

"World of CellCraft" Captivates Crowds at Great Exhibition Road Festival, Inspiring Future Scientists.
The annual Great Exhibition Road Festival, led by Imperial College London in collaboration with neighbouring cultural and educational institutions on and around Exhibition Road—including the Natural History Museum, V&A and Science Museum was held on 7th and 8th June 2025. The Great Exhibition Road Festival is a vibrant celebration of science and the arts, and students from the Institute of Chemical Biology Centre for Doctoral Training (ICB CDT) made a significant impact with their interactive stall, "World of CellCraft". The innovative exhibit engaged many hundreds of enthusiastic visitors, offering unique hands-on experiences that demystified complex scientific concepts.
Stepping into the "World of CellCraft," members of the public, from curious children to intrigued adults, were invited to become budding chemical biologists. Upon arriving at the exhibit, visitors were able to view a live demonstration showcasing the fascinating world of microfluidics. Visitors watched as tiny channels manipulated fluids at a microscopic level, gaining insights into how these ingenious devices are used in cutting-edge research, from drug discovery to medical diagnostics. The demonstrations clearly illustrated the practical applications of microfluidics in creating and manipulating artificial cells for various scientific and biotechnological purposes.
Students from the ICB CDT had devised two engaging and creative activities designed to further the public’s understanding if important concepts in chemical biology. Visitors were given the opportunity to build their own synthetic cell keyring, using laser-cut artificial cell membranes and cellular components (as well as glitter!) to allow participants to physically assemble the fundamental components that make up these remarkable artificial systems. This tactile activity provided a tangible understanding of cellular structure and function and provided an educational keepsake for adults and children alike.
Another popular station saw visitors unleashing their creativity by designing their own protein jewellery. This imaginative approach saw visitors building their own protein chains out of colour-coded amino acid glass beads, following ‘recipes’ for proteins such as insulin and haemoglobin. Visitors learnt that these molecular machines are the building blocks of life, each with a specific role determined by its unique structure. Conversations with the ICB CDT students running the stall further deepened this understanding, as they explained how the arrangement of amino acids dictates a protein's form and function.
By the end of their visit, attendees left with more than just a handmade souvenir; they departed with a newfound appreciation for the intricacies of chemical biology. The "World of CellCraft" successfully conveyed what artificial cells and microfluidics are used for in modern science and biotechnology, and provided a clear understanding of the essential building blocks of a protein.
"The engagement and curiosity we witnessed at 'World of CellCraft' were truly inspiring" said a spokesperson for the ICB CDT. "Our students did an incredible job of making complex scientific topics accessible and exciting for everyone. It's vital to foster scientific literacy and spark an interest in research from a young age, and the Great Exhibition Road Festival provided the perfect platform for us to do just that."
The success of "World of CellCraft" at the Great Exhibition Road Festival underscores the importance of public engagement in science and highlights the innovative approaches being taken by institutions like the ICB CDT to connect with and educate the wider community. The event was a testament to the power of hands-on learning and the enthusiasm of future scientists.
Article text (excluding photos or graphics) © Imperial College London.
Photos and graphics subject to third party copyright used with permission or © Imperial College London.
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Emma Pallett
Department of Chemistry

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Email: e.pallett@imperial.ac.uk
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