Radioactivity - The Glowing Future?

Richard Taylor has spent his career in the civil nuclear industry as Chief Engineer of the UK’s National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL). Richard will discuss the UK’s civil nuclear industry ‘Grand Challenges’ and the extent to which they must be considered Social Projects. The Industry’s evolving approach to public engagement will be outlined and how this has affected public attitudes. Finally some alternative approaches drawing on contemporary social science will be presented which may represent opportunities for a more open and inclusive debate.

Nuclear science is of fundamental importance to our modern, consumer-driven lifestyle. From generating the electricity to power our lives to preventing strawberries from going furry in our fridges, its applications are varied. With the nuclear industry facing a widening skills gap and recent events resurrecting fears of an apocalypse, where do opinions stand? How do we challenge the myths and misconceptions? How do we inspire people to engage in such fascinating and crucial science? Come along, join the debate, learn some science and enjoy a few radioactive demonstrations along the way!

The WMIC is a University of Manchester facility for research into medical imaging methods. We are a team of physicists, chemists, engineers, mathematicians and clinical experts working together to develop imaging methods and applications relevant to understanding cancer and the brain, including dementia and stroke. Adam will explain how radioisotopes and tracers are safely manufactured at the WMIC for administration to human volunteers and will give examples of the types of images that result and their implications for medical research.