Festival of the Mind 2026
Discover what happens when art, creativity and research come together at the University of Sheffield’s Festival of the Mind.
Taking place across Sheffield, the festival brings together researchers and local artists for 10 days of interactive exhibitions, live performances, talks, films and activities.
With over 40 creative collaborations exploring everything from artificial intelligence and virtual reality to health, history, nature and the environment, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
All events and exhibitions are free and open to everyone.
Performances, talks, films and demos
From live music and theatre to robotics demonstrations, film screenings and interactive workshops, discover how University of Sheffield researchers and local creatives are bringing their ideas to life.
Explore everything from artificial intelligence and the future of technology to Sheffield’s hidden histories, science and culture.
Book for our 2026 events
Exhibitions
Discover interactive exhibitions across Sheffield’s Millennium Gallery, Persistence Works and Winter Garden, where University of Sheffield researchers have teamed up with local artists to bring their ideas to life.
From virtual reality and artificial intelligence to space, nature, health and Sheffield’s industrial heritage, experience research in new and unexpected ways through immersive installations, sculptures, films and hands-on activities.
Discover our 2026 exhibitions
The University of Sheffield Player
Explore highlights from previous Festival of the Mind events and exhibitions on the University of Sheffield Player.
Discover how researchers and local artists have brought fascinating ideas to life through exhibitions, performances, talks and films, covering everything from science and technology to history, culture and the environment.
Explore Festival of the Mind on the Player
Sign up to our monthly newsletter to hear about the latest research from the University of Sheffield
Latest news
View all news
Festival of the Mind returns to Sheffield with over 40 free events this November
A mind-blowing celebration of the University of Sheffield’s world-leading research is heading to the city centre this autumn, as Festival of the Mind returns with over 40 free live performances, exhibitions, films and interactive events. The nine-day family-friendly festival, which has brought more than 200,000 visitors into Sheffield city centre since 2012, returns to venues […]
A warm welcome from Festival Director, Professor Vanessa Toulmin
A warm welcome to Festival of the Mind 2026! Fifteen years after we began planning in 2011 and eight festivals strong, this edition holds a deeply personal significance for me. As I step down as Festival Director to return to my community of scholars in the School of English, I find myself looking back on […]
A message from Deputy Vice President for Research, Professor John Flint
I’m absolutely thrilled to welcome you to Festival of the Mind 2026! Research is the core of everything we do at the University of Sheffield. Day in and day out, our researchers work tirelessly to address some of the world’s greatest challenges, from pioneering technological breakthroughs and building a sustainable future, to advancing global health […]