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Last weekend, the ICB CDT team hosted a Giant DNA Paper Modelling stall at the Great Exhibition Road Festival. This was manned primarily by the Year 1 PhD ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½, who we asked to give a summary below!

Over the weekend, our team ran the Giant DNA Paper Modelling stall, where we introduced visitors to the fascinating world of DNA and genetics through a series of hands-on activities.

The stall focused on helping young scientists understand what DNA is, how it stores genetic information, and how genes contribute to making us who we are. Visitors learned about complementary base pairing, discovering how adenine (A) pairs with thymine (T) and guanine (G) pairs with cytosine (C) to form the genetic code that underpins all life.

One of the highlights was our strawberry DNA extraction demonstration, where visitors were able to see DNA with their own eyes. We also used race cars to explore the importance of DNA’s secondary structure, helping to bring complex biological concepts to life in a fun and accessible way.

Across the two-day festival, visitors worked together to build an incredible 75 metres of paper DNA chain, creating a striking visual representation of one of nature’s most important molecules.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the weekend was seeing just how much people already knew about DNA. We had countless engaging conversations with visitors of all ages, from young children learning about genes for the first time to adults keen to discuss genetics, inheritance, and modern biological research. Over the course of the festival, we spoke to thousands of people, all united by a curiosity about how DNA makes us who we are.

The enthusiasm and excitement shown throughout the weekend was fantastic to see. Events like these provide a wonderful opportunity to share science with the wider public, inspire the next generation of scientists, and spread the message of just how fascinating DNA really is.