IFR for the Public & Schools
IFR launched 'IFR in the City' during 2007 to provide an opportunity for people with a real interest in the work and future of the IFR, and food science in general, to gain an insight into cutting edge science.
IFR also actively supports school science programmes through the Teacher-Scientist Network and also provides a range of activities throughout the year specifically aimed at engagement with local schools.
Examples of other activities include:
The Norwich BioScience Institutes, funded by BBSRC, invite gifted and talented science students from around the region to spend three days on an intensive workshop, hearing about the research we do first hand, meeting students, post-docs and research assistants hearing exactly what it’s like to work in science.
We are following the ‘graduands’ to see what impact spending time in a real science environment has on their future career decisions.
Tallest Jelly Competition
The Institute of Food Research once again set schools a challenge to find out who could make the tallest jelly.
It is REALLY difficult to make a jelly more than 10cm tall due to the weak gel strength. To make it taller you either need to increase the gel strength and/or give the jelly structure using edible materials such as fruit, sponges or pasta. Food technology, chemistry and engineering came into their own in this test of ingenuity and skill! Several students let their imagination run wild!
This project is now being shared across the UK by the Institute of Physics through school physics clubs.
See www.ifr.ac.uk/jellyvision/ for further details
IFR and the Inspirational Science Theatre Company entertained the crowds of the Suffolk County Show on the 27th and 28th May 2009.
Their unique science cookery show, “Where is the ‘F’ in food?” showcased information surrounding fats, folates, fruit, fresh and frozen foods and fish. Both adults and children alike took on board healthy eating messages, brought to them by Dr Ken and his dumb waiter, Dave. The risqué title pulled in the crowds and certainly did not disappoint.
For more information about Dr Ken and Dave visit: www.dodifferent.co.uk
You can view excerpts of “Where is the ‘F’ in food?” at www.youtube.com/user/FoodResearch
Wheat, a plant that changed the world
Funded by the BBSRC, the Institute of Food Research and the John Innes Centre have developed an exhibition and website on the history of wheat and the impact this important crop has had on mankind and the planet. The exhibition was displayed at Gressenhall Museum (until May 09), and was established to encourage dialogue and to educate about the process of growing wheat, and to gain a better understanding of the needs of consumers and growers.
SAW Showcase event
The Science, Art and Writing (SAW) initiative breaks down traditional barriers between the arts and sciences. SAW uses images from science as a starting point for scientific experimentation, art and creative writing and in doing so stimulates creativity and scientific curiosity. School children realise that science and the arts are interconnected - and they discover new and exciting ways of looking at the world. SAW projects stimulate exploration, enquiry and creativity. And they are fun!
View photos from a SAW Showcase event where 15 schools presented the fruits of their labours.
The book which describes ‘SAW Showcase’ (published February 2009, ISBN 978-0-9550180-2-2) is available from Amazon
You Decide Science Funding
A public audience recently voted for the science they would fund at The Garage in Norwich. Hosted by BBC Radio 4 presenter Anna Hill, four Institute of Food Research scientists ran the gauntlet after a presentation by Dr Mary Anderson (Head of Contracts) explaining how science funding works in the UK.
Research placements
Each year, IFR hosts Nuffield Foundation scholars, undertaking research projects during their A level studies. Undergraduate placements are also available, designed to give gifted students a taster for life at the bench.
Fax: +44(0)1603 507723