Hands-on fun in Science Village

Cardiff University scientists are putting the 2019 Rugby World Cup ball to the test at this year’s National Eisteddfod.

Visitors to the Science Village on the Maes can learn about the ball’s water-repelling polymers that make it easy to catch.

This fun and educational exercise is part of the University’s hands-on science activities at the National Eisteddfod in Llanrwst, Conwy county, from 3-10 August 2019.

From sheep that make medicines to wound painting and healing, visitors are invited to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty to explore Cardiff University research.

Activities at the Science Village include:

• Visit the Fantastic Antibodies Exhibition to find out, with the help of a priceless sheep called Darwen, how antibodies protect us from all kinds of diseases and how she is helping us to make antibody medicines
• We all have red and blue blood but it is not the same stuff – discover how the Blood Transfusion Service uses antibodies to barcode your blood and how blood donations save lives
• Find out why honeybees have near-magical powers and are inspiring the next generation of Welsh scientists
• Surprise your friends and family with lifelike wounds painted by the University’s Cardiff Institute for Tissue Engineering and Repair
• Discover how polymers have amazing properties that can be used to make water-loving nappies, water-hating rugby balls and materials for human healing

We also have a varied programme of talks, discussions and activities in the Cardiff University tent and elsewhere on the Maes, including science activities:

• The University’s Medicines Discovery Institute explores the design of innovative medicines of the future in a lively discussion (Monday 5 August, Cardiff University tent)
• In partnership with the Stroke Association, Cardiff University Medical Students will take your blood pressure and offer advice (Tuesday 6 August and Wednesday 7 August, Cardiff University tent)
• Professor Arwyn Jones is this year presenting the National Eisteddfod science lecture and will recount how Conwy Valley tadpoles inspired his passion for biology while growing up in Llanrwst and his subsequent journey of international research (Thursday 8 August, Societies Tent 2)

The University’s presence at the Eisteddfod is part of our ‘civic mission’ commitment to Welsh language and culture.