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What if the best way to inspire the next generation of scientists was to put real research directly in their hands? 

BioEYES is an educational initiative originally designed byDr Farber and Dr Shuda in Philadelphia, now brought to London through a partnership with CDN's Professor Corinne Houart, Dr Leigh Wilson and Dr Matthew Bostock. The 2-week programme transforms classrooms into working laboratories by establishing school-based zebrafish tanks, microscopes and specialist equipment, making authentic research experiences accessible to young people.

Professor Corinne Houart Vice Dean for Research at KCL's Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, is an internationally recognised authority on the molecular mechanisms driving brain development. Her lab's pioneering work using zebrafish to unravel how the brain develops, inspired the science motivation at the heart of the programme and helped create the pathway through to partnership with the US-based BioEYES initiative.

Dr Leigh Wilson, Public Engagement Manager at CDN and neurobiologist turned outreach specialist, has long championed the belief that science belongs beyond the walls of the university. Through BioEYES, she brings that vision to life, connecting A-level students with the kind of hands-on, inquiry-led science that builds not just knowledge, but confidence and authentic experience of research.

Alongside her, Dr Matthew Bostock, Postdoctoral Research Scientist at CDN, brings a uniquely direct link between live research and the classroom. His own work investigates the fundamental mechanisms of zebrafish neurodevelopment; the same themes that the students explore through the programme.

Also supporting the team is Alyssa Siriyan, Biomedical Sciences graduate and science communicator, who assists with facilitation and content across the programme, helping to make the science as accessible and engaging as possible.

Zebrafish as an ideal model organism for exploring neurodevelopment

At the heart of BioEYES is a remarkable model organism: the zebrafish. With transparent embryos that allow biology to be observed unfolding in real time, zebrafish offer students a window into developmental biology that is uniquely visually accessible.

Over the course of the programme, A-level students will dive into the world of developmental biology and follow the journey from a single cell to a swimming animal. They will explore how the brain and nervous system take shape and investigate how specific genes influence development by comparing healthy embryos to those with mutations.

Along the way, they’ll experience authentic encounters with real lab techniques, from microscopy to an introduction to CRISPR gene editing. In the final few days, the students will design their own experiments to test how environmental factors like temperature or light affect embryo development and experience the full process of scientific discovery from question to result. They don't just learn about science. They do it.

A growing global movement

Originally founded in Philadelphia, BioEYES is now expanding globally, and CDN is proud to be home to the UK London pilot, parterning with Clapton Girls Academy. The programme has also reached as far as Melbourne, Australia – an amazing reflection of a shared commitment to making real science accessible to young people wherever they are. 

The project is rooted in a simple but powerful belief: that curiosity is best nurtured through discovery and hands-on research. By engaging students with genuine experimental questions and giving them the tools to find answers for themselves, BioEYES helps to demystify science and build confidence in young people who might not otherwise see themselves as scientists. It also bridges the gap between university research and local communities in a way that is meaningful and tangible. 

Science for everyone 

Inclusivity sits at the heart of everything BioEYES does. The programme runs a 10-day initiative that brings scientists directly into the classroom, combining teaching sessions with hands-on lab work to give students a real taste of scientific research. This commitment to reaching students from underrepresented backgrounds reflects a core belief: that great science needs diverse minds, and diverse minds need access to great science. 

We're proud to be hosting the UK pilot programme, made possible by programme funding from BioEYES US. 

Want to follow the journey? Keep an eye on the CDN Instagram and LinkedIn for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and news about how the UK pilot is developing. For more information on BioEYES, follow @bioeyes on Instagram. 

News story written by Alyssa Siriyan, to find out more please email Alyssa.