Recent debate on the role and affordability of scientific research has too often been presented as a choice between ‘blue skies science’ and ‘useful’ engineering.
A public lecture at the University of Bath by Professor Sir Richard Friend on 5 April 2011 will argue that this is a highly mistaken outlook.
The discussion will look at how most of the ‘big’ discoveries in science have come about after a breakthrough in technology, such as the lens-making technology that made Galileo’s telescope possible.
Professor Sir Richard Friend is the Cavendish Professor of Physics in the University of Cambridge, where he has worked since 1980.
He has pioneered the study of organic polymers as semiconductors, and his research group has demonstrated that these materials can be used in a wide range of semiconductor devices, including light-emitting diodes and transistors.
Professor Sir Richard Friend’s talk will draw on his experience of commercialising basic research on plastic semiconductors for use in flexible light-weight displays and solar cells in his research carried out at the University of Cambridge
This is a public lecture and takes place at 18.15 until 19.30 in Lecture Theatre 5 West 2.3 It is free to attend but tickets are required. To obtain tickets please contact Gail Gillespie on 01225 383659 or email G.Gillespie@bath.ac.uk