Who’s been bitten by the discovery bug?

Staff and students worked at turning dreams into a reality last week as they helped the medics, artists, scientists and environmentalists of the future delve into a world of intriguing experiences and wacky workshops during Dream Bigger Dreams.

Activities were aimed at encouraging children and adults alike to think about what they might like to do in the future.

Dr Ellen Allwood from Biomedical Sciences, who visited with her children aged 6, 9 and 11, said: “We went down on Monday, and I 'promised' them that it would be good. They were not disappointed.

“As a member of staff I was very proud of some of our PhD students, with how they interacted with the children, quickly picking up on what the children knew already, and then teaching them a bit more. I thought it was a fantastic advert for the University.

“In the end we came back nearly every day of half-term, as the children liked it so much!”

You can find out more about the aspiration-raising Dream Bigger Dreams by clicking here.

Hear from staff about how they were bitten by the discovery bug as children and how they’re as passionate about their subjects now as they were then.

For example, from an early age Professor Matthew Holley from Biomedical Science has been interested in how things work.

He said: "Life is inspiration for me. The function of every living organism is fascinating, right down to the molecular level. I remember a moment when I was about 14. Our biology teacher dissected a piglet, with all of us gathered round a laboratory bench. I think someone passed out, but for me the organisation of internal organs, blood vessels and nerves was awe-inspiring."

Dream Bigger Dreams is a joint initiative with Sheffield Hallam University and supported by the Events Team at Sheffield City Council.

Last week’s event opened with a shock factor event about how electricity is made and an enjoyable array of fabulously fun and educational activities followed.

And they didn’t forget the grown-ups. Staff and students from the Institute for Lifelong Learning hoped to inspire adults with their Change Your Life in Your Lunch Break events, including Creative Writing, Languages on a Plate, and Life’s Not Fair.