European Researchers’ Night
Thu, 06 Oct 2016 01:50:00 BST
The University of Huddersfield’s campus was transformed into one of the world’s biggest laboratories when it played host to more than 2,300 visitors who had a choice of 40 fascinating workshops, demonstrations and special events illuminating a vast spectrum of scientific research and innovation. The night was capped by a spectacular firework and laser display – plus a world record attempt.
Over the course of the night visitors had the chance to learn all about the science behind magic, the technology of 3D printing, the secrets of forensic science, the wonders of virtual reality, the nutritional value of eating insects and much more.
One of the biggest highlights of the evening was the Guinness World Record attempt with the construction of the largest-ever atomic model of a protein structure. Visitors witnessed lecturers and students constructing the model, which is the size of a large cow and represents more than 15,000 atoms. A Guinness team is now carrying out an appraisal before officially validating the world record.
The Keynote Lecture titled “Full STEAM Ahead" was delivered by Sir John O’Reilly, one of the country’s most influential figures in science and technology. He emphasised the vital importance to encourage new streams of bright young people to study the STEM subjects – science, technology, engineering and maths. Sir John, who was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Huddersfield warned against complacency however he was highly positive about the UK’s track record for excellence in innovation.
The European Researchers' Night is funded by the European Commission via the EU’s Marie Sklodowska-Curie actions (MSCA) and takes place in over 300 venues across Europe simultaneously.
Comments from visitors included:
“….had a great time eating crickets and worms, taking fingerprints and digging for bones, growing crystals... all sorts of fun things to do and learn about. Finished off with a grand finale of fireworks and lasers. Well done and thank you to all those involved.”
“Great to see a local University really BUZZING!”
“Both my children came to look around the Researcher’s Night event, not quite sure of what they were going to find, but both came away buzzing about the things they had seen.”
Fiona Hesselden who hosted the Centre for Sustainable & Resilient Communities (CSRC) stand in the Business School said of the event: "The stand was really popular with a continual stream of visitors and even a queue at times; we showed a number of short films (shot in Ethiopia) and people could sample coffee, honey and other forest products. Overall I think we had somewhere between 150 to 200 visitors."
Next year's event will take place on Friday 29 September. To find out more and be updated with the latest news visit the European Researchers' Night website.
