Events by Queen's University of Belfast

The University of Aberdeen is bringing families and young learners together for an engaging and educational activity at its Zoology Museum with the upcoming Family Fun Friday: Zoology Museum event. Scheduled for 24 July 2026 from 11:00 to 14:00, this free event offers children and families an opportunity to combine creativity, museum exploration, and informal science learning in an enjoyable setting. The event is designed as a relaxed drop-in activity, making it easy for families to participate according to their own schedules. Visitors can take part in a creative session focused on making magic clay mini beasts of land and sea. Through hands-on crafting, children can explore the fascinating world of animals and develop a stronger connection with natural history and zoological discovery. Hosted at the Zoology Museum of the University of Aberdeen, the event provides an ideal setting for a family day out during the summer holidays. The museum environment encourages curiosity and discovery, allowing children to learn about animals while participating in an activity that is practical, imaginative, and accessible. A Free Family Activity Designed Around Creativity and Discovery One of the main attractions of the Family Fun Friday event is its free admission. Families can enjoy the activity without the cost barrier often associated with organised workshops or educational attractions. This makes the event particularly suitable for local residents, visiting families, and parents looking for affordable activities during the school holiday period. The creative clay activity gives children the chance to make their own mini beasts inspired by animals that live on land and in the sea. This concept connects artistic expression with zoological learning. Rather than simply viewing museum displays, children are encouraged to participate actively and create something of their own. Hands-on activities can be particularly valuable for younger visitors because they help make learning more memorable. A child who creates a clay creature may become more interested in how real animals move, where they live, how their bodies are adapted, and how different species fit into their environments. The event therefore offers more than a simple craft session. It creates an opportunity for families to begin conversations about biodiversity, habitats, animal behaviour, marine life, and the importance of understanding the natural world. Why the Zoology Museum Provides an Ideal Event Setting The University of Aberdeen's Zoology Museum offers an educational environment that naturally supports the theme of the event. Museums can help transform abstract scientific ideas into visual and interactive experiences. For children, the opportunity to visit a museum alongside a creative activity can make science feel approachable and enjoyable. The museum setting provides context for the clay-making session. Children may be able to connect their creative work with the wider world of animals and zoology. Even a simple clay model can inspire questions about the characteristics of real species and the differences between animals living in different environments. The University of Aberdeen's official event listing describes the activity as a drop-in family session, with no booking required. However, the University notes that visitors may need to wait during particularly busy periods. This flexible format makes the event convenient for families who prefer spontaneous activities or who may be visiting other attractions in Aberdeen on the same day. An Educational Summer Holiday Experience for Young Learners Summer holidays provide children with valuable opportunities to learn outside the classroom. Events such as Family Fun Friday can support informal learning by combining education with entertainment. Children are able to explore a subject without the pressure of formal assessment or classroom routines. The zoology theme is particularly suitable for younger audiences because animals naturally attract curiosity. Children often ask questions about unusual creatures, ocean life, insects, birds, mammals, and other forms of wildlife. A museum-based activity can encourage this curiosity and provide a foundation for further learning. The creative element also helps children express their understanding in their own way. A child may create a realistic animal, an imaginary creature, or a combination of different features. Each approach can lead to discussion about the real characteristics of animals and the differences between imagination and scientific observation. Parents and guardians can also use the event as a starting point for further exploration. After completing the activity, families may choose to discuss favourite animals, visit other museum displays, research different habitats, or explore local wildlife. Combining Art, Science, and Family Participation A key strength of the event is the way it combines several different types of learning. Art encourages creativity, science provides knowledge, and family participation creates a shared experience. The clay activity allows children to use their hands and imagination. They can shape, mould, and design their own mini beasts while thinking about the animals they want to represent. This type of activity can help develop fine motor skills and concentration while also supporting creative confidence. At the same time, the zoological theme creates opportunities for scientific discussion. Parents can ask children questions such as where their creature lives, what it eats, how it moves, and how it protects itself. These simple questions can introduce fundamental ideas about habitats and animal adaptations. The event is therefore suitable for families who want an activity that is both enjoyable and educational. It provides a balance between structured participation and relaxed exploration. A Convenient Drop-In Event for Families in Aberdeen The drop-in format is another important feature of the event. Families do not need to commit to a formal appointment or follow a strict timetable. They can attend during the advertised three-hour period and participate in the activity as availability allows. This makes the event particularly convenient for families with young children. Parents can plan their visit around the needs of their children and combine the museum activity with other plans in Aberdeen. The event takes place on Friday, 24 July 2026, during the summer holiday period. This timing makes it a practical option for families searching for activities during the school break. The University of Aberdeen also lists broader summer activity at the Zoology Museum, with the museum open during the summer holidays for visitors to enjoy. Encouraging Interest in Zoology and the Natural World Events like Family Fun Friday can play an important role in introducing children to zoology. Zoology is the study of animals, and it covers a wide range of topics including anatomy, behaviour, evolution, ecology, and conservation. A child does not need advanced scientific knowledge to begin exploring these ideas. Simple questions about a clay mini beast can introduce concepts that are central to zoological study. For example, a child may create a sea creature and begin thinking about how it survives underwater. Another child may create a land animal and consider how it moves or finds food. These conversations help connect creative activity with scientific thinking. The event can also encourage awareness of the variety of life on Earth. Learning about animals from different environments can help children understand the importance of protecting biodiversity and respecting the natural world. An Accessible Event for Families and Young Visitors The event has been designed to be accessible and welcoming for families. Free entry and a relaxed drop-in structure make it suitable for a broad audience. Parents and guardians can attend with children and participate in the experience together. The event is especially relevant for families looking for educational activities that do not feel like traditional classroom lessons. Children can learn through doing, making, observing, and asking questions. For local families, the event offers a convenient opportunity to visit a university museum. For visitors to Aberdeen, it provides an additional cultural and educational activity to include in a summer itinerary. The University of Aberdeen's King's College location also gives visitors the chance to experience one of the University's historic academic settings while attending a family-focused activity. The University's listed contact address is King's College, Aberdeen, AB24 3FX. A Memorable Family Day Out in Aberdeen The Family Fun Friday: Zoology Museum event has all the elements of a memorable family activity: creativity, learning, exploration, and free participation. Children can create their own clay mini beasts while families enjoy the atmosphere of a university museum. The activity is particularly valuable because it encourages children to become active participants. Instead of simply looking at exhibits, they can create, imagine, and discuss the animal world around them. For parents, the event provides a useful opportunity to support learning during the summer holidays. For children, it offers a fun way to explore animals and creative making. For the wider community, it demonstrates how university museums can connect academic knowledge with public engagement. The Family Fun Friday: Zoology Museum event at the University of Aberdeen is an upcoming free family workshop taking place on 24 July 2026 from 11:00 to 14:00. The event focuses on creating magic clay mini beasts of land and sea and is designed to provide a fun, creative, and educational experience for families and children. With no advance booking required and free participation, the event is an accessible choice for families seeking summer activities in Aberdeen. Its combination of creative making and zoological themes encourages children to explore science through imagination and hands-on learning. The event also reflects the University of Aberdeen's broader commitment to public engagement, family learning, and accessible educational experiences. For families looking for an enjoyable activity that combines creativity with an introduction to the natural world, this event offers a strong opportunity to learn, explore, and spend quality time together in a museum environment.

