DNA, Daffodils & Discoveries: The Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition 2025

This year’s Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition has brought together schools and researchers from across the UK, all united by one goal: to showcase cutting-edge science with real-world impact. As young researchers attending the event, we were fascinated by how diverse and ambitious the projects were - from sustainable materials to biomedical research - all reflecting the future of science in education and careers.

The Daffodil DNA Project is an inspiring citizen-science initiative that empowers UK school students to undertake real genomics research - an ambitious venture that culminated in a standout exhibit at the 2025 Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition, featuring the inaugural Young Researcher Zone. Launched in Jersey at Beaulieu Convent School under Jon Hale, the project invites pupils aged 14–18 to explore chloroplast genomes of daffodil cultivars. With support from the University of Dundee, the James Hutton Institute, and funding via Royal Society Partnership Grants, 9 schools joined forces.

Their collective aim: extract, sequence, and assemble full chloroplast genomes, deepening insights into the heritage and phylogeny of daffodils

Participating schools followed a rigorous, multi-step lab protocol:

• Sampling & Chloroplast Isolation – Students destarched leaves, macerated them, and concentrated chloroplasts via homogenization

• DNA Extraction – Using Qiagen DNeasy kits, pupils extracted DNA from chloroplast-rich samples

• Quality Check – Samples were evaluated using blue-gel electrophoresis under UV light to select clean, high-yield extracts

• Library Prep & Sequencing – A MinION Oxford Nanopore device was used alongside the SQK-RAD004 rapid kit and an R9.4.1 flow cell to perform sequencing in school labs

• Bioinformatics Pipeline – Base-calling was done with Guppy, reads aligned to Narcissus poeticus reference in Genius, then polished into assemblies

• Further analysis included Jalview for sequence visualization and OGDRAW to render genome maps

• These meticulously documented protocols, including videos and worksheets, enabled schools nationwide to perform at near- university quality

For the first time, the Summer Science Exhibition featured a Young Researcher Zone, showcasing student-led Partnership Grant projects. The Daffodil DNA Project took centre stage with interactive activities: visitors micropipetted, explored Braille-coded daffodil models, and even interacted with Lego nanopore demonstrations. Our Young researchers introduced the public to the vast variety of daffodils using their hand made daffodil bunting led by Ayushi and Imogen, daffodil Lego flowers led by John and Scott and chloroplast sub organelles game run by Imogen. Lucas and Jamie also carried out a citizen science project collecting public and young people’s views into the purpose of practical science in science teaching. Their stand was visited by hundreds of students from visiting schools as well as families and scientists.

During the evening of Thursday the 3rd July, students attended a soirée where they presented their project to notable scientists, Fellows of the Royal Society and investors. This gave students the opportunity to interact with STEM professionals in fields they were interested in and ask any questions they had about careers. The elegant setting was complemented by a delicious selection of food and desserts, creating the perfect backdrop for rich conversations and the sharing of ideas. The following accounts are student reflections of the event:

LUCAS

“Attending such a professional event was “a breath of fresh air.” I particularly valued the opportunity to meet influential individuals who offered valuable insights into how I could refine my career trajectory. One of the evening’s highlights for me was meeting Professor Chris Whitty, to whom we as a team introduced our project. Over the course of the event, I noticed a significant improvement in my communication skills and confidence. The experience inspired me to seek out conversations with experts from a wide range of fields in the future.”

JOHN

“I was struck by the atmosphere of deep intellect and experience that filled the room. I had the opportunity to speak in depth with Yuri Greenfield, Finance industry expert with 25+ years of experience about the banking sector and the core principles of finance.

This discussion, along with others, helped me realise how essential both research and inspiration are when making future decisions. Passion was the greatest quality I observed among the attendees, and it motivated me to pursue fulfilment and success in all aspects of life.”

AYUSHI

“For me, the soirée was a rare and valuable opportunity to present our research in a setting unlike any we had experienced before. A standout moment was meeting Dr Liz, who oversees the team projects, and receiving praise from her on how clearly and effectively we explained our work. I also learned the importance of engaging people when explaining research, as well as how different projects - such as those on snowdrops and daffodils - are connected. A memorable encounter with an intensive care physiologist deepened my understanding of how to conduct intellectually stimulating conversations, especially the importance of asking thoughtful follow-up questions.”

JAMIE

“The soirée was an eye-opening experience that gave me a new appreciation for the corporate and professional world I may one day enter. Meeting Professor Chris Whitty was especially impactful, given Whitty’s significant public role during the COVID-19 pandemic. My public speaking skills improved considerably as I grew more confident in explaining the project to a wide variety of guests.

I left the event feeling inspired to push myself further, aiming to reach the levels of excellence many of the attendees had already achieved.”

SCOTT

“I particularly enjoyed speaking to people from a variety of academic backgrounds, both about the team’s project and their own research.

I also had the opportunity to explain the project to Sir Chris Whitty, who showed genuine interest in our research. The event helped me practise articulating complex ideas to people of different levels of understanding and also spent time learning from other groups' stands, which I found both informative and enjoyable. The evening strengthened my desire to pursue a STEM career, with hopes of attending many more events like this one.”

IMOGEN

“I valued the chance to speak with professors and present the team’s project to them. Meeting Professor Chris Whitty stood out for me - not only because of his reputation, but also because he was approachable and kind. Over the course of the evening, I gained confidence in presenting and was grateful for the advice I received about degree options and potential career paths.”

Overall, the exhibition and soirée was a rich and rewarding experience for the entire team. Everyone enjoyed the opportunity to meet influential professionals, share their work, and gain valuable insights that will help guide their futures. Well done to the young researchers on all their hard work over the past year.