18 September 2009
PhD student tackles social and ethical questions raised by dementia
A PhD student from the University of Dundee has won a British Science Association competition for designing a poster that aks the viewer to consider issues relating to dementia sufferers.
Gemma Webster landed £750 when her poster, 'What's in a label?', won first prize in the perspectives competition, in which researchers funded by the UK Research Councils present and explore the social implications of their work.
It is based on the classic Heinz design recognisable to millions of consumers. Whilst at first sight it appears like any other food label, on closer inspection it tells the story of Helen, an 87-year-old dementia sufferer, and illustrates the dangers of labelling people according to popular stereotypes of medical conditions.
As well as telling Helen’s story, the poster plays on the usual instructions to be found on foods to expose preconceptions relating to dementia sufferers. As such, Helen’s ingredients are 'awkward; demanding; irritating; forgetful' while the directions to anyone charged with dealing with her are 'place contents in a chair and move once or twice a day'.
As part of her PhD studies within the University’s School of Computing, Dundonian Gemma (26) is developing an interactive information system for care staff who work with dementia sufferers. She explained the purpose of her poster.
'It aims to help staff see the whole person, not just the illness, and treat the person as an individual not simply a set of needs to service,' she said. 'A commonly held view is that older people are not as valuable or interesting as the young members of society.'
'The aim of this poster is to challenge that view and show that older people are valuable assets to our society. Hopefully, my research will help to make some people’s lives better.'
The perspectives scheme is organised by the British Science Association and is funded by Research Councils UK who see it as essential that researchers consider the societal and ethical benefits which innovative research brings to people and communities around the world.
Out of 90 entries 36 were selected to design and exhibit a poster at the British Science Festival, which was held at the University of Surrey earlier this month September, bringing over 350 of the UK’s top science, engineering and technology professionals to discuss the latest developments in their field.
Out of the 36 finalists there was one overall winner and five runner-ups. The panel of judges comprised science communicators and media representatives.
Gemma receives funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC);
The School of Computing at Dundee contains one of the largest and most influential academic groups in the world researching into information technology and assistive technology for older and disabled people.
It boasts more than 30 researchers with a unique blend of disciplines including computer engineers, psychologists, therapists, creative designers and staff who have benefited from interdisciplinary careers.
Doors to the School will be thrown open to over-60s between 10am-12pm on Tuesday, September 22nd, and between 10am-2pm on Thursday, September 24th as part of Age Concern’s itea and biscuits week.
Taster sessions will take place to help older users embrace computers and other new technology, and staff and peers will be on hand to offer assistance and encouragement to a group whose fear of new technology is often the biggest impediment to them joining the digital age.
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 |
