Intelligent polymers exposed

Nov 21, 2005

The University of Wollongong's Intelligent Polymer Research Institute (IPRI) was one of the key exhibitors at the recent Science EXPOsed 2005 exhbition in Sydney.

Minister for Science and Medical Research Frank Sartor launch the second annual Science EXPOsed -a free two-day event organised by the NSW Government to showcase the latest in science and technology and the range of careers available to young people who study science.

“Science is the basis for almost every new discovery and advancement in our every day lives”, Mr Sartor said.

“Science and scientists however, are still plagued by an image of stodgy slightly eccentric old men in white coats beavering away by themselves in a laboratory.

“This couldn't be further from the truth. Science is discovery and is only limited by our imaginations. “I would encourage all young people to think about incorporating science within their studies and see this as a valuable way to make an important contribution to our society,” he said.

IPRI represented the ARC Centre for Nanostructured Electromaterials, with the exhibit including hands-on demonstrations of actuators and electronic textiles to spark the curiosity of almost 1200 school children who attended the Expo.

Staff and students from IPRI broke down bionics and discussed the exciting new developments that are revolutionising the field, with school teachers particularly showing interest in taking back leading edge research to their higher level students.

Videos and posters were used to demonstrate to students how nanotechnology is improving the capabilities of scientists to re-engineer new and improved devices for wearable electronics and in the biomonitoring and biofeedback of human movement.IPRI is regarded as a world leader in intelligent polymer and nanotechnology research.