Sheffield is a world leader in nanotechnology research, and now it is also taking a leading role in educating the general public in the importance of this science. Experts from the city’s two Universities have made a short film about how nanotechnology affects everyday life, which will be a central part of an exhibition at the Science Museum in London.

‘Nanotechnology – Small Science, Big Deal’ will be opened by Lord Sainsbury on 25 February 2005, who will announce the Government’s response to the Royal Society’s report on nanotechnology.

The film was developed by Professor Richard Jones and Professor Tony Ryan at the University of Sheffield and Jeff Baggott, Film Director and Nick Dulake, Senior Visualisation Consultant from Design Futures at Sheffield Hallam University. It is presented by Professor Ryan, and looks at how nanotechnology makes the sole of a training shoe more effective.

The same team has also been awarded a major grant from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council to make a whole series of short films that will show how nanotechnology is used to improve many aspects of everyday life. Professor Jones explains, “Many people only have a vague idea of what nanotechnology is. These films will demonstrate how people’s lives are already being affected by nanotechnology, and how in the future, nanotechnology could, if used in the right way, bring major positive benefits.”

Professor Ryan says, “The film at the Science Museum shows people, in an accessible way, how nanotechnology works, and the benefits it can bring. As an EPSRC Media Fellow I am particularly interested in ensuring that science is communicated to as wide an audience as possible, and this film is a great start in explaining this fascinating subject.”

Jeff Baggott says,”This project is one of several in which the creative disciplines in our Art and Design Research Centre are working with scientists to address research questions that cut across disciplinary boundaries. By using narrative in innovative ways, sciences that would otherwise be difficult for non-scientists to comprehend can be communicated in ways that are easy to understand.”

Nick Dulake says, “The marriage of science and design is an exciting collaboration. The challenge for us was to visualise the subject but keeping the scientific integrity alive.”

Notes
Professor Jones and Professor Ryan will be available for comment on Lord Sainsbury’s announcement, either by telephone, or in person at the exhibition.

Design Futures is a commercial design consultancy based at Sheffield Hallam University. It is recognised as a Yorkshire Forward Centre of Industrial Collaboration.

‘Nanotechnology – Small Science, Big Deal’ is a free exhibition supported by the Department of Trade and Industry, at the Science Museum from 25 February to 31 August 2005. For more information see www.sciencemuseum.org.uk.