Friends in Low Places at the Great British Bioscience Festival

Wednesday, 19 November 2014

University of Reading team with the 'Friends in Low Places' exhibit

A University of Reading team showcased their research in an exhibit entitled ‘Friends in Low Places', referring to the friendly bacteria living in the gut, at the Great British Bioscience Festival at the weekend- a celebration of 20 years of world-leading bioscience funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.

The University of Reading team, led by Professor Parveen Yaqoob, were amongst 20 to win a science communication award to present their research to the public. The exhibit illustrated the importance of bacteria in everyday life, included a giant walk-through colon, complete with sound effects and reactions to different foods, demonstrated some of the team's research on probiotics, and presented an interactive map illustrating communication between gut bacteria and the immune system.

More than 6500 visitors of all ages attended the 3-day festival, describing the engaging exhibits as ‘fantastic' and ‘inspiring'. The giant colon was a particular draw and will be permanently housed at the Winchester Science Centre from January.

Professor Jackie Hunter, BBSRC Chief Executive said: "BBSRC works with some of the most exciting and potentially far-reaching areas of research in bioscience, and must communicate with the public to respond to their aspirations and hopes for the future. The festival provided a unique opportunity to engage with the Great British public in a fun and interactive way - creating a truly amazing event."