On Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th June 2024, our CSC students participated in the Great Exhibition Road Festival (GERF), welcoming members of the public to our stand, "Nature's Footprint in Cancer Care". This year's activities were organised by our 2nd-year iPhD student, Joshua Killilea, with the help from students Sadiya Quazi, James Zhang, Maja Bronowska, and Jingqi Hong.

"It was fantastic to go out, meet the public and explain some of the exciting science carried out in cancer research. Hearing the personal connections some members of the public had with the examples we were showing on our posters was especially powerful." - James Zhang

At the stand, visitors learned how scientists harness the power of nature to treat cancer by using naturally occurring compounds as anti-cancer agents and mimicking natural systems to enhance drug delivery. Posters and interactive models demonstrated how attaching existing anti-cancer drugs to biomimetics can increase their tumour-targeting properties, improving treatment efficacy and reducing side effects. This concept was illustrated through a hands-on activity where participants threw tennis balls at a target, adding bits of Velcro to the balls to simulate how biomimetics are used in targeted therapy.

The 2 days event is organised by Imperial College, in collaboration with iconic institutions such as the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the Royal Albert Hall . The festival showcased the world-leading research happening at Imperial College in addition to the vibrant art, design, science and food. Hundreds of Imperial College staff and students took part in the event, with free stands exploring a wide number of topics. These ranged from Science Cabaret – two-days of creative scientific exploration –feat. maths bingo, cell poetry, rainforest storytelling to Flourishing futures celebrating and exploring how people and the planet can flourish. 

"Taking part in the GERF has been a fantastic experience, and possibly my favourite since starting my PhD. Interacting with the public and explaining what we do has boosted my interest with my own project. It has also increased my confidence in talking about science in a way that others can easily understand." - Sadiya Quazi

More than 50000 visitors attended this year's successful event. Watch this space for GERF 2025 next year!