Unveiling the Mischief for the Festive Season The Elves Behavin' Badly Festive Trade Showcase is an exclusive B2B product exhibition held at our headquarters in Basildon, Essex. Designed specifically for retail buyers, seasonal merchandisers, and event organizers, this annual event brings the playful, cheeky world of Elfie and Elvie to life. Attendees will get a first look at our official Christmas product lineup, interactive props, and novelties designed to captivate high-street shoppers and online consumers alike during the holiday shopping rush. Exploring Novelty Innovations and Product Range During this full-day trade exhibition, visitors will explore an expansive gallery of new accessories, dress-up costumes, and novelty items added to the official Elves Behavin' Badly collection. Our product development team will host detailed walkthroughs showcasing new plush doll variations, prank kits, props, and holiday décor items. Retailers will learn how to leverage our high-margin, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) to maximize seasonal sales and build compelling impulse-purchase displays in high-footfall retail zones. Strategic Visual Merchandising and Retail POS Solutions Creating an engaging floor display is crucial for driving seasonal retail conversion. This event features interactive visual merchandising workshops where attendees can examine complete Point-of-Sale (POS) display units, branded floor spinners, and custom window display concept kits. Experienced retail strategists will demonstrate how to construct eye-catching, mischief-themed product zones that boost impulse buys and encourage cross-category purchases across apparel, stationery, and novelty accessories. Navigating Brand Licensing and Character Appearances Protecting brand integrity while expanding commercial reach is essential for sustainable retail growth. In dedicated licensing seminars, our brand management team will present guidelines on official trademark usage, anti-counterfeiting measures, and co-branding opportunities. Additionally, event managers will discover how to book official licensed Elfie and Elvie costume character appearances for shopping centre activations, festive parades, and promotional family events. Networking and Direct B2B Supply Chain Ordering The showcase provides a direct collaborative space for wholesale buyers to meet directly with our account managers, logistics partners, and inventory specialists. Participants will receive early-bird stock booking options, flexible delivery scheduling, and tailored volume pricing structures ahead of peak Christmas demand. Connect with fellow retail professionals, exchange seasonal consumer trends, and secure your holiday inventory straight from the source.

