This year the Manchester Fungal Infection Group (MFIG) were proud to present at the Manchester Museum as part of the British Science Week 2023, 14-15th March. We had an amazing time discussing deadly fungi, explaining why some fungal infections are so dangerous and others aren’t and what factors are making this a growing threat. This was also a great opportunity to show the public what MFIG are doing to prevent these devastating infections.
This event gave us a chance to interact with over 600 secondary school students from across Manchester. We presented a range of interactive activities to spark thought-provoking discussions about how we, as humans, may be contributing to the rise in fungal infections and the spread of antifungal resistance. One of the main causes of antifungal resistance is the overuse and misuse of antifungal treatments. We used this event to gauge public opinion on where antifungals are most commonly used: in agriculture or in healthcare (most correctly deduced in agriculture!). All pupils got an opportunity to use pipettes as part of our interactive quiz on antimicrobial resistance and could get up close to some deadly fungi using our microscopes and histology slides.
Thank you to everyone who attended, and to the Manchester Museum for hosting all the science exhibitions as part of British Science Week. Also, a big thanks to Nur and Jawharah, two undergraduate students who helped design and run our stall as part of their Science Communications projects – you were a great help! We look forward to seeing you at our next event at the Manchester University Community Festival 2023, Saturday 10th June.