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Oxford Open Doors at the IDRM: A Day of Science, Discovery, and Community Engagement
The Institute of Developmental & Regenerative Medicine (IDRM) recently opened its doors to the public as part of the Oxford Preservation Trust’s Oxford Open Doors 2024 weekend. This annual event provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore some of Oxford’s most innovative and historic spaces, and this year, the IDRM was thrilled to participate, offering a first-hand look at the ground-breaking research happening within its walls.
A diverse team of researchers and support staff eagerly welcomed guests, answering questions and guiding them through a series of engaging activities that highlighted various aspects of IDRM’s cutting-edge research. From immersive virtual experiences to hands-on scientific demonstrations, visitors were given a rare chance to dive into the world of developmental biology, immunology, neurology, and cardiovascular science.
Art Meets Science: Synchrony and the Wonders of Cell Behaviour
One of the highlights of the day was Synchrony, a captivating science-art project developed by computational artist Andy Lomas in collaboration with IDRM researchers from the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics. This unique exhibit allowed visitors to control and modify the shape and rhythm of cells within a 3D artificial simulation, blending art and science in a truly mesmerizing way.
Older visitors engaged in thoughtful discussions about embryonic heart development, an exciting area within the Institute’s cardiovascular research theme. Meanwhile, younger attendees were captivated by the stunning visual displays and the novel experience of "hearing" cells through a headset. It was an engaging and creative way to introduce visitors to the complex world of developmental biology, making this intricate field more accessible and inspiring to all ages.
Muscle Switch: Learning About Neuromuscular Disease Through Gaming
The Muscle Switch game proved to be a huge hit with visitors of all ages. This interactive video game, developed by Professor Carlo Rinaldi and his team, invites players to use a handheld dynamometer to power an astronaut trapped inside a muscle cell. Players must squeeze the dynamometer to help the astronaut collect pieces of a spacecraft and escape — offering a fun and interactive way to understand the role biology, muscle damage and repair play in neuromuscular diseases.
Although younger visitors were especially drawn to the game, it was a member of the IDRM Building and Facilities Team who set a new strength record—an impressive 95 kg! If you missed it, keep an eye on our social media channels for the next opportunity to test your muscle power in Muscle Switch and see how your strength compares!
Immersive Science: Virtual Reality with SyGlass
Visitors were also able to immerse themselves in the world of microscopy through SyGlass, a virtual reality software tool that allows users to explore and interact with 3D scientific data. Attendees sliced through tissue sections and navigated the intricate beauty of the embryonic thymus, with a breath-taking image contributed by cardiovascular researcher David Grainger.
One visitor remarked, “I wish technology like this existed when I was at university. Being able to see in 3D rather than a static image in a textbook really helps put things in context and shows how different parts of an organ work together.” The experience highlighted how advanced technology can transform the way we understand complex biological structures and processes.
Family-Friendly Lab Tours and Microscopy Demos
In addition to these hands-on activities, visitors enjoyed family-friendly tours of our labs and microscopy facilities. These tours offered a fascinating overview of the ground-breaking research conducted at IDRM, as well as a brief history of the building and how the Institute came into being.
Guests of all ages were enthralled by the fluorescent samples in our microscopy lab, and they were able to observe the intricate details of T-cells preparing to defend the body under a confocal microscope. It was an opportunity to see science in action and to appreciate the cutting-edge tools researchers use to explore the cellular world.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientists
Events like Oxford Open Doors offer a fantastic opportunity to engage with the local community and demonstrate the real-world impact of our research. By opening our labs and inviting people to experience science from new perspectives we hope to inspire the next generation of scientists and show how discoveries made here at the IDRM can improve lives.
Whether they were exploring digital art, playing interactive games, or immersing themselves in virtual reality, visitors left with a deeper appreciation for the innovative work being done at IDRM. Thank you to everyone who visited and made the day such a success—we can’t wait to welcome you back next year!
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