The lab was out in full force last weekend at the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition in London. One of the oldest and most prestigious science festivals in the UK, the week-long event attracts well over 10,000 visitors every year. We were invited to stage an exhibit as a “drop-in activity” on the penultimate day. In addition, PI Ulrike Bauer also gave a public talk that was live-streamed on the Royal Society’s YouTube channel.

At our exhibit, visitors of all ages could explore how carnivorous pitcher plants use slippery surfaces, viscoelastic secretions and rain-powered springboards to catch insect prey. The interactive display allowed them to literally step into the feet of an ant and experience first-hand how the micropatterned plant surfaces cause the highly effective adhesive organs of these insects to fail and slip.

Around 2,000 visitors of all ages came to see a display of live plants and learn about specialized plant surfaces and viscoelastic secretions. From undergraduate and masters project students to postdocs and PI Bauer, the lab team tirelessly explained and answered questions. By the end of the day, we were all exhausted, but we all agreed that it was great fun and we would do it again anytime!