Public Engagement in the Community:
East Anglia Fellows of the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust

On Saturday 14th November 2009, we organised a visit for the East Anglia Fellows of the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust. This was in response to a previous meeting of Fellows, attended by the Head of Exterrnal Relations, where interest had been expressed in visiting a research institution to hear about life science research and how animals are used in research. Around 40 fellows attended the day, which included a mixture of science talks, debate and also a chance to hear about the history of the hall and some of our archaeological discoveries, with the help of Jonah Jones, Babraham Estate Manager.

Professor Keith Kendrick gave a presentation on “Future advances in Neuroscience and ethical issues in biomedical science” followed by a Q&A to discuss the social and ethical concerns associated with breakthroughs in life sciences. The day concluded with Dr Chris Smith from the ‘Naked Scientists’ - stripping down science and giving insights into how science is communicated by the media.

Events such as this provide an overview of the institute’s research, how we translate science and how Babraham’s Bioincubator, home to around 30 early-stage companies, is playing a pivotal role in bioscience innovation for the UK. We deliver one or two similar events each year, often including a panel of scientists for the Q &A session, to a variety of local public audiences since 2005. This includes the Visiting Fellows of the University of Cambridge, Friends of Kettles Yard (art gallery in Cambridge), The Rotary Club, Sawston Business Community and the local village.

Letter of thanks from the East Anglia Fellows of the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust