At the Nicosia Kids Festival on 18 October 2026, we approached that question through “The Universe Within Us: Discovering the Human Microbiome”, a public-engagement activity supported by the FEBS Science and Society Committee.
Our aim was to connect microbiome science with experiences that children already recognise: eating, looking closely, playing and asking questions. The microorganisms living in and on our bodies can sound abstract. Food choices, colourful models and practical exploration offer a more familiar starting point for discussing what these communities do and why they matter.
At Old GSP Square, in Nicosia, Cyprus, our stand brought together hands-on activities, microscopy and displays about microbes. Colourful gut-microbe models and food cards helped make the relationship between diet and microorganisms tangible. Alongside these activities, wider life-science demonstrations offered additional routes into conversations about biology and the molecular life sciences. Children and accompanying adults gathered around the tables, with volunteers helping them explore the materials and engage with the science.
One particularly striking feature of the day was the contrast between the invisible subject and the very visible activity around it. The photographs capture busy tables, children exploring the displays and a team working together to bring the subject to life. The event banner placed the message “Supported by FEBS” directly within this setting, acknowledging the support that helped make the activity possible.
The collaboration united βιος-Society of Biological Sciences in Cyprus, the University of Nicosia School of Life and Health Sciences and Human Biology Student Society, SciCo Cyprus, and Those Nerdy Girls. Student volunteers worked across three shifts, making this an opportunity to practise science communication as well as support public engagement.
The informal feedback we received was very positive. In thanking the volunteers afterwards, we highlighted the enthusiasm and teamwork behind the day. For future events, we want to pair this photographic and qualitative record with simple participation counts and brief feedback questions, so we can better understand what visitors take away.
For us, the value of the activity lay in making room for microbiome science within a familiar family event. It created opportunities to explore biology together, while leaving us with educational materials and experience to build on in future outreach.