UEA beats the heat to wow crowds at the Royal Norfolk Show

By: Communications

Staff from the University of East Anglia (UEA) returned to the Royal Norfolk Show for 2026 to showcase its research, expertise and partnerships at one of the region’s biggest events.

Across the two days, UEA demonstrated what it means to be “part of Norfolk, for Norfolk”, showing how its work supports communities, businesses and public services, while contributing £559 million annually to the regional economy.

UEA’s presence spanned several areas of the showground, each highlighting a different aspect of its work - from business innovation and healthcare to sport, science and sustainability.

Business Zone: driving growth and opportunity

UEA for Business played a central role at this year’s show as the headline sponsor of the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce Business Zone, creating a space for collaboration and practical support.

The team delivered interactive sessions and expert advice to help organisations innovate, build skills and grow.

Visitors connected with UEA specialists through one-to-one and drop-in discussions, exploring how to access funding, talent and university expertise, including applying AI and data to real-world challenges.

Alongside this, the Business Advice Hub offered tailored support on areas including wellbeing, leadership development, legal advice, marketing and consultancy, reinforcing UEA’s role as a hands-on partner for regional business.

During her speech for the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce Sunset Drinks, Dr Nicola Hancock, Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Innovation at UEA, said: “Collaboration drives innovation, and innovation drives growth.

“That principle sits at the heart of InnovateUEA, our innovation ecosystem connecting research, business and talent to create real-world impact.

“There is something particularly special about being here at the Show. It represents some of the best of Norfolk and the wider region – our industries, our innovation and our sense of community.”

Launching our creative vision

Speaking at Wednesday’s drinks reception, Prof Catherine Richardson, UEA’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Arts and Humanities, highlighted the university’s cultural strategy and regional impact at the launch of Creativity in Action, which sets out UEA’s vision for strengthening arts, culture and the creative industries through research, teaching and new partnerships.

She said: “Our location just a few miles from here is of course a tremendous asset for this work. Norfolk’s increasingly important creative industries cluster of digital creative businesses, branding, gaming and technology firms brings fantastic opportunities for research, enterprise and innovation.

“We will work together to demonstrate the impact of creativity in creating a forward-looking and dynamic regional economy.”

Health and Wellbeing Zone: supporting healthier communities

Bringing together expertise from across health and medical sciences, the zone showcased career pathways including Paramedic Science, Speech and Language Therapy, and Physiotherapy.

Visitors took part in hands-on demonstrations such as practising CPR and testing balance equipment, offering insight into the skills needed to support patients and communities across the healthcare sector.

Innovation Hub: connecting research and enterprise

UEA also joined partners in the Innovation Hub, part of the Connected Innovation network linking research, business and enterprise across the East of England.

Working alongside organisations from Norwich Research Park and beyond, the university highlighted the power of collaboration in driving real-world impact. Visitors explored research from the School of Computing Sciences, including technology designed to improve Wi-Fi access in rural areas.

UEA also contributed to a programme of pop-up talks and a podcast series highlighting its latest innovation.

Sports Zone: getting active with UEA

Staff from Sportspark encouraged visitors to get involved in activities including pull-up bars, soft play equipment and cornhole, giving a fun, hands-on taste of UEA’s sporting facilities.

Leading the conversation on the future of farming

UEA also played a major role in thought leadership through its sponsorship and contribution to The Big Debate, titled Norfolk Farming in Turbulent Times – Do High-Input Systems Still Make Sense?

The session brought together leaders from across agriculture, business and policy, opening with remarks from Prof Julian Blow, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at UEA, and closed with a response from Prof Andrew Lovett, Professor of Geography in the School of Environmental Sciences.

Prof Lovett is also due to feature on BBC Radio 4’s Farming Today next week in a segment recorded at the show.

Supporting farming superstars

Image: Madalitso Mgunda and Rt Revd Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich and President of the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association

Madalitso Mgunda, a postgraduate student from UEA’s School of Global Development, was named the third recipient of the annual Norfolk International Scholarship.

Madalitso will explore crops such as beans, peas and lentils to reduce reliance on fertilisers, improve soil health and diversify crop rotations in one of England’s most productive farming regions

STEMM Village: inspiring curiosity and discovery

UEA staff brought science to life through a lively programme of interactive activities and hands-on experiments designed to engage visitors of all ages.

From exploring detailed anatomical models to testing reaction speeds and a special ‘Muscle Power Car’, the space offered a dynamic mix of experiences.

Climate Ambassadors were also on hand to share insights into environmental challenges and inspire conversations about sustainability.

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