EXPLORING HIDDE N WO RLDS OCTOBER - NOV E MB E R 2015

sheffield.ac.uk/krebsfest

THE WORK OF SIR HANS KREBS KREBSFESTEXPLORING HIDDEN WORLDSThe KrebsFest is a celebration of the scientific research of Sir Hans Krebs, winner of the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1953 for his pioneering work at the University of Sheffield. At the festival we will explore Krebs’ legacy through a series of public events and exhibitions including talks from Nobel Prize winners.

KrebsFest is open to everyone and it’s free. All venues are fully accessible.

All events are subject to change. For the latest information, see: sheffield.ac.uk/krebsfest

For further information:

Sir Hans Krebs was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1953 for discovering the citric acid cycle, also known as the Krebs cycle, while working at the University of Sheffield. The cycle explains one of the most fundamental processes of life: the conversion of food into energy within a cell.

Krebs was born in Hildesheim in northern Germany in 1900.

He followed in his father’s footsteps and studied medicine before deciding his future lay in research rather than medical practice. Krebs, who was Jewish, left Germany in 1933 after he was dismissed from his post at the University of Freiburg following Hitler’s rise to power. He initially worked at the University of Cambridge before he took up a post at the University of Sheffield in 1935 where he worked for 19 years.

02 03

@UniShefEngage #krebsfest

sheffield.ac.uk/krebsfest

engage@sheffield.ac.uk

0114 2220563

05

15 October to 3 November

Winter Garden Exhibition Pages 8–9

15 October to early 2016

Western Bank Exhibition Pages 18–19

2 November to 3 November

Winter Garden Activities Page 9

9 November Nobel Prize Winner Talk – Sir Richard Roberts

Page 10

13 November KrebsFest Public Night Pages 14–17

18 November Nobel Prize Winner Talk – Professor Jules Hoffman

Page 11

25 November Nobel Prize Winner Talk – Sir Paul Nurse

Page 11

KREBSFEST EVENTSThere are lots of exciting, free events taking place during KrebsFest. Find out more about each event further in the brochure.

The Krebs cycle and our relationship to the natural environment have inspired the development of proposals for the rejuvenation of the University of Sheffield garden on the corner of Durham Road and Clarkson Street. Sheffield-based artists Owen Waterhouse and David Appleyard are working with Professor Nigel Dunnett of the University’s Department of Landscape to create a garden showcasing the best in urban planting design in combination with a feature artwork that draws people to the space. The proposals are currently in development and we expect to see activity on site during Autumn 2015 – check the project webpage for regular updates: sheffield.ac.uk/efm/ estatesdevelopment/projects/durhamroad

AN URBAN RETREAT – INSPIRED BY THE KREBS CYCLE

04

A ‘work in progress’ reveal of Dr Florence Blanchard’sKrebs cycle depiction – see page 14.

06 07

The great legacy of Sir Hans Krebs, both for Sheffield and the world, is in demonstrating how we can use scientific methods and understanding to uncover the hidden workings of life. In 1988 the Krebs Institute was established at the University of Sheffield. The Krebs Institute brings together scientists to build on this legacy in understanding those mechanisms in biology that underpin life on earth. Molecular science research at Sheffield is embodied within three projects that describe our vision for the next 10 years: Imagine, the Grantham Centre and Florey.

TODAY’S CUTTING EDGE RESEARCHThe Grantham Centre for Sustainable Futures is an ambitious and innovative collaboration between the University of Sheffield and the Grantham Foundation for the Protection of the Environment. Our sustainability research creates knowledge and connects it

to policy debates on how to build a fairer world and save natural resources for future generations. One example of such research is that undertaken in the Plant Production and Protection (P3) centre where world-leading scientists are translating our basic plant and soil sciences research into practical solutions to feed the world’s expanding population.

Inspired by the work of Nobel Prize winner Sir Howard Florey, we are striving to save lives by understanding how infective bacteria (pathogens) interact with our immune system (the host). Sir Howard Florey was a former Chair of Pathology at the University

of Sheffield. He went on to carry out the first clinical trials for penicillin – a drug that saved millions of lives worldwide. Our goal is to solve major issues in infectious diseases – such as anti-microbial drug resistance – through a new, holistic approach to managing infection, that is less reliant on using antibiotics to kill the bacteria.

imagine-imaginglife.com

The University of Sheffield is establishing a world-class centre developing and applying revolutionary microscope technologies, that allow scientists to see the intricate inner workings of life in unprecedented detail. We are using these insights

to unravel how microbes like the MRSA bacteria grow and evade the immune system and how solar energy is converted into chemical energy during photosynthesis.

grantham.sheffield.ac.uk

floreyinstitute.com

IMAGINE: IMAGING LIFE

THE GRANTHAM CENTRE

FLOREY INSTITUTE: TACKLING INFECTIOUS DISEASE

WINTER GARDEN EXHIBITION

With funding from the Arts Council, Dr Nate Adams and Luke Jerram, lead artist for KrebsFest, have collaborated to translate cellular flux and biochemical techniques into new artistic pieces to engage the public. Luke Jerram has designed a 28-metre inflatable E. coli bacteria making the nano world larger than life, which will be dramatically suspended from the ceiling of the Winter Garden, Sheffield and then at the University of Sheffield’s Firth Hall. For KrebsFest, Luke Jerram and Dr Adams have taken curatorial and mentorship roles, supporting the development of the two local artist commissions – Balbir Singh Dance Company (see page 15) and Seiko Kinoshita (see page 9).

