The Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions (CSRI) slithered to London to take part in this year’s New Scientist Live, which saw over 1500 attendees engage with the team exploring the devastating impact of snakebite on communities in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia and the science behind antivenom development.
New Scientist Live is an annual science festival that brings together researchers and science enthusiasts from around the world. It offers a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge discoveries, engage with experts, and experience interactive exhibits.
LSTM’s Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions (CSRI) team, including its head Professor Nicholas Casewell, delighted the eager audience with life-size models of venomous snakes and 3D printed fangs, whilst showing videos of real venom extractions at LSTM’s Herpetarium.
Attendees learned about the devastating impact of snakebite on communities in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia and the science behind antivenom development.
New Scientist Live is known for its accessible and engaging approach to science, making it suitable for people of all ages and backgrounds. Alongside visiting LSTM’s exhibition stand, guests had the opportunity to hear talks from high-profile figures in science, including Professor Alice Roberts, Dr Adam Rutherford and Dr Chris van Tulleken.
Throughout the three-day festival, both adults and children explored the CSRI stand with the final day attended exclusively by schools.
The audience competed against the CSRI team members in a Top Trumps-style game using cards featuring various venomous snakes, including the saw-scaled viper, black mamba, and puff adder. The game was designed to highlight in an interactive way the lethality of many snakes and the difficulty of obtaining antivenoms. They compared attributes like length, annual deaths, and antivenom availability.
Professor Nicholas Casewell, Head of the Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions, said: “Coming to an event like New Scientist Live allows us to talk with the public about the importance of the work that LSTM does, including highlighting the detrimental impact snakebite has on tropical populations, as well as providing us with an opportunity to try and inspire the next generation of scientists.”
Elli Wright, Public Engagement Manager at LSTM, continued: “LSTM was last at the New Scientist Festival in 2018, so it was great to be back after several years. This incredibly rewarding festival feeds the curious minds of its audience and the CSRI team did a wonderful job answering the questions of the inquisitive audience and discussing the consequences of snakebite evidenced by the feedback received. The team came away from the festival with lots of ideas for future events and I am looking forward to working with them again!”