Dr Jim Pritchett joins the Royal Society of Biology stand at this year’s New Scientist Live

Members and Fellows of the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) delivered hands-on public engagement as part of the RSB’s ‘Ask a Biologist’ exhibition activity, with thousands of members of the public visiting the stand over the four-day event.

The RSB ‘Ask a Biologist’ exhibition activity provided an opportunity for researchers to have an interesting and relaxed discussion with those attending New Scientist Live, including school students, interested parents and practicing scientists.

Visitors were encouraged to ask a key question to get the conversation started, with questions including: “What happens when I pick a scab?”, “Why is chlorine in my drinking water?”, “Can we feed 9 billion people?” and “How does a single cell develop into an animal?”

Jim was one of the biologists who engaged with the public about their research over the course of the 4-day event. Visitors were invited to ask them: What happens when I pick a scab?

Jim said, “I had a great time answering questions from a huge range of people, including young children and university students as well as scientists from other backgrounds. I'd love to have the chance to be involved in similar events in the future.”

From Thursday 28 September – Sunday 1 October 2017, 30,000 visitors from across the country attended the annual science showcase held at ExCel, London.

Now in its second year, the ‘Ask a Biologist’ exhibition activity has now seen more than 50 biologists talk about their research using props and hands on demonstrations to help communicate scientific concepts.

You can find the video of Dr Pritchett’s question here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WWEBV7XqAA&feature=youtu.be