Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology

Public Engagement - science tattooing at festivals

The Public Engagement Team are in the middle of their busiest time of year – festival season!

Photo of a person's calves, tattooed with DNA helix henna design

With help from 15 researchers from 11 labs, we have been science tattooing the public at the Falkirk Science Festival and the Meadows Community Festival, with Glasgow Science Festival coming up this weekend.

As usual, our stall is always incredibly popular, with kids and adults alike, keen to receive their transfer or henna tattoo from a “real scientist” whilst chatting to them about their research. In fact, we were so popular, a queue management system had to implemented at the Meadows! As always the jellyfish transfer is a big hit, and most of the team could now do Miller spread, and DNA helix henna tattoos in their sleep. We did also take some request for bespoke science tattoos, and on some more unusual parts of the body (Maria demonstrating how back of the calf base pair tattoos are delivered!) We estimate that we have engaged with over 3000 people over the past 3 weekends.

A scientist and member of the public pose for a photo in front of the festival stall

Thanks to everyone who has volunteered their time for these fun but full-on events.