On the 13th of September 2025, the Open Innovation Hub for Antimicrobial Surfaces as part of the National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC) took part in the British Science Festival, run by the British Science Association, University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University. The team hosted an interactive drop-in experience at the Bluecoat Gallery titled, “Welcome to Microbe City”.
Taking place each year, the festival features free exhibits, talks, workshops, and performances that connect the public with scientists and highlight the impact of science on everyday life. Events like the British Science Festival are crucial for promoting STEM education, fostering hands-on exploration of science, and engaging the public with biofilm research. Volunteers from the University of Liverpool, as well as collaborators from the wider NBIC community (University of Edinburgh, University of Southampton, Manchester Metropolitan University and Glasgow Caledonian University), came together to create an informative biofilm centric activity.
Visitors to the “Welcome to Microbe City” exhibit took part in several engaging experiences, including a video installation introducing them to the world of biofilms, as well as the research being performed at NBIC and the University of Liverpool. They also had the opportunity to learn the 6 step hand hygiene procedure using a fluorescent light-box activity, kindly provided by our partners from the Safeguarding Health through Infection Prevention group at Glasgow Caledonian University and run by their volunteer PhD student Olivia Sealy. The exhibit also included an installation of real-life examples of how biofilms and microbes affect our lives. Finally, our 'Build a Lego Biofilm' activity, which demonstrates the complexities of biofilms provided an interactive learning activity suitable for all ages.
By offering interactive opportunities like this, we aim to spark curiosity and foster a deeper understanding of the microscopic world.