Wednesday, 17 May 2023
Researchers at the University of Nottingham are bringing science and technology to life that will revolutionise rehabilitation as part of the Royal Society’s Summer Science Exhibition from 4-9 July.
The University is behind one of just nine interactive exhibits selected for the prestigious Summer Science Exhibition – an extravaganza showcasing the UK’s most exciting research, lectures, and late-night events that is open free to the public and brings together more than 300 scientists over six inspiring days.
Revolutionising Rehabilitation showcases the pioneering work of scientists and clinicians from Loughborough University, The University of Nottingham and the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, working together at the National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC), a major new NHS rehabilitation facility set to be built on the Stanford Hall Rehabilitation Estate near Loughborough.
Pioneering science and technology hold the key to personalised rehabilitation. Scientists and clinicians from Loughborough University, The University of Nottingham and the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust are working together in partnership at the National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC), pioneering new technologies and treatments to restore hope to millions of people.
Professor Pip Logan, Professor of Rehabilitation Research, University of Nottingham, Academic lead for the NRC and Occupational Therapist for the NHS, said: “ The opportunity for us to present the NRC at the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition allows us to demonstrate how rehabilitation research is now at the cutting edge of science; bringing together disciplines, for example, from engineering, bio-science, imaging, pharmacy, physiology and Arts with the more traditional physiotherapy, nursing, medicine and occupational therapy sciences to really have impact on people’s lives after major trauma or those living with long term health conditions.
Our research is having real impact on enabling people to enjoy independent fulfilling lives, employment, and good mental health. The NRC allows us to work in partnership with clinicians, industry, scientists and most importantly patients and families to open new horizons in rehabilitation”.
Professor Mark Lewis, Loughborough University Dean of the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences and NRC Programme Lead, said: “Everyone at some point their life will need rehabilitation or know someone who will. But when we think about rehabilitation, we don’t necessarily think about the science and technology that is already making huge strides in transforming the lives of millions of people.
At the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition, we will have a range of interactive opportunities including computer games, smart robots, and bionic bandages to bring the public closer to the science we are pioneering through the NRC. We can’t wait to welcome everyone.”
Our partnership with the National Rehabilitation Centre and Loughborough University represents an essential part of our commitment to uplifting - through our research and education - the health of the people in our region and across the UK.
Professor Clive Roberts, University of Nottingham, Prof Vice-Chancellor, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and NTC Project lead, added: "Our partnership with the National Rehabilitation Centre and Loughborough University represents an essential part of our commitment to uplifting - through our research and education - the health of the people in our region and across the UK. It is an honour that once again this work is to be highlighted at the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition, a wonderful opportunity for us to interact with and inform the wider public of this world-leading work taking place in the UK".
Miriam Duffy, NRC Programme Director, said: “The National Rehabilitation Centre will pioneer innovative new approaches to rehabilitation combining clinical treatment, research, innovation and technology, and training all under one roof. Our fantastic academic partnership led by Loughborough University and the University of Nottingham is central to this new model and way of working.
The NRC has the potential to transform clinical rehabilitation in this country. It’s exciting, its cutting-edge science, it’s the best of British and we’re looking forward to being part of The Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition.”
Revolutionising Rehabilitation features the science that underpins the NRC’s vision for personalised rehabilitation, including:
Using sensors to see how the brain controls muscles
Bioengineering muscles in the lab to rebuild damaged tissue
Individually tailored prostheses and implants
Super-smart textiles for real-time remote health monitoring
Socially and physically assistive robots.
As well as the flagship exhibitor zones, the Summer Science Exhibition features talks from well-known faces like Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, the former Deputy Chief Medical Officer, and Dr Helen Sharman, the first British astronaut, Healthy Living and Healthy Planet zones, an adults-only evening, and a showcase of curiosities from the 1923 Royal Society Conversazione, the Summer Science Exhibition’s predecessor.
The Summer Science Exhibition takes place at the Royal Society, Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AG from Tuesday 4 July 2023 to Sunday 9 July 2023. The event is FREE and open to the public.
The full programme for the Summer Science Exhibition is available at the Royal Society’s website.
Story credits
For further information, please contact Pip Logan, Professor of Rehabilitation Research, University of Nottingham, Academic lead for the NRC and Occupational Therapist for the NHS.
Adam Mallaby - Media Relations Manager for the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (Maternity Cover)
Email: adam.mallaby@nottingham.ac.uk
Phone: 0115 748 5719
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About the University of Nottingham
Ranked 32 in Europe and 16th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2024, the University of Nottingham is a founding member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience, and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia - part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement.
Nottingham was crowned Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 – the third time it has been given the honour since 2018 – and by the Daily Mail University Guide 2024.
The university is among the best universities in the UK for the strength of our research, positioned seventh for research power in the UK according to REF 2021. The birthplace of discoveries such as MRI and ibuprofen, our innovations transform lives and tackle global problems such as sustainable food supplies, ending modern slavery, developing greener transport, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The university is a major employer and industry partner - locally and globally - and our graduates are the second most targeted by the UK's top employers, according to The Graduate Market in 2022 report by High Fliers Research.
We lead the Universities for Nottingham initiative, in partnership with Nottingham Trent University, a pioneering collaboration between the city’s two world-class institutions to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing for residents in the city and region we are proud to call home.
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