A FAMILY science event in Malvern was held successfully in-person for the first time since the pandemic began.

Malvern Science in the Park was held in Priory Park on June 26 with covid-safety measures in place to allow visitors to engage with activities in a safe manner.

The event was opened by Katy Gibson from the Institute of Physics Midlands, signalling the start of a day filled with science experiments, engaging demonstrations, and fascinating short talks delivered from the bandstand.

Dr Martin Khechara talked about 'tapeworms and poo', a subject that was of great appeal to the young audience.

Renowned origami artist Coco Sato, visiting with the University of Birmingham School of Mathematics, had everyone folding paper with great precision, and Dr Chris Hamlett, representing the Discover Materials initiative, demonstrated the wetting properties of a giant lotus leaf before synthesising some foaming elephants toothpaste.

Around the park, numerous science activities and experiments were taking place from over twenty organisations, including local businesses QinetiQ, Malvern Panalytical, IASME and Legrand, as well as learned organisations including the Institute of Physics, the Earth Heritage Trust and The IET.

The University of Worcester, University of Wolverhampton, and the University of Birmingham were all represented as well.

Dr Adrian Burden, managing director of the social enterprise Innovate Malvern CIC, that organised the event, said: “It was great to stage an in-person event in which families of all ages could once again learn about different sciences first-hand from enthusiastic experts.

"I think we managed to cover a good range: from geology to biology, from cyber security to chemistry, from physics to astronomy, and from environmental science to ballistics."

Malvern Science in the Park was kindly supported by the Institute of Physics, Institution of Mechanical Engineers, The IET, West Midlands Railway, and Malvern Hills District Council.