January 8, 2026

For Immediate Release — January 8, 2026

Media Contacts:
Ro Rode, Director of Marketing and Communications
(561) 596-1410
ro.rode@lifeandscience.org

Photos

DURHAM, NC — The Museum of Life and Science today announced the official reopening of The Lab and TinkerLab spaces as part of the annual Biotech Blast event, held January 10–11, 2026. The reimagined spaces bring updated technology to both The Lab and TinkerLab, as well as a slate of new and popular returning programs geared toward learners of all ages.

The Lab gives visitors the chance to dive into diverse subjects from astronomy and biotechnology to zoology with experiments, crafts, and challenges, and topics differ every week so everyone can find their STEM spark.

As part of its regular operation, The Lab will also host visiting early childhood psychology and development researchers from local universities through the Living Labs program. Visitors will participate in current science through real IRB-approved studies with Museum visitors in the form of games and stories with researchers.

TinkerLab invites guests to build contraptions, make connections, and mess around with familiar materials in surprising ways, from weaving to circuits to chain reaction machines.

Biotech Blast invites Museum guests to discover how biotechnology impacts every level of our lives by engaging with activities, demonstrations, and conversations with scientists and organizations working in the field. Saturday, January 10, will also feature a series of short talks with local experts highlighting the latest developments in biotech research. Sunday, January 11, is a Durham Community Day and will include pop-ups throughout the Museum. Biotech Blast is free with admission or Museum Membership.

We’d like to extend a special thank you to the North Carolina GSK Foundation for their generous support of The Lab and its biotechnology programs.