Some are familiar with the ability to programme computers such as PCs or laptops. However many individuals that do not engage in programming will purchase and use such applications. In contrast to these visible boxes , embedded computers hidden within appliances such as fridges and washing machines traditionally cannot be programmed by users. They are also used extensively in cars for engine control and supplementing breaking and steering. They are essentially invisible. However as computers become more powerful and cheaper we are witnessing a merging of these philosophies . Mobile phones contain computers which are both hidden and programmable with downloadable apps . There is now the potential to go further and make computers embedded in (say) appliances programmable after they are in place.Advances in communications now allow such computers to be linked together. They become networked computers . So screens on fridges can show web pages, cars can communicate speed and speed history to each other, and a mobile phone can control the lights in your home.In addition small cheap sensors, often with their own small computers are being developed. Small cheap actuators are also appearing. Actuators might simply switch lights on and off, but they can also control the flow of fuel to an engine. They too can communicate with each other. So in addition to sensing the environment, computer systems can use actuators to control and change it. But how is this control exercised? It may be manual so a user on a wireless PDA might set the temperature of the home central heating. However there is much excitement in the research community in how an array of networked small computers can cooperate to automatically alter the behaviour of a system. A simple example would be positional information on family mobile phones controlling their home environment.The integration of these technologies also offers the advent of new applications; in the home for homecare and healthcare; in the hospital for patient monitoring and support; and in the office to boost productivity. This project proposes to inform the public about this potent mix of technologies and explain the importance of their integration. We will develop a highly interactive show in partnership with the Glasgow Science Centre to be presented to large audiences through its Science Show programme. We want to describe the technologies, and use recent research work to show the audience the potential possibilities of their integration, and how this will radically alter the way we think about and use computers. To support the show we will provide additional, more detailed material for educational use and for those who wish to explore the topic further. While conventional web based interfaces will be used, we expect to have a presence in YouTube and also to explore newer virtual worlds such as Second Life. The project is being carried out by two universities, Glasgow and Stirling and each brings essential and compatible aspects to the project. Glasgow offers experience in effective public engagement, and evaluation, while Stirling will bring the research drive and technological expertise. The two groups have already collaborated together and with Glasgow Science Centre on successful PE and research projects.We plan to carry out the work in three phases. In the first three month phase we will design the show in detail. Once this is in place, the equipment will be assembled and the necessary software developed. This second phase will last just 9 months as existing research prototypes can be used as a base. In the final 4 month phase the show will be evaluated and refined using the Science Centre Theatre with audiences. Training of Science Centre staff will also take place in this phase. It is also at this stage that the Science Centre will take over the regular delivery of the show for both their regular in-house shows and to their external outreach programme

Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.

The main concern of the nanovisions project will be the production of exciting, novel, images, stills and animations that will be employed in a variety of forums, exhibition, lectures and websites. At the Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering there are a three major research groups, nano, bio and opto electronics; their activities involve nano and micro technology. including modeling, design, fabrication and characterisation of devices. These activities are all a rich source of images and concepts that can be rendered into visually exciting displays.Murray Robertson of Visual Element will use the visual material supplied by the department of electronics and electrical engineering and will produce images, stills and animations based on this material. Murray Roberstson brings to this a proven track record in creating visually exciting material illustrating scientific topics. The initially the target, after 6 months of effort on producing the material, will be to have an exhibition at the Glasgow Science centre and an associated series of lectures. The material will then be made available through a web site, and the exhibition will be transferred to the James Watt Nanofabrication centre where it will be given a more permanent home. There will also be a significant evaluation activity. The project will be monitored by taking note of visitor numbers, hits on the web site and copyright requests on the images. First reaction evaluation will come through assessing visitors questionnaires and initial press reaction. Longer term evaluation will come through assessing the impact on the national debate on nanoscience and technology.

We propose building several novel optical instruments that extend the possibilities of conventional ray optics designs by utilising pixellated ray optics. The Glasgow team has pioneered micro-structured sheets called telescope windows (TWs), currently at the early demonstrator stage, that can perform very general light-ray-direction changes. They consist of arrays of micro-telescopes and can be understood as pixellated optical components (each telescope being a pixel) which introduce, at the boundaries between neighbouring pixels, discontinuities in the transmitted light beams. TWs therefore remove the global continuity of wave fronts, which in turn is assumed in the derivation of a number of properties (and therefore limitations) of light-ray fields. If the pixel size is chosen appropriately, the pixellation can be almost unnoticeable. The vision of this work is that, by replacing globally continuous wave fronts with piecewise continuous wave fronts, the possibilities offered by optics, specifically ray optics, can be significantly extended. The first applications of this technology form the focus of this proposal: * TWs can form pixellated transformation-optics (PTO) devices that work across the entire visible wavelength range. * TWs can distort the view as if the observer was moving at relativistic speed. *TWs form the basis of novel, low-cost, high-comfort, low-vision aids. Together, the applicants have the expertise to realise this wide-ranging project: DR is a world leader in micro-machining, enabling us to manufacture TW devices. GL and JG's ophthalmology and commercialisation expertise places us ideally to develop novel low-vision aids. We are also experts in pixellated ray optics (JC), relativity (MH, NG), mathematical physics (CW), and outreach (MH). We are applying for funding now to enable us to produce demonstrators of TW devices, illustrating the wide applicability of our technology, evaluating the limitations and quality of such devices, and investigating the production methods required for this new class of optical instrumentation.

It is almost impossible to ignore the profusion of information currently in the media regarding environmental issues. In particular, with the recent announcements from leading retailers declaring their commitment to becoming carbon neutral, consumers' awareness of these issues is continuing to grow. However, to what extent do they understand the science behind these claims and are they able to access an easy-to-understand and balanced source of information to answer their queries? It is increasingly being recognised that the application of green chemistry will be fundamental to the production of environmentally friendly products that have both the confidence and trust of consumers. The emergence of green chemistry has been one of the most significant developments in the chemical sciences in recent years. However the awareness and understanding of green chemistry amongst the general public is limited, and it is commonly perceived that chemistry is the cause of environmental problems rather than the solution. This lack of confidence in chemicals could be at least in part attributed to current concerns highlighted in the press and pressure from NGOs, and can only be resolved through directly engaging with consumers and connecting them with chemicals in a positive way. The Green Chemistry Centre at the University of York in partnership with Boots the Chemists, At-Bristol and Glasgow Science Centre, seek to address this issue through the creation and delivery of a hands-on and informative display using touch screen technology to explore products consumers typically use daily e.g. shower gel, moisturiser, toothpaste etc. By entering a virtual bathroom and selecting one of these products, the visitor will experience a series of multiple-choice picture-based and animated questions tailored to uncover what the product is made from, how it is made, how it works and what happens after we use it, and will incorporate the steps that can be taken to improve their sustainability through the application of green chemistry. The display will be hosted at both At-Bristol and Glasgow Science Centre, and will be designed to appeal to both adults and children. Through this activity the project team aim to engage the public and get them thinking about the environmental implications of the products they enjoy as part of everyday life and promote a positive connection between green chemistry and consumer products.