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Researchers from RDM’s Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (OCDEM) and the MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine (WIMM) took centre stage at this year's IF Oxford Science and Ideas Festival with some exciting and interactive public engagement activities.

Hal Drakesmith and Jon Wade presenting their talk 'Ironclad' at IF Oxford.

IF Oxford is an independent UK charity that works with organisations and groups to create a science and ideas festival throughout October every year. RDM researchers presented talks and interactive workshops for visitors to enjoy.
Organised by Daniela Nasteska (Diabetes UK RD Lawrence Fellow) and DPhil student Charlotte Frazer-Morris, the

‘You Cells and Sugar’ workshop was run by researchers from David Hodson's group with input from OCDEM clinician Rui Gao.

The activities raised awareness about blood sugar control. Researchers introduced young attendees to the hormones that regulate blood sugar, what happens when this balance is disrupted, and how individuals manage type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Learning about the impact of diet on the body’s hormonal response

Participants explored how peers with type 1 diabetes monitor their blood sugar and administer insulin. They also learned about the impact of diet on the body's hormonal response over time, especially in relation to type 2 diabetes. Many young attendees even performed their own experiments, testing simulated 'blood samples' for sugar levels.

The day was filled with curious, budding scientists who asked insightful questions and mastered pipetting techniques. It was also a valuable chance for the researchers to connect with parents, offering information on type 2 diabetes risk factors, nutrition, and resources from Diabetes UK.

Iron and its significance throughout history

The MRC WIMM’s first festival event was Ironclad, a whirlwind journey covering the Big Bang, the origins of life on earth and the development of modern vaccines delivered by Professor Hal Drakesmith and Professor Jon Wade (Department of Earth Sciences).

During the talk, a wide variety of props were passed around, including a meteorite and a (toy) Komodo dragon. Throughout their talk, Hal and Jon showcased the significance of iron across the different scientific fields and throughout the course of history. They also showed the audience how scotch eggs can be used as a model for planetary evolution!

How and why we edit genes

Researchers from across the Institute came together to deliver an activity called “How and Why We Edit Genes” at two of IF Oxford’s family zones, Explorazone and BLAST. This activity allowed children of all ages to learn about some of the methods scientists can use to edit genes and why this might be useful for treating certain diseases. Stand visitors could race to find all the ‘unhappy’ cells in a giant bone marrow model and turn them ‘happy’ again, simulating stem cell gene therapies.

Lisa Leinhos, one of the researchers running the stall, said: ‘It was fantastic to see kids light up with excitement as they explored science in a playful way. Watching them and their parents engage, ask questions, and discover together really showed how powerful these events can be in sparking curiosity and fostering a love for learning. Events like this help make science accessible and fun for all ages.’

Find out more about the IF Oxford Science and Ideas Festival.

Funding for public engagement

The University's Public and Community Engagement with Research seed fund is now open. Contact communications@rdm.ox.ac.uk if you're interested in applying.