From 3D printing to science-themed games, members of Imperial brought hands-on science to White City and Wormholt's annual party this summer.

Imperial joined neighbours for the W12 Festival in Wormholt Park organised by the community based project Wormholt and White City Big Local.

The College’s stall at the July Festival provided an opportunity to meet and speak with members of the local community about Imperial’s White City Campus.  Alongside ‘science buskers’ organising games and experiments, the stall included staff and equipment from the College’s Advanced Hackspace – which aims to turn project ideas into physical prototypes.

Oscar Ces, Nick Jones and Eifion Nightingale were on-hand to  demonstrate 3D printing and to talk about future Campus facilities for engaging local young people and helping them to gain skills in design, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Nick Jones, a lecturer from the Department of Mathematics and the Advanced Hackspace co-founder, said:

“We had a great time at the Festival. Lots of people came up to us to talk about what Imperial’s doing in White City, and what the new Campus is all about. They were also really interested to hear about our makerspace activities, and the opportunities this will provide locally.”

One of Imperial's 3D printers at the festival

Developing collaborations with neighbouring communities in London is a core element of Imperial’s societal engagement framework, led by Professor Maggie Dallman, Associate Provost (Academic Partnerships). Also taking part in the Festival were students David Newman and Premyuda Ontawong, as well as Rebecca Blaylock from Professor Dallman’s team.

Rebecca said: “It was fantastic for Imperial to be part of this exciting day for the local community and to work with Big Local. The festival brought the whole community together and it was a great opportunity for us to meet our friends, neighbours and partners in the local area. We were proud to be part of this excellent event.”

The W12 Festival, held on 23 July, also featured music, food and games – and aimed to showcase the diversity of the local area.

Watch a video about the day from the organisers of the Festival: