International Biomechanics Day 2019
10 April 2019
10th April 2019 marked the 4th annual International Biomechanics Day, which is a world-wide celebration of Biomechanics in its many forms to the public, school students and students in higher education. For this event the Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Research Facility (MSKBRF) in the School of Engineering at Cardiff University held a day of engagement and awareness for the discipline. This brilliant event was organised and coordinated by School of Engineering’s Engagement Officer Debbie Syrop and first year PhD student Polly Blaikie.
The day was kick started with Cardiff Blues rugby star James Down joining the MSKBRF Director Professor Cathy Holt for an interview live on BBC Radio Wales explaining what research is undertaken within the part Government funded £5,000,000 Facility. In addition to this, BBC Cymru interviewed a first year Medical Engineering student who also explained what research is being undertaken, as well as explaining why she chose to undertake a Medical Engineering degree.
After the live radio conversations, a class of year 4 students from nearby Tredegarville C.I.W. Primary School visited the MSKBRF. This visit started with an inspirational talk from James Down as to why he finds the science of biomechanics interesting and helpful. From this, the children were split into 5 groups for which they rotated around the following stations: (1) dynamometer stand led by PhD students Jake Bowd and Marina De Vecchis (2) motion capture stand delivered by Dr. Paul Biggs and Dr Gemma Whatling (3) ultrasound stand delivered by Dr Zornitza Glavcheva-Laleva (4) pressure pad walkway stand delivered by Dionne Shillabeer and Natasha Williams (5) MRI/X-ray stand delivered by Dr David Williams and Dr Dan Gallichan.
As part of the Biomechanics and Bioengineering Research Centre Versus Arthritis the MSKBRF showcased the strong links to the charity by handing out goodie bags to the enthusiastic school children, had the branded banners up as well as encouraging the children to talk about what they thought the charity did for those people that live with arthritis.
