Injecting Hope: The Race for a COVID-19 Vaccine

Injecting Hope was a new, free exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland that presents the science behind the COVID-19 vaccine.

This exhibition detailed the rapid research, development and delivery of the vaccine. Visitors could learn the science behind the creation of the vaccine, and understand the logistics behind its global roll-out.

The exhibition brought together more than 80 objects that were acquired in real time during the peak of the pandemic by curators across the UK.

Visitors saw historic objects and modern innovations in the National Museums Scotland collection, and discovered how these helped the global COVID-19 response. Highlighted objects included a syringe belonging to Alexander Wood, a Scotsman who invented the world's first hypodermic syringe.

Injecting Hope shared uniquely Scottish experiences of the global pandemic. Visitors learned about the people involved in the creation of Scotland's blue vaccine appointment envelopes, developed to stand out and be prioritised by post offices and receivers. Visitors also heard voices from the African diaspora in Glasgow on vaccine hesitancy in the community.

Injecting Hope: The Race for a COVID-19 Vaccine is part of an international tour presented by the Science Museum Group.