Duke on a slippery slope to university

Academics were keen to show off some of the most interesting inventions and innovative research projects developed on the campus in recent months.

New vice-chancellor Professor Keith Burnett was the Duke’s host as he watched a series of visual demonstrations, presented by boffins from different departments.

Professor Tony Ryan presented Wonderland, a series of products developed by research scientists working with artists and designers.

These included a disappearing bottle, which is made from a specially developed polymer.

Once empty, the bottle can be dissolved in hot water and the solution then cools down at room temperature to make a gel.

Seeds can then be planted in the gel and grow from the waste. He also showed off water purification products, anti-counterfeiting dyes and strapless sandals.

The Duke also learned about the University’s involvement in the Green Roof Centre, its latest explosion and bomb disposal research and how Sheffield academics are helping create environmental roads or ‘eco lanes’.

Then he presented prizes to students and graduates who were the winners of the Sheffield Business Creation Competition.