Public Engagement
Educational Platform: qTLC.app
We developed the web-based platform qTLC.app (link) to empower users to quantify chemical compounds using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and their smartphones. The platform has already been used in more than 50 countries across six continents and has been featured by Nature Research and the Royal Society of Chemistry. In recognition of its educational impact, the initiative received the UCL Education Award in 2020.
Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition 2023
Together with Prof. Gareth Veal, we led the exhibit ChromaDose: Improving Chemotherapy for Children at the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition 2023, one of the world’s most prestigious science outreach events. Selected as one of only nine featured research projects, our exhibit welcomed over 10,000 visitors and showcased cutting-edge research through interactive displays and live demonstrations. Watch the video here: link.
Bloomsbury Festival 2022
At the Bloomsbury Festival 2022, we launched the interactive initiative Become a Scientist: Analyse Unknown Substances with Your Smartphone, which attracted over 1,000 participants. Visitors took on the role of scientists and engaged in real-time experiments using digital tools. Watch the video here: link.
Participation in Science Festivals
Our team has actively contributed to numerous other public science events and festivals, often designing custom outreach activities. These include:
Royal Institution Masterclasses
It’s All Academic Festival
Through these platforms, we continue to make scientific discovery tangible, fun, and inclusive.
YouTube Channel
Our YouTube channel (link) provides tutorials and demonstrations of core scientific techniques, serving as a resource for learners worldwide. With over 106,000 views, it supports both independent learners and classroom-based education.
Patient and Public Involvement
In the ChromaDose project, supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), we co-developed medical device prototypes with patients, families, and the public. Our approach to participatory design and digital co-creation was featured as a best-practice case study in the NIHR Annual Report 2021 (link).
Digital Learning Platform for Young Patients
We have developed the digital learning platform drug-monitoring.app (link) in collaboration with key stakeholders to support children and adolescents undergoing chemotherapy. This tool is currently being used in clinical trials with plans for broader dissemination.
Promoting Equity in Education
We actively support equitable access to STEM education by hosting career workshops and internships for students from underrepresented backgrounds. We collaborate with programmes such as In2Science and Future Frontiers to inspire and empower the next generation of scientists.
Get in Touch
Are you planning a science festival, outreach programme, or public engagement event? We would be delighted to explore opportunities for collaboration or participation. Please contact us to discuss your ideas.