Enthusing thousands of people about science and engineering
Cabinet Ministers David Willetts and Vince Cable joined more than 4,000 members of the public who visited the University of Southampton’s Bringing research to life roadshow in the Discovery Zone at the 2012 Cheltenham Science Festival.
Scientists, engineers and other academics from across the University use the roadshow to highlight their cutting-edge research to interested adults and children through exciting and thought-provoking hands-on displays and demonstrations. At Cheltenham, nine research projects were featured including the sound of bubbles, tracking space junk that threatens satellites and twenty first century traffic control.
"This is a great opportunity for our students to communicate the impact of the University's research to a general audience," explains roadshow coordinator Dr Steve Dorney.
Postdoctoral researcher in Chemistry Ben Littlefield says: "Cheltenham is the ultimate geek fest! Everyone is interested in science and many of our visitors ask incredibly challenging questions."
During 2012, the team took the roadshow to the Big Bang event at Hampshire cricket's Rose Bowl, the Thomas Hardye School, Dorchester, the INTECH Science Centre and Planetarium at Winchester and Cheltenham Science Festival. They will also be at Bestival on the Isle of Wight in September. It is estimated the roadshow will reach 10,000 people over the year.