Public Engagement

As a Wellcome Centre, we are committed to a process of public engagement that we hope will inform and develop our strategies for research and communication of research outcomes. We have participated in a number of public engagement activities ranging from interactive talks at rotary clubs to hands on demonstrations at the Newcastle University organised ‘Matters’ events. 

Newcastle University FMS Festive Lecture

On December 9th 2016 Our Centre Director Professor Doug Turnbull was joined by clinical and research staff as well as patients, to give this years Faculty of Medical Sciences Festive Lecture. The lecture explained how energy is generated in a cell and what happens when it goes wrong in disease and ageing. It was attended by over 300 members of the public and school children, and was a unique opportunity for the audience to learn about the research we do.

Royal Society Pairing Scheme

Dr Lyndsey Butterworth from the Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research met MP Chi Onwurah at the House of Commons for a visit to Westminster. The trip, from November 28th to December 1st 2016, was part of a pairing scheme run by the Royal Society – the UK’s national academy of science, with support from the Government Office for Science. 

More information about the scheme.

Impact Matters

In May 2016 the Centre took part in an ‘Impact Matters’ event at the Core in Newcastle. This event celebrated patient and public involvement and the impact of research occurring within Newcastle University. Professor Turnbull, Director of the Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research, spoke about Novel IVF techniques being developed within the Centre and the impact of public involvement. Scientists from the Centre also contributed to this event by hosting an interactive display highlighting  the principles behind mitochondrial donation.

Keeping Active Matters

Together with Newcastle University FMS engagement team and Movelab, representatives from the Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research organised an engagement event called ‘Keeping Active Matters’ which included a day of talks and interactive sessions describing how exercise is beneficial and how exercise training can help to change your mitochondrial genetics.

The Art of Mitochondrial Biology

Together with patients we have worked with local microscopy artist Corinne Lewis Ward to produce a display based around mitochondrial biology. The display was exhibited at Eldon Garden Shopping Centre in Newcastle Upon Tyne.

Mitochondria Matters

Researchers from the Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research along with the Newcastle University FMS engagement team hosted a day of talks and discussions for the public called ‘Mitochondrial matters’ about the importance of mitochondria for our brains and muscles, as well as the cutting edge techniques we are developing to prevent the transmission of mitochondrial DNA disease.

Genetics Matters

In 2015 researchers from Newcastle University discuss genetic research with the public during the ‘Genetics Matters’ event at the Great North Museum. Topics discussed included how to prevent the transmission of mitochondrial disease, the 100,000 genome project as well as the future of genetic diagnosis.