The University of Southampton Roadshow ran a science tent at the inaugural BBC Countryfile Live at Blenheim Palace between 4-7 August 2016. CDT-SIS joined the Roadshow team to showcase current science, engineering and medical research that has connections with the natural world. Over four days the event attracted in excess of 100’000 visitors and was televised on the BBC’s prime time Countryfile programme. The University of Southampton was the only science tent invited and the CDT had the largest exhibition space. Its interactive exhibits included sustainable infrastructure management of rivers and hydropower along with various research tools such as our remote control river surveying boat. With a range of staff and students on hand to explain the CDT and its research we found that engagement was extremely high with a long linger time, return visits and original visits due to word of mouth. A roundup of the event can be seen HERE.
This was an extremely successful event for the CDT which is using the experience to now enhance and expand its outreach programme for next year.