The fifth Imperial Fringe takes place on Thursday 21 March, looking at the important work in synthetic biology happening at the College.

Imperial’s world-leading work in the field of synthetic biology – the manufacture of biological materials through engineering processes – is the theme for the fifth Imperial Fringe: Life as we know it. This public evening drop-in event  takes place on Thursday 21 March at Imperial College London’s Main Entrance on Exhibition Road 17:30 – 20.30.

Fringe-goers will have the opportunity to assemble DNA in a virtual lab, learn about the difference between modified and natural tomatoes and quiz some of the scientists at the forefront of technology about the future of materials, energy and food.

Among the demonstrations, synthetic biologist Dr Tom Ellis looks at changing the texture and taste of beer, bioengineer Benjamin Reeve demonstrates ways to turn compost into biofuel, and a team of researchers highlight ways to monitor and measure water borne pathogens by making them change colour.

Additionally, Professor Richard Kitney and Professor Paul Freemont, co-directors of Imperial’s Centre for Synthetic Biology and Innovation, will be there to talk about what synthetic biology is, how it’s done and the importance of innovations in this field for future generations.

Alongside Imperial Fringe, pharmaceutical developer Professor Sir Gregory Winter will deliver the prestigious 2013 Kohn Award Lecture entitled From antibodies to bicycles, which highlights the revolution in pharmacological treatments after methods to manufacture antibodies outside of the human body were discovered and developed.

Imperial Fringe is a series of monthly evening public events for people to explore the unexpected side of science, inspired by Imperial’s ground-breaking research. Visitors will meet academics and performers for a voyage of discovery, debate and hands-on demonstrations.

The event will be held 17.30-20.30 on Thursday 21 March, 2013 as part  of Imperial’s contribution to National Science & Engineering Week, which this year explores the contribution of invention and discovery to furthering the understanding of science.  It is free to enter, visitors can drop in anytime, and it will take place in the Main Entrance to Imperial’s South Kensington Campus, on Exhibition Road, SW7 2AZ.