Imperial Festival 2016

The Imperial Festival 2016 was a hive of activity on Saturday 7th May. It was sunny , warm and full of curious families with many small, budding scientists experiencing practical science and medicine. The Big Band and dance societies added extra elements of fun and exotic entertainment. The Physics Department laid on lectures about the universe, its matter and expansion deliciously illustrated with shot glasses of what seemed to be jelly and custard which were offered to the packed marquee by Roberto Trotta. Not to be outdone, Toby Wiseman kept visitors entralled with ‘General Relativity and Gravitational Waves’ whilst keeping Einstein close to his chest. Further along in another marquee, Jose Videiro and colleagues explained  the workings of the Quantum Photovoltaics group and the practical applications arising from novel solar cell research as well as its role in industry and climate change. Most surprising of all was the amazing , talented songstress Catherine Smith , one of our undergraduates, whose voice made the air melodious and filled the steps of the Queen’s Tower to overflowing with a most appreciative audience.