Engineering a better society

Cardiff University’s achievements in engineering will be on show at the prestigious Royal Academy of Engineering Summer Soirée (Thursday 24 May).

The Royal Academy of Engineering event hosted by Cardiff University highlights the crucial role of engineers in developing solutions to a diverse range of environmental, social, health and economic challenges. The universities of Bath, Bristol, Exeter and Swansea are also represented at the event.

The "Engineering a better society" exhibition features ten exhibits from Cardiff University covering world-leading engineering research. The interactive exhibits range from research improving our understanding of osteoarthritis, helping to develop better treatments for millions of sufferers, to the use of smart meters, soon to be commonplace in the UK, and expected to lead to major energy savings.

Guest of honour HRH The Princess Royal will be welcomed to the event by President of the Royal Academy of Engineering, Sir John Parker and the University’s Vice-Chancellor, David Grant.

David Grant, Vice-Chancellor said: "These are difficult economic times and engineering has an increasingly important part to play in developing the new economy. Cardiff University’s exhibition demonstrates the real impact being made by world-leading research in Cardiff School of Engineering working with our partners."

Sir John Parker, President of the Royal Academy of Engineering said: "Our soirées, which take place almost every summer, aim to shine a spotlight on great engineering research and development, giving the host institution and its talented people the opportunity to showcase what they do to an audience of eminent engineers as well as distinguished friends and visitors from near and far.

"Cardiff University is helping to lead the way in ensuring that engineers continue to be at the heartland of society and play a central role in shaping the economy of the UK - and the world beyond."

The exhibition in full features:

The Seren Project

Cardiff engineers are developing our understanding of the relationship between the ground and our energy needs, and generating new economic activity.

Damage Detection

Cardiff experts have developed damage-detection methods for bridges, buildings and aircraft components, potentially saving thousands of lives and millions of pounds.

Severn Barrage Research

Cardiff experts have developed computer models to predict potential energy generation and environmental impacts of a barrage across the Severn Estuary.

Arthritis Research UK

Cardiff researchers from six academic schools are working together to improve our understanding of osteoarthritis, and to develop better treatments for millions of sufferers.

National Grid

Maintaining a reliable electricity supply is vital, but there is uncertainty in the industry about the reliability of the insulation at transmission substations. Cardiff researchers are developing artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to measure the degradation of the material and predict how much longer it will last, and creating new textured insulation coating.