LifeLab has launched an exciting programme of events for Friday 28 and Saturday 29 September, to transform parts of Cambridge and Peterborough into centres of discovery and opportunity for the weekend. Most of the events in shopping centres, cafes and public spaces are free, with a range of activities to inspire all ages and interests.
 
Family-friendly activities include experiments in pop-up labs, a puppet show with a difference, story-telling and retro gameshows. Outdoor explorers can take a fascinating tour of discovery around some of Cambridge’s best kept scientific secrets (guided or self-guided) and foodies can enjoy pizza with a side of science. There’s also a laugh-a-minute comedy lab and a look at science on screen with a Saturday morning movie.
 
LifeLab aims to reach out to all communities, including people who haven’t engaged much with science or research before. The events focus on discovering the world around us, and the pioneering life science and opportunities on our doorsteps. Before the weekend events, there are also some warm-up activities in schools throughout Cambridgeshire to help reach a wider audience.

“ We’re incredibly excited to launch the LifeLab programme and look forward to welcoming people to our great programme of events. We’ll be shining a light on our region’s great strengths and opportunities in life sciences, including the many and varied career opportunities available
Dr Kenneth Skeldon, LifeLab lead from Wellcome Genome Campus Public Engagement

LifeLab is led by Wellcome Genome Campus Public Engagement, with partners including the Wellcome Sanger Institute, the European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), Babraham Institute, the University of Cambridge and the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology.

It is part of the European Researcher’s Night, an annual celebration bringing science together with society, that is happening in 27 countries across Europe on the last weekend of September. LifeLab joins other events around the UK organised by the Natural History Museum in London, the University of Aberdeen, and the University of Bristol, and this year Cambridge and Peterborough will join in the fun.

The full programme of events is available at www.camlifelab.co.uk. Events in the Grand Arcade and Grafton Centre in Cambridge and the Queensgate shopping centre and Cathedral Square in Peterborough are free. Other events may require advanced booking or paid entry on the door. Following @camlifelab on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram is an excellent way to keep up to date with details and get a glimpse of what’s happening behind the scenes as excitement builds!

“ With such a diverse programme, we’re hoping that there’s something for everyone. Primarily, we’re looking forward to sharing and celebrating an aspect of our region that has put it on the global map. LifeLab is providing us with the opportunity to try new things in new places and we can’t wait!
Laura Pellegrini, from the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, one of the many scientists involved in LifeLab