Fabric of Life

Where science meets self-expression in stitch, pattern and conversation
Project Overview:

Fabric of Life used bright, biology-inspired textile prints to bring cell science into creative spaces and spark conversations with audiences who don’t typically engage with research. Led by Professor Julie Welburn at the Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, the project produced a series of digitally printed cotton fabrics—some designed by researchers, others by Edinburgh College textiles students—each rooted in molecular biology.

These fabrics became the centrepiece of hands-on workshops with young people from Intercultural Youth Scotland (ICYS) and college students, who used them to design, upcycle and sew together while building connections with researchers. With each motif, microscope session, and stitch, science was made more visible, tactile and personally meaningful.

Team:

  • Prof Julie Welburn – University of Edinburgh

  • Atlanta Cook, Tony Ly, Alison Pidoux – Principal Investigators

  • Maria Fanourgiaki – Project Manager (PE Coordinator)

  • Sarah-Jane Judge – PE Manager

  • Partners: Intercultural Youth Scotland (ICYS), Edinburgh College, Edinburgh College of Art

     

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Goals & Activities

  • Develop science-inspired fabric designs to make cell biology visually engaging

  • Collaborate with textiles students to co-create new prints and share ideas

  • Host lab visits and microscopy workshops for creative and youth audiences

  • Upcycle fabric and old tote bags with young people through hand-sewing sessions

  • Create inclusive, tactile experiences that promote dialogue and curiosity

  • Use fabric as a conversation starter about research, identity and design

  • Spark interest in science without pressure of testing or jargon

  • Lay the foundation for future workshops and research on engagement culture

Project Outputs

Science-Inspired Fabric Prints

  • Custom printed cotton based on researcher and student designs—featuring microscopy images, cell motifs and biology-informed textures.

     

Workshops & Exchanges

  • Hands-on sessions with Edinburgh College and ICYS, Microscopy, DNA jewellery, upcycling and design sharing. Also lab tours, collaborative sewing, and peer skill exchange (e.g. future plans for students to teach ICYS members to use sewing machines)

Research Culture Insight

  • Future analysis will feed into research on how creative engagement activities influence scientists’ confidence, communication and sense of purpose.

Downloads & Links
Project Page