Death by Rubber Duck - a community project to determine the effects of removing BPA from the diet of schoolchildren. (360G-Wellcome-105162_Z_14_Z)

Young people will be given the opportunity to lead an empirical research project whilst being mentored in aspects of scientific research from project planning to public engagement; a unique form of citizen science which will pilot the possibilities afforded by this novel approach to conducting publicly-engaged research. The project is focused on assessment of the biological effects of reducing the levels of a plastics additive (Bisphenol A; BPA) a chemical commonly found in food and drinks packa ging, by consumption of fresh or unpackaged foods. Epidemiological studies have shown that chemicals such as BPA present in the food we eat can impact our health. Work from collaborators has indicated that levels of several common chemicals associated with food packaging can be reduced by up to 70% in just one week by simple dietary interventions. Here, we will work with approximately 120 A/AS level students who, as scientists and participants, will attend a series of workshops to design an inte rvention study and learn about environmental factors that may influence human health. They will undertake the dietary intervention, designed to reduce BPA levels, assess the outcomes (urinary BPA levels and expression level of BPA-responsive genes), analyse the results, contribute to a publication as a consortium and devise and deliver a programme of community engagement for examples through, talks, social media and exhibitions. The project has the potential to make a significant contribution to the scientific literature as well as facilitating public discussions about BPA, health and wider issues of conducting scientific research.