Researchers from the School of Pharmacy and Faculty of Engineering at the University of Nottingham delivered a Leonardo Study Day in Nottingham Castle on Friday 16th September '16. Morgan Alexander, Ricky Wildman, Yinfeng He, Peter Magennis and Andrew Hook delivered the study day for ~120 15-17 year olds. This was part of the Leonardo Da Vinci events at Nottingham Castle, focussing on what the ultimate Renaissance man might be doing in science today. The workshop “Materials for Man: from the idea to a product” was an interactive session with demonstrations to share knowledge and research. Da Vinci was an artist, court engineer, anatomist and inventor and this session illustrated how such interdisciplinary behaviour is now common place in scientific research. Using examples from their own research they showed how this modern interdisciplinary approach using medicine, biology, materials, chemistry, physics, engineering and business has led to the discovery of a new type of plastic which can be used to create products designed to reduce the instances of infections acquired in hospitals. The session received some excellent feedback from those who attended:
“Hands on tasks. Level was spot on. Hightech but very accessible to all.”
“One of the best days out we have had.”
“Students really enjoyed the interactive nature of the workshop.”
“Exciting participatory opportunities.”
“Excellent, very informative with a good balance between theory and practical activities. Students were engaged.”
“Enjoyed the hands on elements of the session and being able to see the 3D printer. It was interesting for students to make the link between science and Art.”
Posted on Monday 26th September 2016