Discovery days inspire Mach

The impressive turn-out for the 2005 Discovery Days proved that the appetite for 'tasters' of University research is keen. The days began with an audio link with Phuket by Professor of Anatomy and Forensic Anthropology Sue Black. Seventeen presentations later the audience - which included a good cross section of the community inside and outside the university - reached the twilight shore with a stimulating overview of gaming in the eighteenth century by historian Bob Harris.

The spirit of "cross fertilisation of ideas" came to the fore when, during question time, parallels were drawn between Peter Stonebridge's work on the advantages of spiral blood flow, ventilation systems and processing baked beans. Other highlights included Andrew Morris on diabetes - "a 76% increase in Tayside in seven years"; Christine Helliar on derivatives and the advantages of buying wine in France. Brigid Daniel on a vision of child care systems modelled on successes rather than reacting to system failures, Simon Unwin with evocative images and ideas and Eric Abel, bravely accompanied by a translator for the hard of hearing, on middle ear implants. Chancellor Sir James Black congratulated the presenters on a "highly stimulating and intellectually exciting" couple of days.

One member of the audience who was particularly inspired by the two afternoons was David Mach: alumnus, renowned artist and Visiting Professor of Inspiration and Discovery. A key figure in the Inspiration and Discovery project, David's Discovery Days visit was the latest in a number of trips he has made to the university since the inaugural symposium last October.

Having secured a grant of £30,000 from the Wellcome Trust, the project is well underway. As well as attending the Discovery Days, David spent some time at Life Sciences.

David said, "I have come across a huge amount of material which is completely new to me during my visits, and I’ve also spent time just getting a feel for the university again. My focus is on creating work for the new campus green that will not only tie in with the art meets science theme, but also incorporate the whole university. I think this is an opportunity to create something really exciting, not only visually but also in the sense of bringing people together to mix, share ideas and influence each other."

On the theme of art meets science, a Discovery Days showreel was on display in the Bonar Hall over the two afternoons. Featuring a series of stunning images by artists and scientists, both staff and students, it showcased some of the incredible work that is created at the interface of art and science. The showreel was compiled by TVI student Robert Bichan. Images by Paul Harrison that were included in the showreel are featured on pages 12-13 and 20-23.