Can we repair the Planet? – students and staff explore

In the Planet Repair school event, students and staff at the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, explored potential solutions, unique designs, and created a short `idea pitch’ video. The event took place on the 1st November 2022, and was held to celebrate ‘National Engineering Day’ 2022.

A day to celebrate `this is engineering`.

The Planet Repair workshop was held on the 1st November 2022. The day-long event was held to celebrate ‘National Engineering Day’ 2022. The campaign, run by the Royal Academy of Engineering, with the school being a partner, helps to celebrate engineering, and challenge remaining misconceptions and outdated views of what engineering is.

'This is Engineering'

This is Engineering. Whatever your background, engineering can help you be the difference in the world.

Dr Daniel Roberts (Lecturer in Electronic Engineering, and Student Liaison lead) who helped organise the event said:

The Reading Week gives us, as a school, a chance to do different things and bring the multiple disciplines within the school together. This event challenged everyone to think about the climate, and what we can do to tackle climate change. It was a delight to arrange this event and it was even better to organise the event to celebrate people in engineering and to support the `This is Engineering’ campaign, to challenge ourselves, and to think about climate change.

Dr Iestyn Pierce introducing the event

Dr Iestyn Pierce introducing the Planet Repair Workshop
Credit:Photograph by Daniel Roberts

Participants working on the Planet Repair challenge

The experiential 'Planet Repair Workshop'

The experiential ‘Planet Repair Workshop’ was designed and chaired by Chris Walker, a facilitator and lecturer who bridges business and academia. Chris Walker started by explaining that the innovation design-sprint challenge was motivated by how we can ‘repair the planet’.

Dr Iestyn Pierce (Head of School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering) who welcomed everyone to the workshop said

“It was great to see how participants discussed different ideas and designed solutions that could help mitigate the effects of climate change. At the end of the day, people pitched their ideas in a short video and explained their concepts. Overcoming issues, climate change mitigation, and thinking about sustainability issues, represent huge challenges. Issues that hit at the very heart of the University’s mission. It was brilliant seeing everyone getting stuck into the challenge; I’m looking forward to seeing where these ideas go!”

Participants tackled the challenge with enthusiasm

Pramod (Paul) Kusuma, a student studying for his MSc in Advanced Data Science, said

I had a fantastic learning experience yesterday at the planet repair workshop. I am glad I went. I learned about climate change, how productive teamwork can be, brainstorming of different ideas in a short amount of time. Particularly I learned from one our team members how algae and bacteria plays a vital role for the benefit of the climate. Information that I never knew before. I also learned about the importance of effective communication and visualisation to explain concepts to others.

Paul went on to say

I also learned that playing a role in climate change does not have to be big. I do not need to leave it to the big companies' responsibility. Instead, it can start small, and start with me. Doing things differently, reduce the usage of plastic, reduce food wastage, encourage, educate others to do the same, and so on.

Rhodri said

Rhodri WIlliams, a student studying for his BSc in Applied Cyber Security said

I really enjoyed the day. It was wonderful to meet and network with like-minded people. As a degree apprentice student, I am working for M-SParc while studying for my degree. I can see huge opportunities to take these ideas further. Especially as the mission of M-SParc is to help people innovate and help to move towards a more sustainable Wales.

Participants presenting their solutions

Judges making their decision
Credit:Photograph by Jonathan Roberts

Many ideas were produced; and a brilliant day was had by all

Three groups pitched their outcomes. Each group focused on a different challenge. The first group thought about the problem that methane brings to the environment. The second group focused on people’s views. Thinking about how they could change behaviours. The third group focused on waste. Contemplating how they can improve how people recycle and throw away their rubbish, developing a smart rubbish bin.

Eva Voma said

Eva Voma, a degree apprentice student studying for her BEng in Applied Mechanical Engineering Systems, said

I was a member of the behavioural change group. On the one hand, it was difficult to think of different ideas and forge them into one, solid solution. On the other hand, it was wonderful to be with many intelligent people from different walks of life.

Luba Monksfield said:

Luba Monksfield, who is studying for her BSc in Product Design, said

This was an awesome day. I worked in the group thinking about waste. I really enjoyed applying my design skills that I have been learning on the course. The group produced the idea of a smart bin. It was the day that the Bobby bin was born!

The groups presented their work

The groups presented their work, along with a short video pitch. After discussion, the organisers decided that the best presentation should go to the group considering the methane challenge.

Thanks to the judges Jasmine Parkes (Studying for her Masters by Research, and a member of the team who won the prize in 2021), Dr Daniel Robets (Lecturer in Electronic Engineering, Staff/Student lead, and School's Director of Equality and Diversity) and Dr Michael Ruston (Senior Research Lecturer, who’s research focuses on nuclear energy, sustainable systems, and decarbonisation).

Finally, a big thanks goes to Chris Walker for facilitating the event, and team facilitators from Big Ideas Wales and Real ICE who gave a presentation of some of their engineering challenges and solutions.

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