Immunotherapy and diabetes research at Eisteddfod 2016

Systems Immunity scientists present their research at the National Welsh Eisteddfod held in Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, Jul 29 - Aug 6, 2016.

Principal investigator Dr Dave Cole joined Diamond Light Source to host an interactive exhibit at this year’s Eisteddfod.

Diamond Light Source is the UK's most expensive science facility and is visited each year by hundreds of users from all around the world. The facility can generate light that is 10 billion times brighter than the sun that scientists can use to see tiny molecules and particles.

At the Eisteddfod, Dave and the Diamond team were inundated with interested visitors of all ages, curious to learn about how to grow crystals, how advanced robotics are used during experiments, and how 3D pictures of molecules at atomic resolution can help us make new scientific discoveries. Using balloons, magnets and nails, Dave explained how he and his co-workers have been using Diamond Light Source to generate new cancer medicines and learn more about the role that T-cells play in type 1 diabetes.

Systems Immunity principal investigator Prof Awen Gallimore joined Cancer Research UK's award-winning stand at the Eisteddfod.

The colourful and interactive stand included fun hands on science activities such as virtual reality lab tours and demonstrations about circulating tumour cells, cancer immunotherapy and targeted therapy, a pop-up shop, and a variety of information about CRUK's events, activities and fundraising in Wales. The stand also had a little ‘lab station’ for the scientists of the future to try their hand at some simple experiments.

Over the course of the week, the CRUK team engaged with over 1700 people, including AMs, MPs and local supporters including Andrew Davies, Leader of Welsh Conservative Party and Ex-Wales Rugby Captain, Clive Rowlands, and were delighted to win the best stand at Eisteddfod award out of more than 300 stands in total.