Local Talent Global Impact event at Queen's University to be held on Sep. 13

Members of the public are being invited to Queen's University at lunchtime on Thursday (13 September) to meet and hear from the people behind some of the biggest scientific, medical and technological breakthroughs of recent times.

In a special lunchtime research showcase in the University's Whitla Hall, entitled Local Talent, Global Impact, members of the public can discover how Queen's researchers are making an enormous impact around the globe.

Experts working on advances in fertility treatment, cancer care and sight-threatening diseases; cutting-edge developments in laser technology, wave energy and ultra-fast high speed wireless connections; and who use innovative methods of social data collection on demographic aging, poverty and social exclusion that help to shape policies, will all be on-hand to discuss their work.

The event marks the launch of the new publication, 'The DNA of Innovation: Volume 2', which includes case study profiles of many of these researchers, their cutting-edge work and its impact on society.

Speaking about the event, Scott Rutherford, Director of Research and Enterprise at Queen's, said: "We often read the headlines about the ground breaking research that is taking place at Queen's and this free event is an opportunity to hear more from the people behind the headlines and about their work that impacts upon our everyday lives. From areas including health, electronics, education, politics and space Queen's University is paving the way in world-class research.

"'The DNA of Innovation: Volume 2' illustrates the work of 34 leading academics and their teams including: Professor Sheena Lewis - whose extraordinarily successful work in the area of male infertility has transformed the lives of many couples: Professor William Scanlon, who is developing smart technology that uses a body-to-body network for data transmission; and Professor Alan Stitt - who is recognised globally for his research into diabetic retinopathy. These examples are just a few from among research projects of extraordinary diversity that are advancing and exchanging knowledge and delivering impact and benefit to Northern Ireland and the wider world.

The showcase will be a fascinating opportunity for people to see what is going on right on their doorstep."

Earlier this year, Queen's was honoured with a Diamond Jubilee Anniversary prize from her Majesty the Queen for its pioneering work in cancer research. The University has been selected as the UK's Centre of Excellence for Cyber Security and is establishing an Institute of Health Sciences bringing major research areas onto one campus.