Oxford engineers inspire young scientists at 2026 Oxford Brookes Science Bazaar

The Oxford Brookes Science Bazaar is a free family event for children aged 5–12, featuring hands-on activities, live demonstrations, workshops and shows led by scientists and engineers from across Oxford. Each year more than 8,000 visitors come to the Headington campus for a day of discovery, creativity and exploration.

The Department has taken part in the Bazaar for several years, giving engineers an opportunity to share their research and its real-world impact with young people and the wider public. In 2026, two research teams presented interactive displays and activities showcasing their work.

Professor Chris Vogel’s stand invited young visitors to build and test their own mini wind or tidal turbines and see renewable energy in action. The Turning Turbines activity focused on offshore renewable energy and explained how wind and tidal stream turbines work. The team showed videos from recent experiments and simulations, alongside 3D-printed turbine blades used in their research. These demonstrations highlighted how research in Oxford is helping improve our understanding of how turbines perform in the harsh offshore environment.

The turbine stand was busy throughout the day, attracting children of all ages and their families. Professor Vogel said: “It's great seeing kids enjoy exploring hands-on how turbines work and creating space for conversations about the role of offshore renewable energy in the UK.”

At a second stand, Postdoctoral Researcher Dr Alfredo Zafra and colleagues explored how materials resist wear and corrosion through live demonstrations, hands-on experiments and interactive simulations. Alfredo’s research focuses on developing metals that are resistant to aggressive environments.