Public Engagement

At the CVR, we are proud to deliver an exciting and varied outreach programme to a wide variety of audiences.  Our key aims are to share our latest discoveries with anyone with an interest in scientific research, to engage in effective two-way dialogue to help shape the direction of our research; to share our knowledge and expertise to inform media coverage and evidence-based decision-making; to support the wider public to become better informed about the nature of viruses and disease; and to inspire the next generation of scientific researchers.

Professor David Bhella (CVR Public Engagement Champion) works with our researchers to develop, coordinate and deliver the CVR's public engagement activities.  We work in collaboration with a number of partner organisations including the Glasgow Science Centre and the Glasgow Science Festival team.

Image of a section of the front cover of the CVR colouring book. Image of a section of the front cover of the CVR colouring book.

Art Goes Viral

Our researchers have created their very own CVR Colouring Book to share the fascinating microscopic world of viruses.

Image of CVR researchers in CVR T shirts at the Glasgow Science Centre Image of CVR researchers in CVR T shirts at the Glasgow Science Centre

Events & activities

Our researchers get involved in a wide variety of fun events and activities to share their work in a fun, engaging way.

Image of a tablet with an augmented reality virus structure Image of a tablet with an augmented reality virus structure

Education Resources

Learn more about our FREE educational resources

DNA Workshop 1

DNA technology workshop

This workshop introduces secondary school students to molecular biology techniques including Polymerase Chain Reaction and Gel Electrophoresis.

This workshop introduces secondary school students to molecular biology techniques including Polymerase Chain Reaction and Gel Electrophoresis.
Dr David Bhella demonstrating an activity

Meet the expert

CVR staff regularly participate in 'meet the expert' events at Glasgow Science Centre

CVR staff regularly participate in 'meet the expert' events at Glasgow Science Centre
Hepatitis Scotland Logo

Patient Engagement

The CVR is working in collaboration with Hepatitis Scotland to deliver a new patient engagement event in June 2016. The event is part of the MRC Festival of Medical Research.

The CVR is working in collaboration with Hepatitis Scotland to deliver a new patient engagement event in June 2016. The event is part of the MRC Festival of Medical Research.
Glasgow Science Festival graphic Glasgow Science Festival graphic

Glasgow Science Festival

Members of the CVR have a long history of participating in the Festival, which is organised by the University of Glasgow

Icons for twitter facebook youtube and RSS feed Icons for twitter facebook youtube and RSS feed

Social media

We also communicate with members of the public and the media through our digital channels

Graphic taken from Molecular Machines film - 3D virus image. Graphic taken from Molecular Machines film - 3D virus image.

Molecular machines

A collaboration between scientists from the CVR and artist Murray Robertson

Viruses: a century of discovery

The CVR celebrated the Medical Research Council's 100th anniversary with an exhibition on A Century of Virus Research. The exhibit was first show at the 2013 Glasgow Science Festival (below). The exhibition is also available to view online on our website.

History of the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research