Romina Koiffman, PhD Bioscience, Homerton Postgraduate, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology & Dr Isabella Cinti, Postdoc, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
What begins as a simple conversation can sometimes grow into something far more meaningful. For Romina and Isabella, that moment came after attending a “Change in the Community” event at Homerton College, where a shared curiosity and desire to contribute led them to the Changemakers programme. Inspired by the people they met, and especially a pivotal discussion with Joanne Staines from the Cambridge Science Centre, they set out to turn an idea into something tangible. What followed was a journey of collaboration, creativity, and discovery, culminating in an interactive science workshop designed to make complex ideas accessible, inclusive, and genuinely fun.
The inspiring duo were motivated by a shared desire to be part of something truly meaningful, finding inspiration in a range of people they met at various meetings. But it was a conversation with Joanne Staines from the Cambridge Science Centre that really resonated with them. What began as an informal exchange developed over several lunch breaks into a concrete idea, which Joanne helped them to refine into a format that would work effectively within the Centre.
Romina said:
“The Changemakers programme, and particularly the people involved, played a crucial role in shaping our project. Along the way, we learned how to communicate science in creative and engaging ways, finding simple approaches to explain complex concepts and reminding ourselves - and others - that science can be fun. Importantly, as female scientists and from different countries (Argentina and Italy), we wanted to challenge preconceived notions of what a scientist looks or sounds like, encouraging a more inclusive and open mindset. The experience also helped us build confidence in public speaking and develop a broader awareness of career paths in science.”
“Change in the Community” is hosted in collaboration with student groups and supported by Changemakers leadership. The event combines discussion, practical workshops, and informal connection-building. For Romina and Isabella it offered both inspiration and a sense of validation: making science accessible and enjoyable is not only worthwhile but needed. It also highlighted how even in challenging academic environments, finding joy and purpose through community-focused work can be deeply rewarding.
Their project “Guardians of the Inside” took the form of an interactive lab takeover at the Cambridge Science Centre, where they guided children and families through the fundamentals of the immune system and the role of vaccines with activities such as immune system role-play and creating their own vaccines. The children’s enthusiasm served as an important reminder of why science education matters so much.
Romina adds:
“Seeing kids light up as they recognised that their immune cells are little superheroes continuously fighting bad guys was incredibly rewarding. The workshop successfully combined education with enthusiasm and received very positive feedback. Supported by the Centre’s team and funding from Homerton College, the project is a great example of what can be achieved from an idea developed from scratch. We are enormously grateful to Rupert Baines for sponsoring this project.
Looking ahead, we would like our collaboration with the Cambridge Science Centre to continue, as the workshop has become a regular feature. The success of the project has encouraged us to pursue further public engagement opportunities and build on the confidence we have gained. Seeing the enthusiasm of both children and parents reinforced the value of our work, leaving us proud of what we created and motivated to keep making a positive impact through science communication.”