Monday 2 and Tuesday 3 November, 10am–4pm ATOM-LABS: MACHINES IN MINIATUREWhat makes jellyfish glow in the depths of the ocean? What makes egg-whites scary to germs? Visit the Atom-Labs stand and find out!

MAKE A BUGInspired by the giant E. coli, young children can make their own bug using craft materials with expert input from scientists.

INFLATABLE E. COLI

ORIGAMI INSTALLATION

ACTIVITIES

Making visible the microscopic world around us, this artwork was made to contemplate and consider the importance of bacteria in our lives.

Although some forms of E. coli bacteria can cause illness and even death in humans, the use of the bacteria is vital in medical research. Described as the workhorse of biomedicine, E. coli are used by scientists to replicate DNA. One of the first useful applications of recombinant DNA technology was the manipulation of E. coli to produce human insulin.

Seiko Kinoshita is a Japanese artist, based in Sheffield, who uses traditional textile techniques to create contemporary artwork and installations. Seiko, working with Dr Nate Adams, has created a visual art installation using the form and patterns of origami to depict the 3D shape of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) from jellyfish. GFP is integral to the cutting edge imaging techniques being developed in Sheffield.

This E. coli is 5 million times bigger than the real bacterium. If someone was standing next to the bacteria then they would be 2000km tall and stretch from the UK to Africa!

08 09

Thursday 15 October to Tuesday 3 November90 Surrey Street, Sheffield S1 2LH

NOBEL PRIZE WINNER TALKS

10 11

Come and hear three Nobel prize-winners talk about incredible scientific discoveries that shape our lives. Book your place at sheffield.ac.uk/krebsfest

All talks take place in: Firth Hall, Firth Court, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, S10 2TN

SIR PAUL NURSE, PRESIDENT OF THE ROYAL SOCIETYSIR RICHARD ROBERTS, NEW ENGLAND BIOLABS

PROFESSOR JULES HOFFMANN, UNIVERSITY OF STRASBOURG INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED STUDY

A CRIME AGAINST HUMANITYMonday 9 November, 6pm Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1993. European non-governmental organisations and politicians have declared that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are dangerous despite all scientific evidence to the contrary. This has led to bans on research on one of the most promising technologies able to solve the world’s food and nutrition problems. While Europe doesn’t need GMOs “yet”, the developing world needs them desperately. One example is Golden Rice, which could be a major player to fight Vitamin A deficiency. Millions of children suffer and die because of this deficiency. Sir Richard Roberts will argue that ignoring the science underpinning GMOs and its potential to save lives is essentially a crime against humanity.

GREAT IDEAS OF BIOLOGYWednesday 25 November, 6pmAwarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2001.Three of the great ideas of biology are the gene theory, the theory of evolution by natural selection, and the proposal that the cell is the fundamental unit of all life. When considering the question of ‘what is life?’ these ideas come together. The special way cells reproduce provides the conditions by which natural selection takes place allowing living organisms to evolve. A fourth idea is that the organisation of chemistry within the cell provides explanations for life’s phenomena. A new idea is the central role that information management plays in generating biological organisation. Sir Paul Nurse will discuss how these great ideas have influenced and changed the way we think of science today.

THE INNATE IMMUNE RESPONSE: FROM INSECTS TO HUMANSWednesday 18 November, 6pmAwarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2011. Insects are a formidable zoological group: they represent an estimated 80% of existing species and put one-third of humanity at risk of severe morbidity or deaths through their ability to transmit various types of microbes. For a long time, insects have been known to be particularly resistant to infection. Professor Jules Hoffman will discuss his research into the mechanisms underlying this resistance and share results on the unexpected similarities which exist between immune defences in insects and innate immune reactions in mammals.

12 13

Glass mitochondrion developed by Luke Jerram – see page 14 Balbir Singh Dance Company – see page 15

installation made by Seiko Kinoshita depicting the 3D shape of green fluorescent protein in jellyfish. Find out more on page 9. KREBSFEST PUBLIC NIGHT

14 15

ART INSPIRED BY SCIENCE

PERFORMANCES Friday 13 November, 5–8pm (drop-in)Firth Court, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN

Free event aimed at a public audience including families and children. Come and explore hidden worlds and see things previously invisible to the naked eye!

PORTRAITSView two newly commissioned pieces of artwork made especially for KrebsFest. Portrait artist Keith Robinson has painted a striking and modern interpretation of Sir Hans Krebs to celebrate one of the greatest scientists of our time. Painter, muralist and screenprinter Dr Florence Blanchard has created a depiction of the Krebs cycle conveying the complex scientific concepts in a powerful way.

