Child Health Science for All

Scientists stepped away from their research to engage directly with children and families for the day, turning the Institute into an interactive hub.

Professor Lucy Wedderburn, a co-lead of the event, said:

“Our goal was to share with children and families incredible developments that have led to better treatments for children with rare and complex diseases, and to let them experience for themselves the excitement and wonder of how science changes lives for the better”.

Discovering science, hands‑on

Across the institute, interactive activity stations gave visitors the chance to explore research first-hand.

From organoids and stem cell science to kidney function and mental health, each station offered a different entry point into the world of child health research.

At one station, they examined spinach leaves used to demonstrate decellularisation.

At another, they stepped into a virtual reality experience simulating vision loss, offering a powerful understanding of how others experience the world.

For researchers, the event also offered a chance to reflect on how they communicate their work.

“I was amazed by some of the questions children have been asking,” said Giada Benedetti, a PhD student working on mini organs.

“It makes me zoom out and helps me to communicate science in a simpler, engaging way.”

For many, the highlight was simple: “Getting my activity sheet stamped at every station” was the key reflection from a number of children!

Meet the Scientists

In “Meet the Scientist” sessions, young people took the lead.

Supported by journalist James Tapper, Health and Science Reporter for The Observer, members of the Young Person’s Advisory Groups (YPAG) from both GOSH and Moorfields Eye hospitals interviewed researchers about their work, their personal motivations and discoveries.

Ethan, who has been part of YPAG since 2017, interviewed Dr Giovanni Giobbe about his work using tiny, 1mm biopsies to create miniature organ models.

These models allow researchers to test how treatments might work for individual patients.

Asked why he chose this field, Dr Giobbe reflected on his close work with patients at GOSH:

“I feel my work has purpose.”

Elsewhere, Aleena explored Dr Faiza Afzal’s research into sickle cell disease, asking what motivates her work.

“Research can have a huge impact on the lives of children. I’m motivated by making things better for the next generation.”

Dr Afzal described how the condition can affect every aspect of children’s lives, with some missing up to 30–40% of a school year, impacting them academically, socially and mentally.

Leo interviewed Dr Hugo Chow-Wing-Bom about his work using MRI and virtual reality to better understand vision and the brain.

Dr Chow-Wing-Bom shared important advice for anyone considering a career in the field:

“Be able to care, be interested, be curious.”

These conversations gave young people the opportunity not just to learn about science, but to ask the questions that mattered to them.

Science connecting to everyday life

Across the event, research was rooted firmly in the world beyond the lab.

Professor Pia Hardelid spoke about her work connecting large datasets to study the links between climate change and children’s health, explaining how environmental factors, from pollution to heatwaves, affect young people.

These interactions showed how UCL research connects directly to the environments, policies and systems that shape children’s health.

A space for learning

Throughout the day, the institute became a shared space for children, families and scientists to learn from one another.

For some participants, the connection was personal. Leyna, a former GOSH kidney patient and now a YPAG member, described her involvement:

“Growing up in and around the hospital, I learnt a lot about it. I am now in the GOSH YPAG, and being part of today’s event is a way to give back.”

For others, the day opened up new possibilities. Ayana, a YPAG member and one of the Meet the Scientist interviewers shared:

“Today helped me learn about all different types of diseases people might experience. It’s so important for children to start learning about science early and to be inspired.”

Parents like Emma reflected on the experience:

“My children have absolutely loved today. It’s brought them into a place where they can learn, but in a completely fun and experiential way.”

Professor Chris Clark, co-lead of the event, captured the atmosphere of the day:

“I’m really amazed by how warm the vibe and feel of the event has been. Science can come across as being very serious, but today has showed that it can also be warm, open and accessible.”