Public Engagement News & Events
We enjoy sharing our research with the wider public, whether they be children, families, patients or other scientists
COVID-19
Due to the current coronavirus pandemic, in-person activities have been limited until further notice. We have uploaded resources which will help parents and children continue to learn about immunology and fundamental science concepts at home.
CIR researchers launch ‘Intensive-Share’ – a patient and public involvement group for paediatric critical care research
On Saturday 15 October 2022, researchers from CIR and the team at Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity launched a patient and public involvement (PPI) initiative for paediatric critical care research.
CIR shares Supercytes schools resource at World Antibiotic Awareness Week event
On 21 November 2022, CIR showcased their Supercytes resource at an antibiotic awareness event.
CIR collaboration with Edinburgh College of Art – Operation Colodenum
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh Centre for Inflammation Research are developing a new, online vaccine-themed learning resource, in collaboration with local schools and animation students from the Edinburgh College of Art.
The Mould that Changed the World
The 2018 Edinburgh Fringe sell-out science-themed musical is returning to the Fringe from 11-17 August, and visiting Glasgow 18-20 August.
CIR welcomes 40 secondary school pupils into the lab
As part of Science Insights, an annual biology-themed work experience programme for S5 pupils, CIR hosted facility tours and lab taster sessions for 40 enthusiastic high school pupils.
CIR presents 2022 Award for Excellence in Public Engagement
Sofia Sintoris and Michelle Wilson were awarded the 2022 Trainee Award for "Excellence in Public Engagement."
CIR visits Castlebrae High School to co-produce new videogame
May 2022 – Several researchers visited two Castlebrae Community High School science classes to co-produce a videogame focused on vaccines, antibiotics, and the microbiome.
Local science teachers visit QMRI to learn about Supercytes
May 2022 - Professor Donald J. Davidson shows teachers how to use card game Supercytes to teach pupils about immunology.
CIR hosts patient and family day exploring paediatric IBD
On Saturday 21 May, CIR held an event to support young people with IBD and share current IBD research.
IRR Science Festival group builds vaccines with families at the Edinburgh Science Festival
Two years after planning a workshop about vaccines, the IRR Science Festival Subcommittee was finally able to deliver their hands-on activity face-to-face with families at the 2022 Edinburgh Science Festival.
Supercytes Teacher Training Event
A free teacher training event exploring Supercytes, a biology-themed educational resource that can be used in primary or secondary classes.
Paediatric IBD Event: Let’s Talk About Research!
Learn more about paediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)! Speak with leading IBD scientists and hear about cutting-edge IBD research.
Science Insights 2022 applications are now live for S5 pupils
Science Insights is an exciting work experience programme designed to give 5th year high school pupils a real insight into the work and life of research scientists.
IRR takes part in BioQuarter primary school STEM clubs
Over the course of five weeks, scientists and researchers from across the Edinburgh BioQuarter will deliver a series of STEM clubs for local primary schools.
Amazing Immunology: Be a Scientist, Build a Vaccine!
Become an immunologist for a day! Join IRR at the Edinburgh Science Festival
| Workshop | Ages 7+ |
£5 (Free for accompanying adult)
Vaccine Workshop - Trial run in local primary school
On 21 February, six members of the IRR Science Festival subcommittee visited a P5/6 class at Niddrie Mill Primary School to talk about the immune system and vaccines.
CIR takes part in Midlothian Science Festival online
From 11th to 29th October, the Centre for Inflammation Research delivered Supercytes as an online resource at the 2021 Midlothian Science Festival.
Local Scout group learn about immunology with Supercytes
November 2021 - CIR Researcher, Chengcan Yao, led a local Scout group through CIR's educational immunology resource, Supercytes.
A Scientist Just Like Me - CIR PhD Students share their experience of being scientists
November 2021 – CIR PhD students, Jenny Shelley and Nelly Mak, created school resources to introduce children to science and what it's like to be a scientist.
Two PhD Students win CIR Public Engagement Award 2021
August 2021 – Susanna Riley and Jennifer Shelley are the joint winners of the Centre’s 2021 Trainee Award for Excellence in Public Engagement, for their contributions to a variety of Centre initiatives.