MITOCHONDRION See a beautiful hand blown glass mitochondrion commissioned for the festival. It was developed by artist Luke Jerram (see page 8) and is part of the artist’s Glass Microbiology series. The artworks are created as alternative representations of microbiology to the artificially coloured imagery seen in the media.

INFLATABLE E. COLI AND ORIGAMI INSTALLATIONS See the unseen! A giant 28 metre inflatable E. coli created by artist Luke Jerram displayed in Firth Hall and an origami art

DANCE PERFORMANCE – 5.15PM, 6.15PM AND 7.15PM The Balbir Singh Dance Company will perform short segues inspired by the motion of the Krebs cycle. Working in patterns, sequences and numbers, Indian Kathak dance, with its beauty and intricacy, will bring to life the order and sequence of the Krebs cycle. A live musical score composed by Jesse Bannister accompanies the performances.

OUTDOOR FILM SCREENINGS – ALL EVENING Watch a series of festival films projected on a huge scale in Firth Court quad complete with a light show. International design agency, Human Studio, have produced two special films – one about Sir Hans Krebs and one giving an artistic interpretation of research. Sheffield-artist Steve Pool has worked with seven local schools to create films showing how children are inspired by science.

IMMUNE SYSTEM BATTLE – 5.45PM, 6.45PM AND 7.45PM The epic battle between the immune system and foreign invaders is played out constantly in our cells. Duel in this multi-player experience in Firth Court quad, designed by The Good Game Company, to decide whether the body or bacteria will triumph!

SCIENCE RAP – 5.30PM, 6.30PM AND 7.30PM Learn more about the Krebs cycle through a specially commissioned rap performed by Oort Kuiper in Krebs cafe.

continued...

KREBSFEST PUBLIC NIGHT

16 17

ACTIVITIES

WALKING ON CUSTARD You can’t walk on water but you can walk on custard! Traverse our custard run and find out how nanoscience makes this possible.

ATOM-LABS: MACHINES IN MINIATURETake a tour of protein and DNA structure on our virtual reality headsets, watch our MakerBot print 3D protein models and see how the green fluorescent protein from jellyfish can be used to light up cells.

ATOM-LABS: EXPLORING PROTEIN STRUCTURE IN 3DVisit our 3D cinema where we investigate the fine detail of what goes on inside macromolecules.

ULTRAVIOLET AND INFRARED SELFIESCome and see the infrared emitted from, and the ultraviolet light reflected off, your body using our special cameras and learn about how we use the entire electromagnetic spectrum to reveal hidden worlds.

FISHING FOR CLUES: WHY MEDICAL RESEARCHERS ARE GLOWING WITH EXCITEMENTLearn how scientists at the Bateson Centre work with zebrafish to study a range of diseases.

Use microscopes to observe the transparent embryos, and see the heart pumping and blood circulating.

RACING THOUGHTS ‘3, 2, 1, go go go!’ Control and race a model car with just the power of your brain waves. Do you have what it takes to get the fastest time on our drag strip?

LIQUID NITROGEN ICE CREAMIf you need ice cream in a hurry then liquid nitrogen is the fastest, coldest and most exciting way to make it. Come along to Krebs cafe for a taste!

SEE YOUR HIDDEN WORLDUse our special microscopes to view cells from your own body and uncover your hidden world.

MAKE A BUGInspired by the giant E. coli, young children can make their own bug using craft materials with expert input from scientists.

Hear short talks in the Council Room to learn more about:• SIR HANS KREBS – 5.30pm • IMAGINE: IMAGING LIFE RESEARCH PROJECT - 6pm• THE GRANTHAM CENTRE - 6.30pm• FLOREY: TACKLING INFECTIOUS DISEASE - 7pm

See pages 3 and 6 to 7 for information on Sir Hans Krebs and these three research projects.

TALKS

All activities are suitable for children accompanied by an adult.

WESTERN BANK EXHIBITIONOpens 15 October 2015Exhibition Gallery, Western Bank Library (next to the Arts Tower), University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN

Monday to Thursday 9am to 7pmFriday 10am to 7pmSaturday 12pm to 6pm (excluding holidays) The KrebsFest exhibition is an exciting, free exhibition open to the public. The exhibition will focus on the important scientific discoveries made by Nobel Prize winner Sir Hans Krebs. It will also showcase highlights from the Krebs Institute and its ground-breaking research work. As well as the history of Sir Hans Krebs’ discoveries made at the University, the exhibition will look at the legacy of Krebs and science in Sheffield by examining the current world-

class research projects Imagine: Imaging Life, Florey and the Grantham Centre.

The exhibition will use historic items relating to Sir Hans Krebs and the University, as well as scientific research equipment and models.

18 19

There will be a series of interactive activities and displays including the Robo-plant which simulates the process of photosynthesis. You will get the chance to view the unseen world of microbiology through a series of giant images from microscopes. There will also be artists’ representations of molecular life and micro-organisms.

OPENING TIMES

exhibitions@sheffield.ac.uk

0114 2227231/7260

For further information see sheffield.ac.uk/krebsfest

Contact details:

sheffield.ac.uk/krebsfest