Meet our researchers
Activities and events open to the public.
We run activities throughout the year to enable you to meet with our researchers, explore our research and discuss the impact it can have on health and our society.
Our activities vary from year to year to ensure we engage a variety of different audiences in different locations, but we do also have an annual programme of events that take place each year.
Annual events programme
April: Edinburgh Science Festival exhibition
Open to: Everyone, very family friendly
Venue: University of Edinburgh exhibition space, National Museum of Scotland
Booking required? No, drop in exhibitions that are free to visit
More information: TBC
June: MRC Festival of Medical Research activities
Open to: Varies, dependent on activity
Venue: Varies, dependent on activity
Booking required? Varies, dependent on activity
More information: www.mrc.ac.uk/about/events/mrc-festival-of-medical-research
July: Science Insights work experience programme
Open to: High school pupils finishing S5 who have an interest in pursuing a biomedical research career
Venue: Research Institutes and Centres at the University of Edinburgh’s College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, including our Institute
Booking required? Yes, free to attend but competitive application process based on passion for science (not exam grades)
More information: www.scienceinsights.ed.ac.uk
September: Doors Open Day
Open to: Everyone
Venue: Our Institute
Booking required? No, drop in event that is free to attend but some elements (e.g. tours) may need to be booked in advance/on arrival due to demand
More information: www.cockburnassociation.org.uk/edinburgh-doors-open-day
October: “So you want to be a biomedical scientist?” career exploration event
Open to: S5/S6 High School pupils with an interest in a biomedical research career
Venue: Varies - our Institute or another biomedical research institute at the University of Edinburgh
Booking required? Yes, but free to attend
More information: Distributed through schools, so please speak to your science teacher/Head of Science or email: Melanie.Smith@ed.ac.uk (Widening Participation Officer, University of Edinburgh)
November: “Pathology in Action” career exploration event
Open to: S4 High School pupils with an interest in exploring a career in pathology
Venue: Pathology Laboratories at the University of Edinburgh
Booking required? Yes, but free to attend
More information: Distributed directly to schools, so please speak to your science teacher/Head of Science or email: Fiona.McIntosh@ed.ac.uk
Enhanced Landscaping Project
In keeping with the organic design of our building, the landscaping incorporates native species and a wild flower bed, initially planted as turf. This has matured with a range of colour schemes from over the summer months and attracts a wide range of insect and other wildlife. Thousands of Fritillaria meleagris bulbs were also planted to extend the flowering period in spring.
A project has been funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) to further enhance the Institute of Genetics and Cancer landscape and facilitate engagement with medical research. One area contains medicinal plants (a “Physic Garden”), a theme that will be developed in due course, to help explain and promote the work of the Institute and enhance the experience of visitors and staff.
Monthly lab tours
Our CRUK Research Engagement Manager runs monthly lab tours for visiting groups within the CRUK Edinburgh Centre in our Institute. More information: edinburghcentre@cancer.org.uk
Art collaborations
Our researchers enjoy working in collaboration with artists to engage new audiences with their research, often from different perspectives. If you are an artist who would like to work with our researchers please send your project idea to: publicengagement@igc.ed.ac.uk
Policy visits
Our Institute and Centre Directors regularly host visits for MSPs, MPs and MEPs to highlight our research, the impact it can have on healthcare and important policy issues for biomedical research. If you would like to visit us please email: publicengagement@igc.ed.ac.uk
Media/press engagement
We are delighted to host photo calls and media visits to the Institute. Please contact: communications@igc.ed.ac.uk