickets will be required for all attendees and we will be conducting random, light-touch bag searches on arrival.
Event accessibility
We want everyone to be able to enjoy visiting site and get the most out of their time with us, but we know everyone has different needs. We’re doing our best to make everything as accessible as possible, and our “Event accessibility” page covers information that will help you plan your day, but if you have any questions at all regarding accessibility, please feel free to contact us at [email protected].
Getting around site
We are a very large site and so there is a lot of walking involved. We will be placing rest benches where possible, and will be putting indicative walking time between locations on this page as we get closer to the event.
Activities on the day
Thank you for joining us to experience Science Up Close! From the incredibly small to the enormously large, there is something for everyone to explore: you can visit our amazing facilities, take part in exciting hands-on activities, and meet the people who make it all possible. Visit our website to find out more about everything that’s happening in each specific area, including our series of fascinating talks!
If you have any questions at all, we’d love to hear from you – just talk to one of our volunteers and they’ll be happy to help!
From lasers to proton cookies! In this zone you’ll be able to explore our high-powered lasers and join a tour through our space manufacturing facilities, where technicians and engineers develop equipment to explore outer space and monitor planet Earth. Why not delve into the history of our fascinating site or visit our Coding Corner, before freezing your shadow with our detector scientists and meeting the people exploring the tiniest, most fundamental building blocks of our Universe, with live links to CERN. You can find out how all of the work we do is made possible by our Estates Team, who run our incredible site.
The ISIS Neutron and Muon Source will be opening our huge experimental hall for self-guided tours and hands-on activities for all ages. Explore our particle accelerator, the cutting-edge science and engineering we do and meet some of our staff who make it all happen. From polar bear hair and airplane wings, to ancient swords and superconductors, discover how ISIS uses tiny particles to investigate the world around us.
From llamas to microprocessors! In this zone you’ll experience some of the UK’s most advanced high-performance computing technology and find out more about how we are developing and applying the latest technology to health problems. Visit our amazing Technology Department and discover how we design and deliver the scientific instruments that are uncovering the secrets of the Universe.
Have you ever wondered what particle accelerators have to do with meteorites? Visit Zone D to explore Diamond Light Source and meet the people who make it all possible! Join us in the Wonder Marquee to hold a real piece of the Moon, demystify AI and dive into computer vision with the team from Scientific Computing. You can experience Geist, a beautiful piece of interactive art using real data from neutrino experiments. You can also discover the science taking place in the Research Complex, covering everything from microbiology to lasers.
In Zone E you’ll be able to create your own space mission, preparing spacecraft for launch and learn about how we’re learning more about our Universe and our own planet. Visit the Innovation Station at the European Space Agency’s UK HQ to quiz astronauts and try on a space suit. You can hear inspiring lightning quick talks about everything from diamonds, stopping space junk (with spacecraft built right here on site) and the future of medicine! Join us in our Glow Gallery to create your stars, or visit our Careers Hub to find out how you could be part of the incredible work that takes place on site!
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) at Harwell prepares and responds to radiation and chemical hazards to health in the environment. See demonstrations of how we can detect and protect against radiation and take part in a Nerf gun activity showing radiation protection, observe exhibits relating to radiation work at UKHSA, and find out how we respond to incidents and emergencies.
Fascinating talks in Zone D
Join us for our series of incredible talks about the fantastic activities we’re involved with on site.
There’s free wifi on site: join the network HarwellOpen, with the password scienceupclose.