Nematodes, especially a type called Caenorhabditis elegans, are tiny, transparent worms that have made significant contributions to science, earning scientists four Nobel Prizes in Physiology or Medicine. These worms are ideal for research due to their simple bodies and short life cycles. Scientists have used them to study important topics like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

Beyond medicine, nematodes are important for monitoring environmental health. They live in the soil and can quickly indicate ecosystem healthy by responding to pollution from heavy metals and pesticides. Some nematodes also cause diseases in humans and animals, the latter impacting food security. By studying these worms, researchers can develop new treatments and better ways to protect our environment, health and food security supplies.

In this workshop, you will explore various aspects of nematodes, including their appearance by observing live specimens under a microscope, their natural habitats, and their dietary preferences by feeding them. You will learn how to feed them by transferring them from bacteria plates using a worm pick and watch videos of live embryo development to see how their eggs grow into worms. Through these hands-on experiences, you will gain a solid understanding of how nematode species contribute to both human health and environmental well-being.

Food colourants play a crucial role in the food industry by enhancing the visual appeal of products, influencing consumer perceptions, and sometimes indicating flavour or nutritional content. Historically, colourants have been derived from natural sources such as plants and minerals; however, the development of synthetic dyes has expanded the range and intensity of colours available for use in foods and beverages. This workshop aims to analyse food colourants in beverages using the mobile app ChemEye.

This workshop aims to guide participants in creating an AI chatbot with the capability to let users understand nutrition labels and choose healthy food. Through the development process, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the applications of Machine Learning and Deep Learning, particularly Natural Language Processing (NLP). The recent use of AI chatbots in the education sector has shown promising potential, and participants have an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with this technology.

Participants need a Google account to take part in this workshop.

This interactive workshop introduces participants to the basic concept of the reproduction number (R₀), a key measure in epidemiology used to understand the spread of infectious diseases. Through simple models, simulations, and real-life examples, participants will explore how R₀ is calculated, what it reveals about disease control, and how mathematics plays a vital role in public health decision-making.

This workshop promotes Good Health and Well-being (Sustainable Development Goal 3) by providing practical and hands-on experience with smart devices. Participants will learn about key health metrics and how to use wearable or portable technology effectively to enhance well-being. Using innovative smart technology, the workshop will explore parameters such as body mass index (BMI), step count, human pulse profile and heart rate, blood oxygen levels, blood pressure, stress levels, and sleep quality. Worksheets will be provided to support learning.

Bacteria are all around us and play a crucial role in human health. Come and learn about the differences between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, observe the growth and characteristics of bacterial colonies, and see how antibiotics affect bacterial activity. Visitors will also have the chance to observe the effectiveness of different handwashes in removing bacteria from hands and understand the importance of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of bacteria.

The identification of illegal drugs is a crucial step in promoting a healthy and safe society. This demonstration aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to analyse and identify various types of illegal substances. Through a combination of overview and practical examples, students will explore different chemical and forensic techniques used in drug analysis.

Participants will visit the research laboratory (OEW901), the Central Facility Laboratory (OEW501) and the Teaching laboratory (SCT1308) in the Chemistry Department and observe the instruments for environmental and biological analysis.

MathRomance is an interactive game that explores the science behind romantic relationships through the language of mathematics. Through a specially designed game, participants engage with mathematical concepts that model the dynamics of attraction, compatibility, and emotional decision-making. The game aims to arouse interest in mathematics by presenting it in a fun, relatable, and interdisciplinary context, while guiding participants to understand how mathematics can be applied beyond the classroom—to the complexities of human emotions and relationships.

The exhibition showcases the accomplishments of Computer Science students in projects focused on health informatics, as well as areas such as AI, education, and more. It demonstrates how students develop innovative applications and systems using cutting-edge technologies to advance health studies. Visitors will also gain insights into how students leverage data analysis and information technology to improve overall community well-being.

This activity offers hands-on experience with both commercial and custom-built smart devices, allowing visitors to explore various biometric parameters. These include body mass index (BMI), step count, heart rate and pulse profile, blood oxygen level, blood pressure, stress levels, and sleep quality. Through this exploration, visitors will discover how smart devices can support a healthier lifestyle and enhance overall well-being.