Interactive Demos and Exhibits

Date/Time: November 7, 2026, ongoing from 10-2 pm

Location: Tower Square Atrium

During the showcase, the atrium will be bustling with hands-on, all-ages activities. Browse interactive exhibits and live demonstrations of UMass research that's already making a difference in the Springfield community. Play games, get up close and personal with cutting-edge technologies, and have real conversations with the researchers behind the work.

Thinking about studying at UMass? This is an excellent chance to explore academic programs and meet the faculty and students who know the university best.

Below you will find a sampling of demo and exhibit topics. Please check back for more details as the event date approaches. 

Demo & Exhibit Topics 

For Kids and Families

• Bristle bots
• Kirigami
• Search for treasure with ground penetrating radar
• Spin the wheel

Food, Agriculture, and Environment

• Agriculture and entomology
• Earth, Geographic, and Climate Sciences
• Fish research on the Connecticut River
• Food Science
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Local solutions to food security
• Lemur and baboon research
• Microbiology

New Technologies

• AI and VR in research and teaching
• Mini-drones and photogrammetry
• Mobility devices
• Robotics

Social and Community Engagement

• Community-based energy and housing research in Western Massachusetts
• Equitable transitions to adulthood
• Eviction and housing law
• Financial decision making and nonprofits
• Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility
• Preventing age-related bone loss
• Photovoice
• Sports community building
• The psychology of adoption

Academic Programs

• Science Stories
• The Revolutionary, Inclusive, Sustainable Engineering (RISE) Scholars Program
• UMass Integrated Concentration in STEM (iCons) Program
• UMass School of Public Policy