The Operational Research Applied to Health Services (ORAHS) 2026 Conference is an international gathering of specialists dedicated to improving healthcare delivery through mathematical modeling and analytical techniques. Hosted at Queen’s University Belfast, this conference attracts a global community of researchers and practitioners who apply operational research (OR) to solve complex problems in health service management. As healthcare systems worldwide face increasing pressure from aging populations and rising costs, the role of ORAHS has never been more critical. The conference will cover a broad spectrum of topics, including patient flow optimization, workforce scheduling, resource allocation, and the integration of artificial intelligence in clinical pathways. The week-long event is structured to encourage deep technical discussion through plenary lectures, parallel technical sessions, and specialized working groups. Queen’s University’s strong tradition in both engineering and medical research provides a perfect environment for these multidisciplinary conversations. Participants will have the chance to present their latest findings and receive feedback from peers in a supportive, intellectually stimulating environment. In addition to the technical program, ORAHS 2026 includes a vibrant social schedule designed to showcase the culture and hospitality of Belfast, including a formal banquet and organized tours of the city’s landmarks. For professionals working at the intersection of mathematics, engineering, and healthcare, this conference offers unparalleled opportunities for professional development and international collaboration. The goal is to move beyond theoretical models and produce actionable insights that can be implemented in hospitals and clinics to improve patient outcomes and system efficiency.

The Designing Healthier Cities Summit is a vital cross-sector conference taking place at the iconic Titanic Belfast, supported by Queen’s University Belfast. This summit addresses one of the most pressing issues of our time: the relationship between urban environments and public health. As urban populations grow, the way we design our cities—from green spaces and transportation networks to housing and air quality—has a profound impact on the physical and mental well-being of citizens. This summit brings together urban planners, public health experts, and policymakers to discuss strategies for creating more equitable and healthy urban spaces. The summit program is built around the pillars of health, equity, and place. Keynote speakers will present case studies of successful urban health interventions from around the world, highlighting the importance of data-driven design. Interactive sessions will allow participants to dive into specific topics such as "The 15-Minute City," "Active Travel Infrastructure," and "Mitigating Urban Heat Islands." The event emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach, breaking down the silos between health departments and planning offices. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the "Health in All Policies" framework and practical tools for implementing health-centric design in their own projects. The venue, Titanic Belfast, provides an inspiring setting that symbolizes the city's history of innovation and renewal. With a focus on equity, the summit also explores how urban design can reduce health disparities in underserved communities. This is an essential event for anyone committed to building cities that not only function efficiently but also nurture the health of everyone who lives in them.

