Edinburgh Science Festival – Hands-On DNA: From Barley to Daffodils

​The Edinburgh Science Festival has launched its 2026 programme under this year’s theme, Going Global, running from Saturday 4 to Sunday 19 April. The festival will showcase international innovation and highlight Scotland’s contribution to scientific advances through research, innovation and its people.

The James Hutton Institute is proud to be a Funding Partner once again this year, contributing the below event to the programme:

Hands on DNA: From Barley to Daffodils – 4 April
Led by the International Barley Hub (IBH), The James Hutton Institute in collaboration with University of Dundee

• This interactive experience brings cutting-edge plant genetics out of the lab and into the festival. Extract DNA, explore how genes shape visible traits, and discover the hidden diversity of barley and heritage daffodils.
• Suitable for all ages, this session offers a fun, accessible insight into real-world genetic research and discovery.