Workshops

Holiday workshops: Forensics (ages 12–14)

Learn how to use DNA fingerprinting to help solve a murder mystery.

Image credit: URENCO

During this workshop participants will analyse suspect DNA samples, using modern molecular biological techniques including restriction digests and gel electrophoresis. At the end of the workshop, participants analyse the DNA fingerprints to determine which of the suspects may be guilty.
This workshop takes place in the Urenco Young Scientist Centre’s teaching laboratory, offering participants a unique opportunity to experience working in a real lab environment. For safety reasons, all participants must wear closed-toe shoes, and anyone with long hair is required to tie it back.


Warning: this workshop contains discussion of a fictional murder mystery.

This workshop is strictly for 12-14 year-olds and will include a 30 minute lunch break. Students should bring lunch and a drink. 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.

About the Urenco Young Scientist Centre

The Urenco Young Scientist Centre (UYSC) is an imaginative science laboratory at the heart of the Ri, where young people aged 7–18 can experiment and explore science and technology outside the classroom. In a YSC workshop, students become a scientist for the day, testing their own ideas by designing creative experiments. The whole experience ignites a passion for scientific discovery and encourages curiosity-driven learning.

Students are given the time and space to experiment. Not constrained by time to produce a ‘right’ result, students work as professional research scientists do: in response to their observations, encouraging curiosity-driven learning. And just as in the best research laboratories, students have access to advanced technology and experiments outside the remit of the normal school curriculum, making this an experience to remember.

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

Event terms and conditions