At Wellcome Connecting Science, engagement is at the heart of what we do. Our mission is to enable everyone to explore genomic science and understand its impact on research, health, and society. One of the people dedicated to doing just that, is Sam Shingles, a Science Engagement Officer. Sam focuses on connecting communities with the ground-breaking work happening at the Wellcome Sanger Institute.

As a Science Engagement Officer, Sam plays a vital role in making genomic science accessible to a diverse range of audiences. From coordinating school visits and community events to delivering hands-on activities, his work is all about creating opportunities for meaningful engagement. Whether he’s welcoming groups to the Wellcome Genome Campus, or traveling to meet local communities, each day brings new interactions and conversations that help people connect with science in ways that feel relevant to them.

“We aim to spark curiosity and inspire learning through interactive experiences,” Sam explains. “It’s all about helping people feel empowered to explore science without barriers.”

From space science to genomics

Sam’s journey into science engagement didn’t begin with genomics – it started in space science. Studying planetary science at the University of Leicester, he discovered his passion for science communication while working at the National Space Centre. There, he loved inspiring curiosity in visitors and helping them see science in a new light.

Sam’s passion for engaging the public took him from the UK to Malta, where he contributed to a national science festival, before working with a science policy charity that connected communities with policymakers. Eventually, he found his way to Wellcome Connecting Science, drawn by the opportunity to work directly with communities and create engaging experiences around genomic science.

Inspiring young minds: a community science club

One particularly successful initiative was an after-school science club in collaboration with the charity Abbey People. The club gave young people, in one of Cambridge’s most deprived areas, a chance to explore DNA science. Many of them had previously felt disconnected from science at school, yet they returned each week with growing enthusiasm.

“It was amazing to see their excitement build over time,” Sam recalls. “For some, this was their first positive experience with science, and it could have a lasting impact on their future.”

Beyond inspiring young people, the initiative also encouraged a sense of community among parents, creating new opportunities for social interaction and support. A staff member from Abbey People noted how the sessions helped bring people together in ways they hadn’t expected, reinforcing the wider impact of science engagement efforts.

Making science accessible for everyone

Our Science Engagement Team prioritises underrepresented communities, such as schools with high pupil premiums or areas of social deprivation. All activities are designed to be free and accessible, and continuous feedback helps refine engagement efforts to better meet the needs of diverse audiences.

“Science should be for everyone,” says Sam. “We are constantly learning from our audiences to make sure our activities are relevant, accessible, and engaging for all.”

For those interested in science engagement, Sam has simple advice: start now. Whether it’s talking to friends and family about scientific topics or getting involved in community events, every conversation helps make science more accessible.

For Sam, the most rewarding part of his role is the chance to inspire others and hear different perspectives. Whether it’s a child discovering a passion for science or an adult rethinking their relationship with research, these interactions make a real impact.

“We never know who we might inspire,” Sam reflects. “Just one conversation could be the start of someone’s journey into science.”

Extraordinary science, explained

As well as engaging with local communities, Sam and his colleague Jack Monaghan, our Science Engagement Manager, run a series of live YouTube sessions to inspire and engage audiences around the world – Genomics Lite.

These sessions provide a unique opportunity for learners, educators, and people who are curious about science, to hear from genomic scientists about genomics related topics – extraordinary science, explained!

Learn more about our programme

If you’d like to discuss our science engagement programme, or if you have a science engagement opportunity you’d like to discuss with us, please email our Science Engagement Team.

To stay up-to-date with any opportunities or public events, you can sign up to our public events newsletter.