The University of East Anglia is bringing its world-leading research and academic experts to the show (stand 181, avenue 6) this year, with a drop-in schedule of short interactive talks and hands-on demonstrations open to everyone. Check these out...

WEDNESDAY

10-10.30am Boredom, imagination and creativity – Dr Teresa Belton

We often feel as though we must do everything in our power to prevent ourselves from being bored, but what if boredom could help us to tap into our innate creativity? Come and explore this idea with Dr Teresa Belton, whose research has received national and international media attention.

11-11.30am The dementia timeline – Prof Michael Hornberger, Prof Eneida Mioshi, Dr Lee Hooper

Dementia is one of the major medical and healthcare challenges of our time, with the number of people living with the condition set to triple over the next 30 years. UEA is at the forefront of cutting edge, interdisciplinary research into the prevention, diagnosis, and possible treatments for dementia.

12-12.30pm Operation WALBEA – What the Americans left behind in East Anglia – Dr Derwin Gregory

During the Second World War, Norfolk and other East Anglian counties hosted the 'friendly invasion' of the US Army Air Force, which had a major impact on the local community, introducing new influences like big band music, peanut butter, jitterbugging and Coca Cola. Find out how the GIs lived, what they ate and drank, their illnesses and what products they used in their everyday lives.

1.30-2pm Who buys my food? – Prof Andrew Fearne in conversation with Lawrence Frohn, of Hillfarm Oils

The Who Buys My Food project uses shopper insight data from a range of sources, including Tesco Clubcard loyalty cards, surveys, focus groups and checkout scanners, to better understand the purchasing behaviour of specific shoppers and the factors that affect their decision-making process, such as brand awareness, product positioning, and price promotions.

2.30-3pm Bio-batteries. generating clean energy from bacteria – Prof Julea Butt

Biochemical scientists at UEA are helping to understand how clean energy may be generated with help from a surprising source – bacteria. Join this interactive showcase and explore how electrons are moved from the inside to the outside of bacteria so that they generate electricity.

3.30-4pm. 'Murder on the Norfolk Coast' – a preview of the Norwich Crime Writing Festival – Henry Sutton

Join author Henry Sutton (aka Harry Brett) and guests for a very different perspective on the county, in this exciting preview of this year's Noirwich Crime Writing Festival, which takes place from September 14-17.

THURSDAY

10-10.30am Valuing our water. the Anglian Centre for Water Studies – Dr Vittoria Danino

Already one of the driest places in the UK, forecast to have one of the highest levels of population growth with an economy highly dependent on agriculture, East Anglia faces some specific challenges in ensuring a sustainable supply of water into the future.

Hear how we can respond to these challenges by developing new technologies, increasing understanding of climate change and how to mitigate the impact on the water available to us.

11-11.30am The role of churches in the growth of Norwich – Dr Sandy Heslop

Researchers at UEA have been exploring and analysing the artistic, cultural, and social importance of medieval parish churches in Norwich, England and beyond. This interactive session explores the development of the religious landscape to understand the interaction of parishes and their influence in the city's urban growth.

12-12.30pm Pollinators in Peril – Dr Lynn Dicks

Learn about the risks of pollinator decline and its impact on the food chain, including some of our favourite foods. Find out how work with global brands is supporting this research and discover how what you are planning on eating for your lunch might affect pollinators.

1.30-2pm Who buys my food? – Prof Andrew Fearne in conversation with Lawrence Frohn, Business Manager at Hillfarm Oils

2.30-3pm I didn't know my hospital did that: research at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital – Prof Alastair Forbes

Join chief of research and innovation at the hospital, Prof Alastair Forbes, to find out about some of the key areas of hospital research, and how it works with other Norwich Research Park institutions, including the new Quadram Institute, which is dedicated to exploring the relationship between food, diet and health.