Department of Engineering / News / Inspiring everyone to become engineers

Department of Engineering

Inspiring everyone to become engineers

Inspiring everyone to become engineers

'Extreme Engineering,' a new exhibition at the Cambridge Science Centre was opened this month by our incoming Head of Department, Professor David Cardwell, celebrating engineering and developed in conjunction with Research Groups at the Department.

Through the exhibition, I am looking forward to seeing the public have a chance to try out some engineering for themselves, helping them get a glimpse of some of the amazing work that engineers here in Cambridge and around the world are carrying out.

Professor Dame Ann Dowling, current Head of the Department of Engineering

Among the attractions, visitors of all ages will be able to discover how we build the world’s tallest and strongest buildings, how shrinking electronics is radically changing our lives, and how to go really fast (and slow things back down). The science of speed, construction and miniaturisation will be explored through brand new hands-on exhibits, amazing objects and lively science shows.

The exhibits and displays include:

  • A special Formula One display including an engine used by racing driver Fernando Alonso

  • A giant interactive wall which allows visitors to build simple electronic circuits

  • An earthquake shaker to build, test and crash their structures

  • A display about how microchips are made, including silicon crystals and microchip wafers

  • A wind tunnel to test 3D printed shapes for their aerodynamic properties

The Cambridge Science Centre has been working closely with research groups within the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge to bring this exhibition to life. The summer programme will be packed with opportunities for the public to meet research engineers and get a feel for the projects they are working on.

“The Department of Engineering has really enjoyed working alongside the Cambridge Science Centre on this exhibition. Showcasing the incredible scope of engineering through exhibitions like this is a great way to capture the interest of young people” said Professor Dame Ann Dowling FREng FRS, the current Head of the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge.

“Being an engineer myself, even I am amazed by the great work that engineers are doing across all sorts of professions. Through the exhibition, I am looking forward to seeing the public have a chance to try out some engineering for themselves, helping them get a glimpse of some of the amazing work that engineers here in Cambridge and around the world are carrying out.”

Dr Chris Lennard, CEO of the Cambridge Science Centre, added: “We might even inspire some of the visitors to become engineers themselves!”

Since opening last year, the Cambridge Science Centre has had over 40,000 visitors. The ‘Extreme Engineering’ exhibition is a major update to the exhibition floor and it will offer a great experience to new and repeat visitors alike. This exhibition and its event programme is sponsored by ARM, MathWorks, Microsoft Research and Big Lottery Fund.

Extreme Engineering is open now and runs until the end of March 2015.

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