Last Saturday, 7th June, we took part in the UCD Festival 2025, a lively and inclusive celebration of learning, culture, and community spirit right here on campus. The festival attracted over 18,000 visitors and featured more than 130 free events spread across eight themed zones, offering something for everyone, no matter their age or interests.

In the Science & Innovation Zone, visitors engaged with hands-on exhibits in areas such as robotics and virtual reality. Young scientists rolled up their sleeves for hands-on experiments, discovering the behaviour of Non-Newtonian fluids with cornflour and water, or creating homemade plastic from milk and vinegar. Other themed zones included the Culture & Arts Zone featuring traditional music, literary talks, and live concerts; the Family Fun Zone with magic shows, colourful face painting, and the beloved Festival Train; the Mind & Body Zone which promoted wellness through yoga, fitness activities, and health checks; and the Engineering & Technology Zone which showcased exciting innovations, including drones, renewable energy systems, and advanced digital tools.

We were delighted to welcome so many people to the stand at the Clinical Research Centre. Adults, families, teenagers, and even toddlers joined us to explore the world of clinical research through word searches, drawings, and the Randomisation Game, a surprise crowd favourite which sparked curiosity and plenty of smiles.

For more information about the festival, visit (opens in a new window)https://festival.ucd.ie/.