FUSION -- case studies #2 -- CRM

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SCI-FUN

University of Edinburgh

Case study #2
The MRC CRM Family Day

In November of 2008, the MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine – in collaboration with SCI-FUN and FUSION – hosted a Stem Cells Family Day event at Our Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh, as a prelude to the MRC CRM's Launch Symposium, held the following day.

This free event – held in the Ozone function space in the ODE entry hall – was open to the public (of all ages), and was an introduction to some of the current work being undertaken in stem cell research.

The Family Day was the first opportunity to test the FUSION research engagement model: working closely with a University research group;designing exhibits, presentations and graphics; working alongside researchers; and organising a public event to showcase their work.

More information can be found on the event (including images of the day's activities) at this SCI-FUN Roadshow page.

FUSION and SCI-FUN responsibilities

Tasks undertaken by FUSION and SCI-FUN as part of the organisation of the MRC CRM Family Day event are summarised below.

FUSION designed a 30-minute science presentation – aimed at a schools audience – introducing stem cell research, which was used by SCI-FUN as part of its Roadshow offering to a selected group of schools (chosen in collaboration with the MRC CRM).
A series of new exhibits were designed by FUSION as part of the collaboration; these – including (amongst other new life-science exhibits) a mechanical centrifuge; an interactive discussing the use of stem cells to treat various conditions; and an interactive mannequin demonstrating the origin of stem cells – were showcased at the Family Day event, and have since been used as part of the SCI-FUN Roadshow.
A mini-lab was set up for the event, and was staffed by CRM researchers, who were able to discuss their work with the public, and to let pupils and adults carry out some laboratory experiments.
A "meet the scientist" session took place, in which an invited US scientist discussed his work and took questions from the audience.
FUSION was responsible for the organisation of the entire Family Day at the ODE (including liaison with the PDE staff and organising publicity). A schools poster competition was run in the months leading up to the event, to generate interest from local secondary school pupils, which culminated in award presentations at the end of the day.
The SCI-FUN Roadshow team were part of the overall organisation and running of the event: SCI-FUN presenters were available, alongside CRM staff, to chaperone the exhibit session, and to interact with the public and pupil audience.