Science at the Commonwealth Celebrations

This year's Commonwealth Day in the Gardens of Westminster Abbey, had all the mark of science on it. A group of scientists, who included Martha Mwangome from the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme in Kilifi, spent an exciting day doing a Bioblitz.

For the non-scientists, the first thing you ask is, what the heck is that? '' We spent time trying to find and document as much nature in the gardens as possible. We found more than 90 species of plants and various birds...'' explains Martha.'' I hope we will one day be able to do a Bioblitz in the gardens of KEMRI Kilifi.''

She was in a team of young scientists from the Commonwealth, who were funded by the Wellcome Trust to participate in the Commonwealth activities.

During the Observance of the Commonwealth Day at Westminster Abbey, the Queen got to find out what they had been up to in the gardens! Martha presented a bouquet of flowers to her and the results of the Bioblitz were submitted to the Dean of the Abbey.

The team had a chance to mingle with the Queen, Prince Philip, Prince Charles and Camilla. They also attended the service which was graced by the Royal Family including the Duchess of Cornwall, the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago and 2,000 other delegates and school children. The service had representation from key speakers such as Lord Robert Winston. The speeches and activities all related to the Science, Technology and Society theme.