A meeting of minds
Something innovative was bound to happen, when Illumina and Cambridge Science Centre came together to bring genomics to life for children in our region.
The partnership began in 2022, with the organisations’ respective experts uniting to design engaging activities for 4-11 year olds that explore the fundamentals of genetics and cutting-edge genomic science.
In close collaboration, the partners have developed unique hands-on labs, school shows, strawberry DNA extraction classroom kits and – more recently – interactive shows for schools and families, including ‘Genome Explorers’ and ‘Genome Guardians’.
Unlocking the possibilities for a lasting legacy
For Illumina, introducing children to genomics isn’t just about explaining the science. It’s about helping young people discover the possibilities that it can unlock for themselves, medicine and society.
Hollie Church (Regional Head – Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability for Europe, the Middle East, Africa & Latin America), explains why reaching STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) learners is so important to Illumina’s ambitions:
“Genomics has the power to transform lives, from improving healthcare to helping us better understand the world around us. By introducing these ideas early, we can help children see that science is something they can be part of, not just something they learn about in school. This is why Illumina is committed to reaching 5 million STEM learners globally by 2030.
Through our partnership with Cambridge Science Centre, we’re helping young people explore, ask questions and build the confidence to imagine themselves as the innovators, scientists and problem-solvers of the future. Reaching children aged 4–11 is especially important because these are the years when interests are sparked and beliefs about what they can achieve begin to take shape.”
Translating cutting edge science into fun activities for children
Joanne Staines, Outreach and Innovation Manager at Cambridge Science Centre tells us more about how she works with leading experts, to translate cutting edge discoveries and real-world challenges into engagement activities that make sense for young minds:
“We meet with experts from different departments within Illumina to capture the essence of their work and discover what inspires them, what challenges they face and why they love what they do.
From these discussions, our Content Development team begin the process of translating complex scientific concepts into an accessible and entertaining show. This might include, for example, explaining High Performance Liquid Chromatography with the aid of a giant Kerplunk game!”
Interactive Shows that bring genomics to life
Genome Explorers was the first of the Illumina-Cambridge Science Centre public-facing delivery projects, involving multiple regions of the UK in 2025. Children were challenged to find, sequence and learn from the DNA of five plants to see if one might unlock a new medicine. Joanne tells us more:
“In our Genome Explorers show, classes join a plant scientist searching for a new medicinal plant. Together we discover what makes up a plant cell, what DNA is and where in the cell it is found.
Back in the laboratory, our Illumina scientists help us delve deeper into the genome of each plant, becoming part of a DNA sequencing machine to reveal the genetic code.
Finally, we examine the genome in detail, comparing it to other plants, in order to discover the hidden genetic secrets of our plant – and perhaps the key to its medicinal properties.”
This summer from 20 July, Genome Guardians continues the journey, with a planet-wide call to help solve genetic puzzles:
“In the Genome Guardians Show, the children are on a future alien exo-planet and a much-loved species – The Guarbles – are under threat.
We challenge the audience to solve a genomic puzzle and help save them, using scientific skills and curiosity.
Luckily, we have the help from Illumina scientists – the Genome Guardians – who share some clues.”
A third interactive presentation – planned for 2027 – will investigate machine learning and AI models in order to grow understanding around genomics research, drug discovery and ethics.
Making sure science is joyful, curious and fun
Once translated into age-appropriate engagement, activities and experiences are brought to life by Cambridge Science Centre’s expert Science Communicators. They help create an environment where children feel confident enough to test ideas, ask questions and solve problems for themselves.
By experiencing the joy, curiosity and fun of science exploration, young minds quickly realise how capable they are of unravelling mysteries, and finding solutions to the very real challenges of the world they live in. The impact of such positive emotional interactions is clear. One teacher from Eyrescroft Primary School (Peterborough) explained the wider outcomes, having taken part in the Genome Explorers school show last year:
“It has given children some knowledge of genomics where they previously, in most cases, had none. I think it also provided some really useful subject knowledge for teachers which could support in our science teaching.”
Corporate volunteering with far-reaching impact
Anna Reva, Senior Systems Integration Engineer and Scientist at Illumina, was one of the colleagues involved in developing and filming the Genome Guardians experience and explains why she has enjoyed being part of the process:
“One of the most exciting parts of Genome Guardians is helping children see the people behind the science. By meeting scientists and tackling real-world challenges through genomics, they can discover where curiosity can lead and imagine the role they might play in the future.”
‘Meet the Innovator’ sessions will take place across the summer holidays alongside the Genome Guardians show, where children get to meet the real people behind the science, gaining a more holistic understanding of how science is driven by curiosity, collaboration and people who once asked questions just like they do. They may even become inspired enough to imagine they can follow a similar path.”
Helping children imagine their future
Rebecca Porter, Chief Executive of Cambridge Science Centre, believes the greatest impact of the partnership extends far beyond a child’s understanding of genomics.
“Children are naturally curious. They ask brilliant questions, challenge assumptions and approach problems without believing something is ‘too difficult’ for them. Our job is to protect that curiosity and help it grow.
By working alongside organisations like Illumina, we’ve created experiences that neither organisation could have developed alone. We’re able to bring children face to face with the science that is shaping our world today, from genomics and precision medicine to the technologies that will define tomorrow. It’s not about simplifying the science; rather we make it accessible, meaningful and relevant to their lives.
Ultimately, success isn’t measured by whether a child can remember what DNA stands for when they leave. It’s measured by whether they leave believing that science is something they can understand, contribute to and perhaps one day lead.
That’s why partnerships like this matter. They don’t just help children understand the future; they help children see that they can be part of it.”
Thanks to a shared ambition and agile approach, Illumina and Cambridge Science Centre’s collaboration continues to evolve, inspiring young minds and supporting children – whatever their background or circumstances – to develop the skills, confidence and aspirations needed for a brighter future.
Become a Genome Guardian!
Genome Guardians runs daily at Cambridge Science Centre throughout the summer holidays until Monday 31 August, at 11.15 am and 2.15 pm. The show then travels to the Wisbech Centre at the Horsefair Shopping Centre, where it will run at 11.30am on Saturdays throughout September until 3 October.
To find out what’s on and book your tickets, visit: cambridgesciencecentre.org/whats-on (seats for each show are allocated on the day on a first-come, first-served basis).
Partner with Cambridge Science Centre
To explore how your organisation could work with Cambridge Science Centre to create meaningful, lasting impact for children and communities, please contact David Bord, Corporate Partnerships Manager on davidbord@cambridgesciencecentre.org or 01223 967965.
