At the MRC Toxicology Unit, public engagement is an important part of how we do research. We work with schools, students, communities, public partners and creative practitioners to share our science, inspire curiosity and build meaningful conversations around health and biomedical research.
The University defines public engagement as the many ways in which expertise, knowledge, resources and collections are shared to inform and inspire others, while creating opportunities for public participation and input where appropriate.
From science festivals and school workshops to public partnerships and creative collaborations, our activities help people connect with the research taking place at the Unit. Through these interactions, we aim to make science more accessible, encourage dialogue and ensure our research remains relevant, accountable and beneficial to society
Our public engagement approach
Our toxicology research has the potential to directly impact society, and we believe scientists should be open about their work and its implications. By creating opportunities for people to engage with our science, ask questions, share perspectives and help shape research, we aim to make our work more accessible, relevant and beneficial to society.
Our approach is guided by five key principles:
Inspiring curiosity and interest in science: Creating accessible and engaging opportunities for people to discover the research happening at the Unit.
Building trust and understanding: Sharing expertise and encouraging discussion and dialogue around topics affecting health and society.
Inspiring future scientists: Working with schools and students to support learning and provide opportunities to engage with real-world scientific research.
Creating meaningful partnerships: Working collaboratively with individuals, organisations and communities to develop mutually beneficial projects.
Embed engagement in our culture: Providing training, opportunities and recognition that encourage engagement across the Unit.
Through our engagement activities, we strive to create mutual benefits through inspiration, knowledge exchange, empowerment and trust. Read our full Public Engagement Strategy.
Explore our work
Learn more about the breadth of our public engagement programme and discover how we connect people with our research.
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From festivals and events to comics and videos, explore how we bring complex scientific ideas to life. |
Through work experience, school visits and workshops, we help young people explore the people, pathways and possibilities behind scientific research. |
Bringing together public contributors, community organisations and researchers to share perspectives, explore ideas and learn from one another. |
Featured projects
Discover some of the projects that have become defining features of our public engagement programme.
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Cambridge Festival |
Science comics |
Work experience |
Public Partnership on Nucleic Acid Therapies |
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Since moving to Cambridge, the Unit has taken part in Cambridge Festival each year, bringing research to life through interactive exhibits, creative activities and opportunities to explore the science, ideas and discoveries behind our work. |
Through engaging stories and eye-catching illustrations, our comics help audiences explore research topics ranging from DNA damage and lung health to fibre toxicity and emerging therapies in an accessible and engaging way. |
Providing first-hand insight into life at a research institute, our work experience programme helps students explore career pathways, develop new skills and discover the many routes into science.
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Bringing together researchers and people with lived experience, this partnership creates opportunities to share perspectives, build mutual understanding and help shape conversations around the future of nucleic acid therapies. |
Recognition and celebration
Encouraging and recognising public engagement is an important part of our culture. We celebrate the researchers, students and professional services staff who help connect our science with wider audiences and contribute to a vibrant public engagement community across the Unit. Through annual awards and recognition schemes, we champion creativity, collaboration and excellence in science communication and public engagement.
Previous Public Engagement & Science Communication Award Recipients and Champions
2026: Simone Baldan, Mark Southwood
2025: Odara Medagedara, Gavin Garland, Gili Zilberman-Schapira
2024: Vitalina Chamberlain-Evans, Claudia Arnedo Pac
2023: Indra Roux
2022: Liza Emirali, Emily Self, David O’Loughlin
Our annual award and quarterly SciComm Stars Champions schemes celebrate engagement achievements throughout the year and recognise colleagues who make exceptional contributions to science communication and public engagement.
Latest news
Collaborate with us
We are always interested in exploring new ideas, developing partnerships and creating meaningful opportunities for people to engage with science.
Whether you are a school, community group, charity, researcher, artist, festival organiser or public contributor, we would love to hear from you. From one-off activities and creative collaborations to longer-term partnerships, we welcome opportunities to work with others who share our passion for making science accessible, engaging and relevant.
Get in touch to discuss a project, partnership or idea:
communications@mrc-tox.cam.ac.uk
