Ralph Lending

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.

Warwick Davis, known for his roles in the Star Wars and Harry Potter film franchises, had been named as patron to the St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice charity.

Mr. Davis made his first appearance on behalf of the charity at Lincoln Cathedral on June 11, at a celebration of the charity’s 35th birthday, which included a special Service of Thanksgiving lead by the Dean of the Cathedral, Christine Wilson.

At the event, the actor met with a handful of the army of volunteers who play a crucial role in the charity’s success – such as raising £5.5m a year in order to support over 9000 people who live with life-limiting illnesses in Lincolnshire that the charity provides support for.

Mr Davis said: “I am humbled to have been asked to be the patron. The environment and support they provide is second to none and a much needed part of the care system in this country.”

In the past, the star has held stand-up fundraising events and officially opened the pioneering hospice in the hospital at Grantham.

Hospices like this support patients via: in-patient units, a community ‘hospice at home’ service, day therapy and out-patient clinics, a range of therapy, welfare advice, and bereavement support for them and their families.

Veronica McBain, the Head of Fundraising and Marketing commended Mr Davis for this, saying “We are thrilled to have Warwick’s support as our new St. Barnabas patron.”

“He has already demonstrated his commitment and understanding of our work and we are all really looking forward to working with him in the coming months.”