In a city known for innovation, it’s vital that every community has a chance to explore, learn, and grow. To meet this need, Abbey People and Kings Hedges Family Support Partnership and local community organisations worked in partnership to create Eager Explorers, with funding from the National Lottery Community Fund.
“Abbey is a part of Cambridge that often feels disconnected from the city’s tech hub. As part of our Abbey Together Project, our goal is to work with partners to bring science and technology closer to the residents of Abbey.”
Nicky Shepard, CEO of Abbey People
Abbey Ward is a vibrant part of Cambridge, but for many years, it has felt distant from the city’s world-class research and tech centres. Though only a few miles away, Abbey residents, especially children, have had limited access to hands-on science and technology. That gap matters. In a city known for innovation, it’s vital that every community has a chance to explore, learn, and grow.
Bringing science into the heart of Abbey
To meet this need, Abbey People and Kings Hedges Family Support Partnership, local community organisations working in partnership with funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, created Eager Explorers. This annual event brings science into the heart of Abbey. Over the past three years, it has grown into a much-loved celebration of curiosity and learning. The University of Cambridge has proudly supported the event alongside many brilliant STEM leaders across the city including Wellcome Connecting Science, Ninja Theory, AstraZeneca, The Centre for Computing History and the Cambridge Museum of Technology. Over 25 University of Cambridge researchers and museum staff have contributed their time, energy, and expertise over the last three years.
The Public Engagement team at the University helped connect researchers and outreach staff with Abbey People. Through these strong partnerships we continue to iterate each year and build a programme that reflects the interests and ideas of local families. Abbey People worked closely with residents to shape the event, choosing topics and formats that would spark excitement. Contributors responded with creativity and care, designing exhibits, experiments, and workshops for all ages.
Nicky Shepard, CEO of Abbey People, shared why this work matters
“Abbey is a part of Cambridge that often feels disconnected from the city’s tech hub. As part of our Abbey Together Project, our goal is to work with partners to bring science and technology closer to the residents of Abbey.”
Each year, Eager Explorers fills a local venue with energy and wonder – more recently being hosted by the incredible team at Cambridge United Foundation at the Cledara Abbey Stadium. Throughout the day, children build DNA models, code simple games, and ask big questions. Adults rediscover the joy of learning. Angie, Family Coordinator at Abbey People, described the atmosphere:
“The day is filled with activities aimed at sparking curiosity and inspiring future generations. From hands-on experiments to coding workshops, there is something for everyone—whether young children discovering the wonders of science for the first time or adults reigniting their passion for learning.”
The impact has been clear. More than 200 residents have taken part over three years. Local children have joined science clubs and started thinking about careers in STEM. Families say they feel more connected to the wider world of science. One parent reflected:
“I have realised that there are many ways to trigger children’s curiosity, not just through books. We particularly enjoyed making and drawing DNA—even me as an adult!”
Working together has benefited the local community and the University
For the University, Eager Explorers has offered a powerful way to support place-based engagement. It has helped researchers build lasting relationships with local communities and explore new ways to share their work. It has also shown how science can be a tool for equity, inclusion, and community building.
As the event grows, so does the partnership. Plans are already underway for Eager Explorers 2026, and the University looks forward to deepening its support for community-led initiatives like this one.
A huge thank you to all the staff and researchers across the University and its museums who have supported this event to date – we look forward to working with you again next year!
Do you want to get involved locally?
If you’re a researcher or engagement staff member at the University and would like to get involved, please contact: communityengagement@admin.cam.ac.uk. You can learn more about Eager Explorers 2025 in this BBC article, and the incredible work of Abbey People and the work of Kings Hedges Family Support Project.
Supporters of this project
A huge thank you to all the staff and researchers across the University and its museums who have supported this event to date – we look forward to working with you again.
Department of Computer Science and Technology
Cambridge Stem Cell Institute | University of Cambridge
Technician commitment | Technician Development
Department of Archaeology | University of Cambridge
Institute of Metabolic Science | Metabolic Research Laboratories
Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit (CEU) | Department of Public Health and Primary Care (PHPC)
Kavli Centre for Ethics, Science, and the Public – University of Cambridge
Cambridge University Museums
Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences
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