I'm a Scientist

I’m a Scientist is like school science lessons meet the X Factor! School students choose which scientist gets a prize of £500 to communicate their work. Scientists and students talk on this website. They both break down barriers, have fun and learn. But only the students get to vote.

This is the New Materials Zone. It has a range of scientists studying all different topics. Who gets the prize? YOU decide!

The New Materials Zone is funded by the Science & Technology Facilities Council. Their sites such as Daresbury, Diamond Light Source, Central Laser Facility & ISIS provide facilities to explore, develop and test new materials.

Lotus leaves have inspired a new coating for solar panels which helps to keep them clean and absorb more light. Image by Gjbulte for Wikimedia

New materials are cleverly designed substances based on recent technology. From flexible, lightweight, transparent and electrically conductive materials that can be worn to monitor your heartbeat and record unusual symptoms, to chewing gum containing finely powdered glass that can help to protect teeth and gums from decay.

Nanocapsules are another new material and can be used to deliver drugs within the body, targeting specific sites, such as organs or tumours. The capsules must safely degrade and leave the body after they’ve done their job so it’s vital to make them from the right materials.

There are some pretty cool materials inspired by biology too. Take a look at these super-materials inspired by nature.