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Astbury Conversation Public Event 2026

A Design for Life: An interactive Q&A session

Are you, or a school or community group you work with, passionate about science?

In 2024, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded for breakthroughs in predicting protein shapes and functions, as well as creating entirely new proteins to improve health and the environment.

This is just the beginning. Welcome to the emerging field of Designing Biology, a rapidly growing area that’s transforming science, society, and future careers.

Join us for the Astbury Conversation Public Event at the University of Leeds to hear from leading researchers about the past, present, and future of Designing Biology. This is your opportunity to ask questions, explore groundbreaking ideas, and discover where this field is headed – and how you might be part of it.

Seeing the cell from the inside using a VR headset was just about the best thing I have ever seen.

What to expect - Sample schedule

11:30: Arrival and registration (for participants attending lab and campus tours)
12:00: Lab and campus tours (optional; you will be informed if your group is selected)
12:30 – 14:00: Explore interactive stalls on the theme of Designing Biology
14:00 – 15:15: A Design for Life: An Interactive Q&A Session
Three scientists working in Designing Biology will share their research, discuss why it matters, and offer insights into where the field is going and what careers are emerging.
15:30: Departure

A lab with one person sat at a computer while two other people look at the screen, as the middle person of the three points at the screen.

It was nice to walk around the campus, felt like I could see myself being a student there.

Who can attend?

  • This public event is open to anyone aged 16 and over.
  • You can attend individually, with your school, or as a community group.
  • Attendance is free, but booking is required.
  • Attendees are responsible for their travel to and from the University of Leeds.

What do I need to bring?

Nothing is required – just bring your curiosity and questions for the researchers.

Participant Code of Conduct

The following requirements will be in place for any visits to the University of Leeds campus:

  • You will not be permitted to bring or consume alcohol, cigarettes, illegal or intoxicating substances or bring or use weapons of any nature.
  • You are required to attend all timetabled activities within your designated group unless there is a valid reason for non-attendance e.g. illness.
  • You are required to follow any evacuation or emergency procedures as directed by Staff.
  • You must not leave the site of the event without permission from a member of Staff.
  • You are expected to comply with any reasonable instruction from University Staff. You understand that the University treats all forms of abuse, bullying, intimidation, sexist and racist behaviour very seriously.
  • You must not engage in any anti-social behaviour or abuse of any kind towards other participants or staff. You / your parents / carers will be held responsible for any intentional damage to University property.
  • Where staff have reason to believe that you have engaged in any serious incidents in breach of the above e.g. possession of alcohol, fighting, abuse etc. you will not be allowed to continue the event and arrangements will be made to remove you from site to your home. In that event, your parents / carers will be responsible for collection.
  • Upon commencement of the event, staff may require you adhere to additional reasonable rules applying to the specific activities which you are to undertake. To ensure the health and safety, other participants and staff, you are expected to comply with such reasonable rules.

Book your place