Raising awareness of microbial keratitis at the Edinburgh Science Festival

Dr Beth Mills, IRR Group Leader, shares insights from her team’s participation in the Edinburgh Science Festival, where they engaged the public with vital research on microbial keratitis — a little-known but serious eye infection.

Little girl and her dad engage with researcher at an exhibition table for Edinburgh Science Festival

What is microbial keratitis?

Microbial keratitis is an infection of the cornea, the transparent window on the front of your eye, and is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Despite its severity, it's largely under-recognised — especially considering that in the UK, one of the primary risk factors is contact lens use.

This condition can be caused by various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and amoeba. The resulting infection triggers a significant immune response, which, along with the pathogens themselves, can damage the cornea. This damage often leads to scarring, vision impairment, and in severe cases, permanent vision loss.

Why awareness matters

Many cases of vision loss from microbial keratitis are preventable. Improved public awareness, alongside better diagnostic tools and treatments, can significantly reduce the impact of this disease.

Beth Mills’ team is actively working on all three fronts — awareness, diagnostics and treatment— in collaboration with their partners, the Aravind Eye Care System in India.

Engaging the public through science

At the Edinburgh Science Festival, Beth Mills’ team hosted an interactive exhibit aimed at raising awareness of microbial keratitis, particularly among contact lens users. The exhibit included:

Demonstrations of current diagnostic methods
Overviews of clinical treatments
Hands-on activities showcasing potential solutions they are developing in the lab and trialling in clinic, including lateral-flow devices and light-based therapies

These activities allowed visitors to explore the science behind the condition and understand the real-world impact of ongoing research.

Adapting my communication style for a general audience helped me better understand my own research. It was exciting to show the breadth of our work and highlight that in science, the possibilities are endless.

Two photos side by side. In both, school kids engage with researchers at the Edinburgh Science Festival's exhibition table

A two-way learning experience

Beyond education, the event offered valuable feedback. Conversations with attendees — including children, curious visitors, and those with lived experience of eye conditions — provided unique insights that could shape our future research.

Engaging with the public not only reinforces the purpose behind our work, but often sparks new ideas. Hearing from people affected by these conditions grounds our research in real human impact.

Building a stronger team through outreach

Participating in the Edinburgh Science Festival also served as a team-building opportunity. Researchers from different areas of the project came together, sharing their expertise and gaining a deeper understanding of each other’s roles.

Spending time outside the lab reinvigorated my passion for research. It reminded me why we do this — beyond the pipettes and protocols.

Two photos side by side. Left: A family look at the exhibition table with their backs to the camera. Right: In the foreground, two girls look at each other, in front of for informational posters.

Looking ahead

The response from the public was overwhelmingly positive. The team was encouraged by the interest shown in their work and the meaningful conversations it sparked.

Events like the Edinburgh Science Festival not only help demystify complex science, but also bridge the gap between research and the community, ensuring that scientific advances are guided by public interest and real-world needs.

Mills research group

Aravind Eye Care System

Members of Beth Mills' lab, holding up a jar of eyeballs for 'Guess how many eyeballs are in the jar?'