Workshops

Holiday workshops: Bacterial evolution (ages 15–18)

Using restriction enzyme digests and gel electrophoresis, explore and analyse real bacterial DNA.

Image credit: The Royal Institution

This workshop looks closely at the evolutionary arms race between bacteria and the host immune system and how different strains of bacterial species evolve over time. 

In this workshop, students investigate four fictional bacterial outbreaks by performing restriction enzyme digests on DNA samples isolated from each of the scenes. Using gel electrophoresis, they will then compare the banding patterns to reference samples of known strains. Students will then decide what advice to give their colleagues at the scene of the outbreaks or whether the samples need further investigation. 

About the Urenco Young Scientist Centre

The Urenco Young Scientist Centre (UYSC) is an imaginative science laboratory in the Ri, where young people can experience and explore science outside of the classroom. 

In a UYSC workshop, students become a scientist for the day, exploring science through hands-on experiments. They are encouraged to engage in scientific discovery through curiosity-driven learning. 

In our workshops, students are encouraged to use a range of scientific skills including: making observations, collecting data, analysing results, in addition to teamwork and communication skills. 

Just as in the best research laboratories, students have access to advanced technology and techniques outside the normal school curriculum, making this a science trip to remember. 

For any queries regarding this workshop please get in touch by phone 020 7409 2992 or email events@ri.ac.uk.

This workshop is strictly for 15–18 year-olds and will include a 30 minute lunch break, so students should bring lunch and a drink. Alternatively, students can leave the Ri building during the break to purchase lunch, if permission is given during the booking process. 

We reserve the right to refund or deny entry to those who are not in this age range. 

Refunds can only be issued for tickets cancelled at least two weeks (14 calendar days) in advance of the event date. Please note that this supersedes our normal event terms and conditions. Please also note that Eventbrite adds a small booking fee to the amount paid for each ticket option.

Covid guidelines

Face masks are no longer mandatory and wearing one in our Theatre and at other Ri events is at your discretion, however please do not attend the Ri if you are displaying Covid symptoms or, if you have tested, the result remains positive. Thank you for respecting other people and their choices, and for helping us keep all of our visitors and staff safe and well.

Event terms and conditions