30 March 2009

Engineering innovations take centre stage

New technology to help detect colon cancer, robots that automate ATM testing, and groundbreaking renewable energy schemes are among the innovative engineering and physics projects to be showcased at the University of Dundee later this week.

The annual Exhibition of Honours and Research Project Work highlights the work produced by undergraduate and postgraduate electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, mechatronics, physics and renewable energy students.

Many of the projects have been developed by students working in conjunction with local firms and organisations. The students have devised a wide variety of novel applications for use across industry and healthcare, and in the production of sustainable energy.

Professor Merv Rose, Head of the Division of Electronic Engineering and Physics said the event was now cemented in the calendar as one of the highlights of the academic year.

He continued, 'Guests from industry are continually surprised and encouraged by the breadth and depth of the project work and the excellent presentations given by the students.'

'It is a chance for the students to show off their research skills and achievements and to engage with industry at a critical time in their career. The projects this year reflect the excellence in research in the Divisions. It is well worth a visit to meet the future scientists, engineers and decision makers as they embark on their new careers.'

Students in Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics Division have entered the Formula Student competition which will see them design, build and run a Formula-style car that will be racing at Silverstone later this year. Their designs will be showcased at the event.

Dr Robert Keatch, Head of the Division of Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics said, 'This is an excellent opportunity for the students to engage in the design, construction and testing of a racing car and apply the skills taught in Mechanical Engineering.'

'We also have an extremely strong research presence in biomedical engineering and this is an amazing opportunity for the public to see what the future in medical treatment and healthcare may be.'

The exhibition will be held across two locations - the first floor of the Ewing Building (Electrical Enginnering, Physics & Renewable Energy), Smalls Wynd, and on the ground floor of the Fulton Building (Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics) - from 2.00 pm on Wednesday April 1st.

The show is open to the general public, as well as all students and staff of the University. Among those attending will be members of the University’s Industrial Advisory Board - mainly practising engineers and scientists from companies in the east of Scotland, who are looking for the brightest talent among students who will be graduating this summer.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate,
Dundee, DD1 4HN

TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277