About this Event
What makes you, you?
Join us for a free evening packed with pop-up science delving into themes of identity, connection and belonging.
Find out what diseases shaped human history, meet researchers from our Ancient Genomics Lab, and get crafting whilst exploring your own story.
You'll also have the opportunty to grab a cocktail or snack from our café, and enjoy live music in our exhibition.
Registration is free - please sign-up for a ticket.
You can drop in and out of activities at any time unless specific start and end times are listed. All activities have limited capacity and are available on a first come, first served basis. If an activity reaches capacity, access will be one in, one out, and some activities will be repeated.
Doors open at 18:00.
Please note this event is 18+.
This event runs alongside our new exhibition, .
Getting to the Crick
The Francis Crick Institute is next to St Pancras station and is easy to get to by bus, tube or train. You can find out more about how to get to the Crick on our website.
Accessibility
We have limited spaces for wheelchair users. If you need to book one of these spaces or if you have any other questions about accessibility, please email us at [email protected].
Agenda
🕑: 06:20 PM - 06:50 PM
Language bonds
Info: WORKSHOP: Discover the poetic secrets hidden in your personal lexicon. Write something only you could write. With poet Thomas Sharp. (Repeated at 19:10 and 20:10.)
🕑: 06:20 PM - 06:40 PM
Past lives: what DNA can and cannot tell us
Info: TALK: Join Emer Bealin-Kelly and Lovisa Stejdahl from the Ancient Genomics lab to explore what genetics can and cannot reveal about relationships of years gone by.
🕑: 08:00 PM - 08:20 PM
Creating Portals: A Window into Human Heritage
Info: TALK: Step behind the scenes of Portals, a participatory art project inspired by human heritage and connection which features in the We Go Way Back exhibition. Hear from artists Grace Clifford, Grace Lee and Patricia Bugembe about the creative process.
🕑: 08:35 PM - 08:55 PM
How dogs became our best friends
Info: TALK: From ancient campfires to modern homes, dogs have journeyed alongside us. Join William Marsh and Mattias Sherman from the Ancient Genomics lab to uncover how humans and dogs evolved together over millennia.
🕑: 07:00 PM - 07:45 PM
The diseases that made us
Info: TALK: From plague to pandemics, diseases have shaped societies for centuries. Join Anastasia Brativnyk and Peter Heather, chaired by Khalil Thirlaway, to explore their impact on human history and what ancient DNA can tell us.
Leave your mark
Info: DROP-IN: Thousands of years ago, people shared their stories through cave art. Join Crick Group Leader, Katie Bentley, to create your own painting and explore the traces we leave behind for others to discover.
Map our stories
Info: DROP-IN: From hometowns and family roots to favourite places and unforgettable journeys, add your pin to our giant world map and explore the connections that link us across generations and continents.
Moments worth keeping
Info: DROP-IN: Some memories are worth holding onto. Stop by our instant photo station to capture a snapshot with friends, family or new connections made during the evening, and take home a printed reminder of your night at the Crick.
Pieces of you
Info: DROP-IN: Cut, layer, arrange and create. In this drop-in workshop with artists Grace Lee and Patricia Bugembe, explore the many pieces that make up your identity through collage. Experiment with textures, images and ideas as you build a personal artwork inspired by your own experiences, connections and story.
Reflections on identity
Info: DROP-IN: Create and decorate your own pocket mirror with artist Grace Clifford. Using images, words and symbols, explore identity, belonging and the people, places and experiences that shape who you are.
Shadows of the past
Info: DROP-IN: Bring ancient stories and current research to life through shadow puppetry. Create your own puppet inspired by We Go Way Back, then step behind the screen and perform alongside fellow visitors in this workshop led by Little Angel Theatre.
Sip of Science
Info: DROP-IN: Meet the researchers behind the science. Grab a drink and ask our Crick scientists your burning questions and find out more about life in the lab. Bring your curiosity.
Tracing connections
Info: DROP-IN: DNA links us to the past, but it's only part of our story. Create a connection card and reflect on the memories, people and places that have shaped your identity.
We Go Way Back
Info: EXHIBITION: Unlock the secrets hidden in our DNA and discover the extraordinary story of humanity. Explore our immersive exhibition on how revolutionary ancient DNA research reveals hidden ancestry, vast migrations and the diseases that shaped us.
DJ Deep time with Sadie Lee
Info: Whether you're exploring the exhibition, getting creative in a workshop or unwinding with a drink, DJ Sadie Lee will be providing a soundtrack to your evening, playing tracks inspired by the themes of identity, connection and belonging.
Neander-bar
Info: Raise a glass to the past. Enjoy a range of themed cocktails, alongside alcohol-free drinks and snacks available to purchase throughout the night.
Event venue & nearby stays
The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, United Kingdom
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.