Impact of a large-scale interactive and immersive science pop-up shop about infection and hygiene on visitors and volunteers

Infectious diseases pose persistent and evolving challenges to global health, exacerbated by rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and vaccine hesitancy. The global public response to the COVID-19 pandemic underscored that scientific knowledge alone cannot drive behavioural change without trust, dialogue and meaningful social participation. Effective science communication and public engagement therefore require interactive, community-centred approaches that address social and cultural barriers and foster shared understanding and collective responsibility. This study describes the development and evaluation of a free large-scale pop-up shop designed to improve public health literacy. Located in one of the UK's busiest shopping centres, the event was co-created and co-delivered by staff and students across four universities and combined playful, sensory, immersive learning with robust science through hands-on activities, exhibitions and live presentations. Incentives such as a sticker-based reward system and a treasure hunt encouraged sustained engagement. Over a 28-day period, 4,955 people attended, including organised school groups. Mixed-methods evaluation revealed positive shifts in public knowledge and attitudes, alongside an increased appreciation of the value of public engagement among those delivering the event. Embedding science within a public space proved effective in engaging diverse audiences, stimulating conversations around health and disease, and breaking down perceived barriers between scientists and the public.