At the beginning of April, The Pirbright Institute welcomed over 800 people on site for two days of discovery, interaction and celebration.
The Institute held two Celebration Days which provided a unique opportunity for staff, stakeholders, and members of the public to learn more about Pirbright’s work and gave staff and students the opportunity to highlight their recent successes.
Teams and research groups from across the organisation presented interactive exhibits, hands-on experiences, and competitions to inspire and educate people of all ages.
The displays took visitors on a journey through virus construction and behaviour, used virtual reality to enable people to experience a walkthrough of high containment facilities and guests also had the chance to join Dr Zoo in breaking the codes to escape a deadly outbreak. Most importantly everyone got to learn more about the staff and students behind the Institute.
With Pirbright’s mission of being a leader in preventing and controlling viral diseases in livestock, having the opportunity to raise awareness of the research undertaken at the Institute and sharing the innovation on how that happens is key.
Prof Bryan Charleston, Director of The Pirbright Institute said “A thoroughly enjoyable two days, with a real buzz of excitement. Each group made a huge effort to show case how they contribute to the success of the Institute and then made their exhibits child friendly for the second day. My sincere thanks to everyone for their contributions”.
Jon Coles, Trustee Board member said “I just wanted to say how impressed I was by everything I saw at the Pirbright Celebration event. From the strength and depth of the science to the passion and enthusiasm of absolutely everyone manning the stands, it was just incredible. And such fun to listen as they told their exciting stories about what they are doing and what they hope to discover.”