50 EDINBURGH SCIENCE FESTIVAL In April 2026, our team of staff and students from across the UK successfully engaged the public at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh’s science centre, with our biofilm research. This event was part of the Edinburgh Science Festival and over 3000 visitors over the 2 years. As well as participating in our Build a LEGO Biofilm activity, attendees also engaged with our new biofilm virtual reality experience, using a state-of-the-art Meta Quest 3 VR headset to create stunning virtual biofilms, guided by real research simulation software and inspired by our own scientific work. Our team, made up mostly of PhD students from around the UK, developed their public engagement skills through this event, supported by dedicated training. Both the visitors, a mix of local families and tourists, and our volunteers had a fantastic time exploring biofilm science through fun, hands-on activities and lively conversations. THE BRITISH SCIENCE FESTIVAL: LIVERPOOL On 13 September 2025, NBIC’s Open Innovation Hub for Antimicrobial Surfaces at the University of Liverpool took part in the British Science Festival, organised by the British Science Association, the University of Liverpool, and Liverpool John Moores University. The team hosted an interactive drop-in experience at the Bluecoat Gallery titled Welcome to Microbe City. Held annually, the British Science Festival brings together free exhibits, talks, workshops, and performances that connect the public with scientists and demonstrate the impact of science on everyday life. Events such as this play an important role in promoting STEM education, encouraging hands-on scientific exploration, and engaging communities with biofilm research. Volunteers from the University of Liverpool, alongside collaborators from the wider NBIC community, including the University of Edinburgh, the University of Southampton, Manchester Metropolitan University, and Glasgow Caledonian University, worked together to deliver a range of informative, biofilm-focused activities. Visitors to Welcome to Microbe City were invited to take part in several engaging experiences. These included a video installation introducing audiences to the world of biofilms, and showcasing research taking place at NBIC and the University of Liverpool. Attendees also learned the six-step hand hygiene procedure through a fluorescent light-box activity, kindly provided by partners from the Safeguarding Health through Infection Prevention group at Glasgow Caledonian University, and facilitated by volunteer PhD student Olivia Sealy. The exhibit further featured real-world examples demonstrating how biofilms and microbes influence everyday life. In addition, the Build a LEGO Biofilm activity offered an interactive and accessible way for visitors of all ages to explore the complexity of biofilm structures and behaviours. Our interactive Build a LEGO Biofilm activity.
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