IITM students, Bernadeta Dadonaite and Layal Liverpool, took to the stage at the start of the month to communicate science.
Bernadeta competed in the regional final of the science communication competition FameLab UK where participants have 3 minutes to explain a scientific concept of their choice to a non-expert audience, without the use of powerpoint.
Using wonderfully crafted props, Bernadeta delivered an enthusiastic and engaging talk about DNA origami and its potential use in targeted drug delivery. Her exceptional performance can be viewed here.
Bernadeta explains the concept of DNA origami
The very same week, although on a different stage, Layal gave a short talk about her PhD research at the first PubHD Oxford event. Without powerpoint or props, Layal made use of various analogies and hand gestures to explain how invading viruses are detected and dealt with by the innate immune system.
Layal describes how viruses are sensed by our cells
PubHD Oxford provides an opportunity for PhD students to explain their research at “pub-level”. PubHD events are held once a month at St Aldates Tavern and both Bernadeta and Layal are members of the organising committee.
An important part of being researchers is engaging the public with the science that we do. FameLab Oxford is run by Science Oxford, part of The Oxford Trust, and PubHD Oxford is supported by the British Science Association. The Wellcome Trust also encourages public engagement and offers support to all grant holders, from PhD students to Principal Investigators.
Author: Layal Liverpool
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