Outreach

On 19 and 20 August 2015 the Great North Museum Hancock (https://greatnorthmuseum.org.uk/) hosted Light for Life (https://greatnorthmuseum.org.uk/whats-on/light-for-life), a public outreach activity illustrating how sunlight has been fundamental for the past, present and future development of humankind.

This event was part of the initiatives within the UNESCO’s International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies (http://www.light2015.org/Home/Event-Programme/2015/Exhibition/UK-Light-for-Life.html). The exhibition brought together researchers from the School of Chemistry, and families visiting the museum, with the aim of explaining the science behind natural photosynthesis with the aid of visual experiments. Research on photochemistry and the development of solar technology inspired from plants will be presented with demonstrations for adults and children; including hands-on activities such as the chemical extraction of a natural pigment from greens.

The event was jointly organised between the Great North Museum and the School of Chemistry thanks to the GNM Fellowship awarded to Dr Pau Farras.