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Students asked to predict future of bionics
Mention bionics and most people think of the Six Million Dollar Man and Woman from the classic 1970’s TV show. However bionic implants are no longer confined to science fiction; pacemakers and bionic ears (cochlear implants) are now relatively common and devices like the bionic eye, prosthetics limbs and artificial nerves are on the horizon.
The University of Wollongong is inviting students in year eight to 11 who have an opinion about the future of science and bionics to enter the Bionics for 2020 Competition.
Contestants have to answer the question “what new Bionic parts you would develop for humans, why and how?" and submit this along with an Entry Form to the Bionics for 2020 Competition. Entries can be in the form of an essay, develop poster or a design and should be limited to three A4 pages (or equivalent).
Winners will have the chance to meet world-leading researchers in their laboratories at the Intelligent Polymer Research Institute and world-renowned scientist Professor Graeme Clark will present the prize.
Professor Clark is the inventor of the cochlear ear implant and a Chief Investigator with ACES. Since 1978, more than 100,000 people all over the world have been fitted with a bionic ear, which had been hailed as one of the most important medical science breakthroughs ever.
How to enter
Go to: http://www.electromaterials.edu.au/Resources/Bionicsfor2020.html to download an entry form and send this, along with your entry to the email or postal address on the form.
Winners will spend an afternoon at ACES during National Science Week, tour world-class working laboratories and meet researchers and PhD students from the University of Wollongong working in the cutting edge of bionics
They will also receive a $100 voucher and a signed copy of Sounds from silence: Graeme Clark and the bionic ear story.
Finalists (and winners) are invited to a special presentation event at the Wollongong Science Centre & Planetarium during National Science Week, where they will meet other participants, meet researchers from UOW and ACES and hear about the exciting advances in bionics being carried out in Wollongong.
Media please note, for more details contact Leanne Crouch on 4252 8924 or at lcrouch@uow.edu.au