We’re excited to be taking part in Norwich Science Festival 2024. The annual event showcases the ground-breaking research and innovation happening in the fine city of Norwich.

Come along and learn about the our latest gut microbiome, food and health research and how you can take part in research.

LGBTQ+ Out Thinkers – Saturday 17 February

Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, join us to celebrate the fantastic and diverse STEM community in Norfolk – with a series of talks and a chance to network with local LGBTQ+ scientists. The event is hosted by Dr Sam Rowe, who is currently working as a Project Manager on developing the Norwich Centre for Microbiology (NCM) and speakers include Quadram Institute PhD student Gabriel Astorga.

• Book free tickets for the LGBTQ+ Out Thinkers event

STEMM Careers: So You Want to Work in Science? – Tuesday 20 February

Inspiring journeys, career insights, and practical tips from women in STEMM

Hear from a panel of leading women working in the STEMM industries, as they share insight into their journeys and the highs and lows of their careers.

The evening panel discussion at Norwich Cathedral’s refectory cafe features women scientists from across Norfolk and beyond including staff and students from Quadram Institute, PhD student Bushra Schuitemaker, Researcher Dr Heather Felgate and Digital Campaigns Manager Ruby O’Grady.

• Book free tickets to the Inspiring journeys, career insights, and practical tips from women in STEMM event (7pm  to 8.15pm) 

Norwich Research Park Day – Wednesday 21 February

We’ll be at the Forum in Norwich city centre from 9.30am to 4pm. The first hour (9.30am to 10.30am) is a bookable quiet hour for Norwich Research Park day. At 10.30am, the doors will open to the wider public. You can find us at Forum with stalls about:

Liver regeneration: your hidden superpower

Dr Naiara Beraza’s group have a stand raising awareness of fatty liver disease, how to keep your liver healthy and the ability the liver has to generate itself.

My microbes and me!

Come and explore the world of microbiomes with our researchers in the Narbad group and get ready to meet six different bacteria who have made themselves at home in and on your body.

Learn fun facts and test your knowledge with our activity of the day, a scientific take on pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey, pin the bacteria on the body. Leave with a fun factsheet to help you remember all of your favourite bacteria facts and choose your favourite bacterium to take home with you in the form of a sticker. We can’t wait to discover the diversity of the human microbiome with you!

Be a pathogen detective

The Langridge lab will be recruiting pathogen (disease-causing microbe) detectives in their exciting activity.

You will have the chance to experience the process of pathogen isolation from a patient, followed by pathogen identification and reporting, in a child friendly manner. This hands-on activity will encourage you to examine the characteristics of different bacteria and gain special insights into the bug  you find.

Take part in research

Join our researchers and NNUH Clinical Research Facility team to learn more about how you can take part in research.

The Quadram Institute and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital are running the PEARL-AGE study to better understand the importance of beneficial microbes in the development of the infant microbiota and beyond during an individual’s lifetime. This will help define microbial ‘signatures’ that are beneficial to health and lead to new therapies to promote health and prevent disease.

You can find out about the HARVEST study too. The HARVEST Study a 17-week study to investigate the use of hydroponically-grown, biofortified salad greens, and use of a dietary app, on iron and vitamin B12 status in vegan or vegetarian women of child-bearing age.

Plus on the day there will be a Sense of Smell Trial where you can find out more about how you can be part of research, and the work of the National Institute for Health and Care Research Clinical Research Facility at the Quadram Institute.

Gorleston Science Satellite – Wednesday 21 February

We’ll be at the Mini Explorium at East Norfolk College Sixth Form in Gorleston from 10am to 4pm with the What is a Scientist? exhibition developed by our researcher Dr Emma Waters which celebrates the diversity of scientists on Norwich Research Park. Plus Dr Sam Rowe and Dr Gemma Beasy will be on the Meet the Scientist panel.