RDCS hosts innovative Newham Citizen Science Fair

The Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability (RDCS) at the University of East London (UEL) recently hosted the Newham Citizen Science Fair 2026, welcoming residents, families, students, researchers, and community organisations for a day centred on curiosity, creativity, and shared learning.

Delivered as a free, volunteer-led event, the fair transformed RDCS into an open and accessible space where science and technology were explored through participation rather than observation. Visitors were encouraged to experiment, ask questions, and engage directly with the people behind the ideas. The event created a lively, collaborative atmosphere, reflecting how science and innovation can thrive when the community is at the heart of the experience.

Throughout the day, visitors explored a wide range of themes including the environment and climate, digital inclusion, robotics, creative technologies, and the role of AI in everyday life. Sessions were designed to be interactive and relevant, giving attendees of all ages the opportunity to test ideas, learn new skills, and see how technology connects to real-world challenges and future careers.

UEL colleagues, students, and partners were central to the programme, delivering hands-on activities, talks, and engagement opportunities that showcased the breadth of expertise and creativity within the university. UEL’s direct contributions included:

• Hosting and sponsoring the event through RDCS, ensuring the space was fully equipped for interactive learning
• Running a Neighbourhood Hub stall, engaging local residents and community organisations on initiatives, opportunities, and collaboration
• STEM activities from the School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering, including aviation challenges, marshmallow tower builds, and interactive problem-solving tasks
• Engagement through Public Allied Health and Sustainability Champions, connecting attendees with practical insights on health, wellbeing, and sustainable living
• Rix Centre activities and a talk from Dr Nic Hollinworth on co-creating inclusive technologies, illustrating how innovation can be designed for everyone
• Maker Club, Borough Brain, and Think Create Learn Robotics sessions, providing hands-on learning in creative technologies and coding
• A talk from Kiran Patel on the maker ethos, exploring pathways from consuming to creating technology
• Student-led engagement on environment, climate, and nature, demonstrating UEL’s commitment to research-informed community learning 

The involvement of Newham Council’s Digital Inclusion Team further strengthened the local focus of the event. Code Club, Tea and Tech, and Easter activities provided additional opportunities for residents to engage with digital skills in approachable and practical ways.

The fair highlighted the value of co-creation, with community members actively shaping conversations, testing ideas, and engaging with research and innovation in meaningful ways. Visitors not only learned about science and technology but also contributed to the development of ideas, reflecting a model of inclusive and participatory engagement that RDCS champions.

For RDCS, hosting the Newham Citizen Science Fair reflects a wider commitment to opening the university and acting as a civic anchor within the Royal Docks and Newham. The event demonstrated how RDCS can bring together community, academia, and partners to create inclusive spaces for learning, collaboration, and innovation.

Most importantly, the day reinforced that when people are invited to participate, not just observe, science and technology become more relevant, inclusive, and impactful. It was a clear example of how universities can work alongside local communities to build skills, inspire curiosity, and create pathways for future learning and careers.

The success of the event underscores RDCS’s mission to bridge the gap between academic research and everyday community experience, helping to ensure that knowledge, innovation, and opportunity are shared widely and equitably.