Engaging with Proteins
Project contact:
Dr Halina Mikolajek/Bainbridge, former Research Fellow in X-ray Crystallography and NMR, Biological Sciences University of Southampton
Partners:
- Artists from unit11studios
Engagement activitity:
- A number of workshops to create panels that explain proteins
- An exhibition at Harbour Lights Picture House
Project summary:
The aim of the project was to engage a wide range of public in creation of a large communal piece of artwork, made up of small individual panels, which explain how proteins play many roles in human bodies, are targeted by drugs and associated with disease. This project involved a number of small workshops where groups composed of scientists and members of the public discussed proteins, created and decorated artwork panels. The public could further enagage with the activity during the public engagement event on Southampton Science and Engineering Day in March 2017. The artwork was used at a workshop teaching home schooled children about science and specifically about proteins.
Key outcomes:
The project was able to engage a broad section of the public. During the Science and Engineering Day, all ages, backgrounds and genders took part. Young children were very keen to get involved and enjoyed learning in an informal manner. Dr Halina Mikolajek also conducted a workshop for home schooled children. She used canvas to cover a number of areas within their curriculum. Many scientific topics could be communicated via this medium, in particular difficult subject areas for children with illnesses helping them understand their condition (asthma and Cornelia Blume).
What's next
Engaging with Proteins exhibition is set to run from 9 December until 31 December at Harbour Lights Picture House. Two more workshops have been scheduled, inlcuding with home schooled children.