The University Design Forum Annual Conference 2026, hosted at Queen’s University Belfast, centers on the thought-provoking theme of "Less is More." This event is a critical gathering for architects, estate managers, and planners who are reimagining the future of higher education facilities. In an era where sustainability and efficiency are paramount, the conference explores how "less" in terms of environmental impact, resource consumption, and physical footprint can lead to "more" in terms of student experience, pedagogical innovation, and community integration. Throughout the two-day event, attendees will participate in site tours of the newly developed Queen's Business School and other innovative spaces across the Belfast campus. The program includes workshops on the circular economy in campus design, the psychology of learning spaces, and the technical challenges of retrofitting historic university buildings for modern carbon-neutral standards. High-level panel discussions will bring together diverse perspectives from university leadership and design professionals to debate the best ways to use existing estates more effectively. The conference also features the prestigious Student Prize announcement, celebrating the next generation of designers who are tackling these challenges head-on. Networking sessions are woven into the schedule, including a welcoming drinks reception at the Architecture School. By focusing on the concept of "Less is More," the event aims to provide practical, scalable solutions for the global higher education sector, ensuring that the physical university remains a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive hub for learning and research.

The Sociological Association of Ireland (SAI) Annual Conference for 2026 is a premier academic gathering hosted by the School of Social Sciences, Education, and Social Work at Queen’s University Belfast.This year’s theme, "Conflict, Change, Solidarity," delves deep into the shifting social landscapes of the 21st century. As societies grapple with the aftermath of global crises, technological upheaval, and evolving political ideologies, this conference serves as a vital platform for rigorous debate and intellectual exchange. Participants will explore how solidarity is forged in the face of deep-seated conflict and how rapid social change influences identity, community, and governance. The event will feature a series of high-profile keynote addresses from internationally renowned sociologists, alongside numerous parallel sessions covering diverse topics such as criminology, social policy, education, and digital sociology. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research through paper presentations, poster sessions, and interactive workshops. The historic Lanyon Building provides a majestic backdrop for these discussions, fostering an atmosphere of tradition and innovation. Beyond the formal sessions, the conference emphasizes networking and collaboration. A formal reception and conference dinner will be held, allowing delegates to connect in a more relaxed setting. This event is not only a showcase for Irish sociology but also a welcoming space for international scholars to contribute to global sociological discourse. By examining the intersections of conflict and solidarity, the conference aims to produce insights that are both theoretically rich and practically relevant to contemporary social challenges.Whether you are a seasoned academic, an early-career researcher, or a student of social sciences, this conference offers a comprehensive look at the forces shaping our world today.

The 52nd Annual Conference of the Regional Science Association International – British and Irish Section (RSAI-BIS) is a premier academic gathering hosted by the prestigious Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast. This significant event brings together a diverse community of scholars, practitioners, and policymakers dedicated to the field of regional science. The conference serves as a critical platform for presenting cutting-edge research in spatial economics, urban planning, geography, and regional development. Attendees can expect a rigorous academic program featuring keynote addresses from world-renowned experts, parallel thematic sessions, and interactive workshops. The 2026 edition emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to solving regional disparities, fostering sustainable urban growth, and analyzing the socio-economic impacts of digital transformation on local communities. Set in the historic and beautifully restored Riddel Hall, the venue provides an inspiring atmosphere for intellectual exchange and professional networking. Beyond the formal presentations, the conference includes a gala dinner and social excursions that highlight the rich cultural heritage of Belfast. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in high-level discussions that influence both academic theory and practical policy applications. Whether you are an early-career researcher looking for mentorship or a seasoned professional seeking the latest spatial data trends, this conference offers unparalleled opportunities for growth. The event aims to strengthen the links between the British and Irish regional science communities while welcoming international perspectives to the vibrant city of Belfast.