UEL to host one-day science festival

A one-day festival of science will take at the University of East London (UEL) on Tuesday 14 May, giving visitors the chance to discover the science behind AI, crime investigations, winemaking, digital currencies, and much more.

Hosted across the three UEL campuses, leading academics and industry experts will explore how scientific innovations are influencing all our lives, with developments like AI set to speed up that process even more.

The Science in our Lives festival, part of the University’s Year of Science, will have eight events in a range of formats. Some will consist of discussions, others debates, while several, like the session on health tech, will provide hands-on opportunities to interact with transformative new technologies.  

The Vice-Dean of the University’s Royal Docks School of Business and Law, Professor Shampa Roy-Mukherjee, said,

I'm thrilled to celebrate the "Science in our Lives" event, which is a testament to the school's commitment to advancing knowledge, fostering innovation, and inspiring students in their studies. The festival and the events will see us embrace the transformative power of science to address the world's most pressing challenges and pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.

One of the festival's key aspects will be examining how science is shaping the careers and industries of the future. One session will look at the role of AI in creativity, while another will look at the impact of digital money and how it could affect all our lives.  Several sessions will examine how technology is affecting policing, in particular the role of science in community policing, and the threat to children posed by virtual reality technologies.  

It's a vital subject, according to Ruwan Uduwerage-Perera, UEL’s Director of Policing, Criminology & Justice. He said, "Just as technology is enhancing society, it is also empowering criminals and those intent on harming our communities. As time goes on and technology advances, policing must also adapt.”

For those more interested in wine than crime, there’s also the chance to discover the science behind winemaking. Zoe Adjey, of the University’s Institute of Hospitality and Tourism, said,

Most of the mystery surrounding wine production can be explained by the scientific reactions that occur throughout the process. This session aims to unravel these secrets and explore the fascinating science behind every sip of wine. By uncorking the complexities of winemaking, participants will gain a deeper appreciation for the art and science that go into crafting each bottle.