Last updated December 1, 2017 at 2:07 pm
The title for the next series of national speaker events, ‘Making Better Humans’, from the Australian Academy of Science implies something slightly sinister and maybe a little totalitarian.
But it’s actually about stepping into the limitless world of plastic – or more specifically, polymers.
In making better humans, we’re not talking about cosmetic plastic surgery. We’re leaping into the latest innovations in polymer science.
Australia is well-known for developing the polymer banknote – the trusty, hardy, waterproof, (usually) tear-proof notes that make up our wonderful, colourful currency. The inventor of the polymer banknote, Professor David Solomon AC FAA is ensuring that you can hear about the latest Australian research in plastic as this series is presented with his generous support.
At a talk to be held in Adelaide next month, get ready to embrace fantastic plastic and the likes of “bionic bras, handheld 3D printers for repairing damaged cartilage, shape-shifting medical implants and anti-cancer drugs delivered using nanoparticles,” as the event’s website describes. “This is not the stuff of fantasy. This is the now.”
Hear from a line up of Australian experts who are creating all sorts of things with plastic polymers – and making better humans along the way.
- Dr Georgina Such, from University of Melbourne, will open up the night by explaining polymers and their importance in modern society from high technology gadgets to biomedicine
- Prof Martina Stenzel, UNSW scientist hoping to fight cancer with polymer nanoparticles to deliver anti-cancer drugs
- Prof Gordon Wallace, University of Wollongong scientist working on the ‘Biopen’, a 3D printer pen that contains a patient’s own cells for use in surgery to repair damaged cartilage
- Prof Peter Murphy, Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, who researches the engineering of surfaces like thin film coatings, and collaborates across many industry sectors
The talk will be chaired by Dr Bobby Cerini, the Senior Program Manager for Inspiring Australia.
Date: Thursday 2 November 2017
Time: Refreshments 5.30 pm. Talk and Q&A 6.00 pm – 7.30 pm.
Location: The Science Exchange, 55 Exchange Place Adelaide SA
Price: $10 tickets
BOOK HERE
The Adelaide event is proudly sponsored by Future Industries Institute and The Royal Institution of Australia.
WATCH THE RECORDING FROM THE EVENT BELOW:
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