Rehabilitation research centre-stage at Royal Society showcase

Pioneering science and technology with the potential to transform the future of personalised rehabilitation will be showcased at Jodrell Bank Observatory next month.

The Royal Society’s Summer Science Exhibits on Touris a seasonal installation that highlights some of the UK’s most exciting scientific research. 

Running over two weekends (3 – 4 August and 10 - 11 August), the exhibition will feature a specially curated panel of exhibitors showcasing groundbreaking research and live experiments at Jodrell Bank, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and renowned deep-space radio observatory. 

Revolutionising Rehabilitation highlights the pioneering work of scientists and clinicians from Loughborough University, The University of Nottingham and the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, working together at the National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC). Located at the Stanford Hall Rehabilitation Estate near Loughborough, this major new NHS facility will open to patients next year.  

The exhibit – which will be on show on 3 and 4 August – features some of the pioneering science that underpins the NRC’s vision for personalised rehabilitation, including bioengineering muscles in the lab to rebuild damaged tissue, robotics and sensing technologies. 

 Visitors can also experience new immersive and augmented reality technologies that enhance and gamify traditional rehabilitation, making therapy engaging and accessible for people of all ages and abilities. Using a specially adapted seat sensor, subtle upper body movements control on screen objects in a fun computer game. Combining virtual reality with AI-driven 3D motion capture, visitors can try Evolv RehabKit’s ‘exergames’, designed to improve cognitive and motor rehabilitation. 

Professor Dan Parsons, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at Loughborough, said: “The Royal Society’s Summer Science Exhibition has long been at the forefront of showcasing cutting-edge scientific achievements to the public, and we’re excited to join them as they take the exhibition on the road for the first time.   

“From super-smart textiles to bioengineered muscles in the lab, we’ll be bringing people closer to the revolutionary rehabilitation science being pioneered at Loughborough University and through the National Rehabilitation Centre. 

 “This incredible showcase offers the opportunity for curious minds of all ages to get hands-on and explore groundbreaking research and innovation that has the potential to transform lives for the better.”  

The Summer Science Exhibits on Tour will take place at Jodrell Bank, Bomish Lane, Cheshire, Macclesfield SK11 9DW. Full programme details and tickets can be found on their website. 

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