The Unit has a comprehensive public engagement programme. This includes:
- visits to local schools and other organisations
- mentoring of young scientists
- participation in the Cambridge Science Festival, where we exhibit every year
- our annual Open Day
- involvement in other events for public understanding of science
- engagement with artists and designers on the artistic interpretation of our science
For further information about the activities of the Unit, please contact our Communications Manager, Penny Peck ( ).
Alex Whitworth teaches at Drosophila training workshop in Nigeria
On 2 March 2020, Alex Whitworth participated in a three-day workshop on the “Role of Drosophila in Biomedical Research”.
Rare Disease Day 2020
29 February this year is the thirteenth international Rare Disease Day, coordinated by EURORDIS. Awareness-raising activities are taking place all over the world.
On Friday, 28 February, the MBU held its second annual face-painting event – the rare disease was represented by the different coloured fox!
Cambridge Science Festival 2020
On Sunday, 22 March 2020, the MBU will be showcasing its science at the Cambridge Science Festival event on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. Activities will include games, movies, hands-on activities and our scientists will be available to talk to visitors about life in the laboratory.
Visit by Sixth Form Students
We recently hosted a visit by sixth form students from Cambridgeshire.
Martin gave his excellent Biology Masterclass, Ana hosted a visit to the fly laboratory and Professor Sir John Walker explained the stucture of ATP synthase with the help of our Lego model!
The students met with a number of MBU members, including early career and senior scientists, for discussions about life at university, in the laboratory and career options.
Big Biology Day 2019
Great fun was had on Saturday, 5 October when members of the MBU took various activities to Hills Road Sixth Form College for Big Biology Day 2019.
The event was attended by visitors of all ages, who tried out our new Mito-gami activity, along with our "Destroying Mutant Mitochondrial DNA" game and mtDNA sequencing puzzles.
There was much conversation about the science and career options ... and a quiet corner for colouring.
Reaching out to Lowestoft and Beccles
On 18 and 19 September 2019, Dr Martin King visited three schools and a sixth form college in Suffolk, giving a 'masterclass' on mitochondrial biology, an overview of life at university (and Cambridge!) and helping with university interview techniques.
This tour was arranged in collaboration with Kathryn Singleton, School Liaison Officer at St Catharine's College, Cambridge - the College that Martin joined when he arrived in Cambridge.
The feedback questionnaires are currently under analysis - at first glance it looks as though Martin did a great job!
