After Dark at the Museum a resounding success

The School of Engineering has been working with the National Museum of Wales to help bring science and engineering to a wider public. One of their first collaborative events was After Dark at the Museum, a hugely successful night which attracted an audience of more than 1,700 guests.

The guests, which included many families and young children, were treated to a number of hands-on exhibitions and activities as well as tours of the Museum. The Cardiff University Schools of Engineering, Chemistry, and Physics and Astronomy took part in the event as well as volunteers from the Institute of Physics and the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Some of the university research demonstrated included damage detection in aerospace structures, identifying the location of sound, arthritis research, drone technology and energy generation.

There were an exciting array of activities which involved visitors firing foam bullets at a representation of space craft capable of reaching Mars and as the bullets hit the “fuel cells” on the rockets they could see how they were detected and located using Acoustic Emission; a new piece of equipment, funded by the University, called an Acoustic Camera showed visitors how we can locate sound; and our musculoskeletal laboratory utilised some of their new equipment to demonstrate bio-mechanics and the role it plays in understanding arthritis.

Some of the comments from guests at the event expressed their appreciation:

“My wife and I had a fantastic time at the Museum with the children. Our 8 year olds loved getting their hands dirty and seeing the exhibits after dark – it’s an adventure!”

“What a fabulous night! Science came alive for the children and for them to see how it can be used in life! Diolch yn fawr.”

“Really loved my time here at the Museum. I had so much fun!!

“I thought that the day was great! Best day ever!”

“Amazing! Can’t believe it’s all free. What an incredible way to inspire our kids. Thank you. See you next year!!?”