June 14, 2017 11.24 am This story is over 81 months old

Interactive tech expo returns to the University of Lincoln this autumn

Play a game of noughts & crosses against a robot, see the world through a dog’s eyes, visit the Happiness Lab, and take a chance to trick a passport controller are just some of the activities on offer at this year’s LiGHTS event at the University of Lincoln taking plance on the September 29. The event is…
Baxter the robot plays noughts and crosses.

Play a game of noughts & crosses against a robot, see the world through a dog’s eyes, visit the Happiness Lab, and take a chance to trick a passport controller are just some of the activities on offer at this year’s LiGHTS event at the University of Lincoln taking plance on the September 29.

The event is part of a Europe-wide scheme called European Researchers’ Night and it encourages Lincoln to Get a Hold of Technology and Science (LiGHTS) by inspiring people to learn about the effect university research has on everyday living.

The event, which is the second to be held at the University of Lincoln, will showcase over 50 free activities for people of all ages – all funded by the European Commission – and requires no advance booking for individuals or small groups (fewer than 10 people).

Professor for the Public Understanding of Research, Carenza Lewis, explained that last year’s event gained “incredibly positive feedback from visitors” and “we hope that by showcasing some of the University of Lincoln’s most exciting and amazing work, LiGHTS will attract thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds to an illuminating day which will inform and inspire.”

‘Skeletons in the Cupboard’

At the expo, visitors can experience: ‘Meet MARC’, where visitors can play a game of rock, paper, scissors; ‘Skeletons in the Cupboard’, which is an examination of archaeological skeletons excavated in Lincoln; and ‘Science in Song’ – a performance inspired by science and technology by University of Lincoln music students.

Professor Lewis said, “LiGHTS gives anyone and everyone a chance to find out about research and discovery at the University of Lincoln by hearing about the latest discoveries, exploring the university, trying out equipment and taking part in experiments.”

Highlights on the day include:

  • Understanding Evolution: Interactive detective session with a primate psychologist about Darwin, monkeys and evolution
  • Meet MARC: Compete in a game of rock, paper, scissors against this robotic player.
  • Skeletons In The Cupboard: What can we learn from human bones? Find out by examining archaeological skeletons excavated from Lincoln.
  • Myths And Science Of Sleep: By the age of three, we’ve become experts at sleeping, having spent 10,000 hours asleep. So why do so many people struggle to get a good night’s sleep?
  • The Building Blocks Of Food: Learn how to use detergent and alcohol to extract DNA from everyday food, and take home a souvenir tube of that DNA!
  • Science In Song: A performance by the University of Lincoln students of music, ranging from Bartok to the Beastie Boys – all inspired by technology and science.

See www.lightsexpo.org.uk for the full list of events.