20 Researchers from four schools across two faculties attend an event with more than 20,000 visitors

New Scientist Live, held annually at the ExCel Centre in London, is styled as ‘the world’s most exciting festival of ideas’. After the first event attracted over 22,000 visitors last year, the University of Manchester returned in 2017 alongside other exhibitors such as British Petroleum, British Aerospace Engineering Systems, Shell, GlaxoSmithKline and the European Space Agency.

Twenty researchers from the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology (MIB) used fun, hands on activities about DNA, genetic modification and enzyme reactions to tell the public about the University’s Industrial Biotechnology research beacon. This allowed them to highlight the work they do in the Schools of Health Sciences, Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering/Analytical Science to address global challenges in sustainable production of chemicals, medicines, materials and energy.

Dr. Nick Weise, Public Engagement Programme Manager for the MIB, reflected on the overall experience: “This is one of the most impactful events we contribute to during the year. It is also one of the most enjoyable for the many researchers from different areas of the University who volunteer to share the work they do with such a large number of people. We are hoping to expand the University’s contribution in future to include even more schools and departments, giving this engagement opportunity to as many different volunteers as possible and highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of the University’s research to the public.”