Molecules and Red Cells

Molecules are the building blocks of cells, which are the fundamental units of life.

Join two teams from Imperial College London to learn more about the structure and design of molecules and the function and flow of the red cells in our blood.

Candy Chemistry
Discover why understanding molecular structure is essential and how AI helps scientists predict and design molecules that shape the world around us.

Just like our left and right hands, molecules may exist in left-handed and right-handed forms that look similar but behave very differently. Changing a molecule's "handedness" (or chirality) can completely alter its properties, from fragrance to pharmaceutical activity.

Join researchers from Imperial’s Departments of Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, and Computing to explore molecular structure using colourful edible models. Use marshmallows, toothpicks and multicoloured gummies to build molecular structures, then rotate them and see if you can make two structures that are mirror images of each other.

A-maze-ing Red Cells
Red blood cells are the most abundant cells in our blood and are responsible for carrying oxygen to all the cells in our bodies. Meet Imperial researchers who study red blood cells, how they change in disease, and how that affects blood flow.

Use hands-on activities and games to discover more about how blood travels around the body. First, have a go at racing red cells. How long does it take to direct red blood cells around a maze representing different parts of the body? Then challenge yourself to control the flow of real red blood cells on a video screen and make a blood-flow keyring to take home!

Visitor information

This is a drop-in event that is best suited for children age 5+. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

The Family Fun Zone, which is located in a garden with grass and paths, has step-free access and accessible portable toilets. 

To attend the Festival, please make sure to register for free. Registering is the only way to receive the latest Festival updates, a first look at the programme, and opportunities to book free tickets for popular events.

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