12 July 2019
Science has played a pertinent role in shaping our current society. Throughout the course of history, the role of science has progressed from mere experiments, to innovative and cutting-edge discoveries that are rapidly propelling us into the future.
Much of this progression comes from embracing the contributions science has had on the broader aspects of society and how it has inevitably shaped our economic, political and cultural landscape. As the theme for LIYSF 2019, science at the interface encourages us to do exactly that, consider science not as an individual subject, but as a unified and collaborative discipline.
Combining different disciplines, such as technology, engineering and medicine, allows us to think outside the box, and reach new frontiers in our research and technology. An example of this concept in action, is the company ‘Zipline.’ This initiative uses a pre-programmed drone delivery system to transport medical supplies to local hospitals in parts of Africa. The impact of Zipline is seen not only through the 13,000,000 people this company provides urgent medical supplies to, but through its ability to revolutionise access to healthcare in rural areas through the combination of engineering and medical innovation.
Edible ’Ooho’ water-pods are another example of an interdisciplinary solution focused on reducing plastic waste. Created by a team of chemists, engineers and entrepreneurs, these water-pods have an edible outter membrane made of seaweed, ultimately providing a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic bottles. They were recently distributed at the London Marathon and were part of the organisations sustainability goals of reducing the number of plastic bottles from 760,000 to 215,000 at this 2019 event.
These brainchildren are just two examples of the interdisciplinary power of science, and their potential to redefine our social, political and environmental landscape.
LIYSF 2019 provides an opportunity to envision where this idea of science at the interface can take us, while encouraging participants to be ambitious and innovative changemakers that will drive us into the future.
Here are three other great examples of how science and technology has been used to tackle some critical issues we face today:
This blog was written by Minushika Punchihewa
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