Innovation Week lecture combines song, dance and nanotechnology

May 10, 2006

Innovation Week kicked off at the University of Wollongong late last week, with the Innovation Week Lecture delivered by Director of the Intelligent Polymer Research Institute (IPRI), Professor Gordon Wallace.

The lecture addressed the widespread impact of nanotechnology in commercial products from sunscreens to new flat screen televisions.

The amazing rapid advances in how we build nanostructures and how we tap into unusual and fascinating properties was discussed with an enthusiastic audience.

Professor Wallace highlighted the critical role nanotechnology plays in developing the next generation of energy conversion (solar cells) and storage (batteries) devices.

He also showed that developments in these areas impact greatly on the ability to produce new bionic devices.

The impact of nanotechnology on our leisure activities is particularly astounding – including improved performance bicycles, tennis racquets, golf clubs and even bowling balls which are using nantotechnology to gain better performance.

Nanotechnology also plays an important role in music (e.g Elixir Guitar strings) and has historically played an important role in art and colour. This was celebrated as part of the lecture by a tune played with these guitar strings and some fancy footwork by an Irish Dancer wearing a colourful display dress.

Finally the emerging job opportunities in Nanotechnology were discussed and the need for well trained nano-teachers highlighted.

For more information on Innovation Week at UOW visit Innovation Week UOW