Public Discussions to Reveal Science behind Olympic Performances
The science behind the performances of Olympic athletes will be revealed in a series of public discussions hosted by the Engineering & Technology Board (etb), in partnership with the Royal Institution (Ri), to help inspire more people to pursue education and careers in science, engineering and technology (SET).
The etb will stage three Limits of Human Performance debates – at Birmingham University on April 29, Newcastle’s Baltic Exchange on May 13 and London’s Royal Institution on May 20 – as part of the etb’s year-long Engineering in the Olympics campaign showcasing the sector’s contribution to the Olympic experience.
The etb and the Royal Institution are delivering the Limits of Human Performance debates in association with Nesta – the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts, and the Olympic Medical Institute.
Dr Greg Whyte, Director of Science and Research at the English Institute of Sport, who will lead each event said: 'Every four years Olympic records previously thought to be unbeatable are broken and new milestones are reached.'
'These three public discussions will not only explain the science at work behind the Olympics, but also highlight the increasingly critical role science, engineering and technology plays in assisting athlete’s participation, and success, in the world’s greatest sports event.'
Dr Whyte will open the discussion by providing an overview of human performance throughout history in our bid to become swifter, higher and stronger. He will be followed by leading industry experts, who will talk on:
the physiological limits of human achievement by looking at the differences between humans and animals in terms of speed and endurance;
the advances in sports equipment technology and examine its impact on human performance; and finally
the effect of advancements in drug testing technology on athletes’ pursuit of excellence. (See Notes to Editor for details of the speakers at each venue)
The events are being backed by former Olympic gold medallist and physics graduate, Jonathan Edwards, who will be making a special guest appearance at the London venue (May 20).
'The laws of physics are at work in all sports, and any edge athletes can gain that is within the rules could make the difference between success and failure,' Edwards explained.
Also commenting on the debates, the etb’s Chief Executive Alan Clark said:
'The Engineering in the Olympics campaign aims to encourage and inspire a new generation of engineers by championing the innovative and dynamic opportunities that this sector can offer.
'In an Olympic year, we hope these debates will showcase the innovative and creative role the science, engineering and technology sector can play in achieving British success at the Olympics.'
Jeremy Newton, Chief Executive of NESTA said:
'We are delighted to be working with the etb in highlighting the essential role played by engineering in this year's premier sporting event, the 2004 Olympics. Such collaborative work is what NESTA is here to encourage, working across science, technology and the arts to support UK innovation and help it thrive'
Tickets for the Birmingham and Newcastle dates of the Limits of Human Performance discussions are free, and can be reserved by either calling 020 7557 6410 or logging onto www.engineeringintheolympics.com/human where there’s also a chance to win a trip to the Athens Olympics as well as kit signed by Olympic Gold medallist, Jonathan Edwards.
Tickets for the London date are priced at £8 (£5 concs) and can be booked online at www.rigb.org or by calling 020 7670 2985.
For further information, contact:
Helen Rix, Engineering & Technology Board (etb)
0207 557 6446
hrix@etechb.co.uk
Anthony Scammell, Weber Shandwick PR
020 7067 0464 / 07714 340 525
ascammell@webershandwick.com
Sarah Bowen, Weber Shandwick PR
020 7067 0431
sbowen@webershandwick.com
Rachel Handbury, the Royal Institution (Ri)
020 7670 2907
rhandbury@ri.ac.uk
The etb will stage three Limits of Human Performance debates – at Birmingham University on April 29, Newcastle’s Baltic Exchange on May 13 and London’s Royal Institution on May 20 – as part of the etb’s year-long Engineering in the Olympics campaign showcasing the sector’s contribution to the Olympic experience.
The etb and the Royal Institution are delivering the Limits of Human Performance debates in association with Nesta – the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts, and the Olympic Medical Institute.
Dr Greg Whyte, Director of Science and Research at the English Institute of Sport, who will lead each event said: 'Every four years Olympic records previously thought to be unbeatable are broken and new milestones are reached.'
'These three public discussions will not only explain the science at work behind the Olympics, but also highlight the increasingly critical role science, engineering and technology plays in assisting athlete’s participation, and success, in the world’s greatest sports event.'
Dr Whyte will open the discussion by providing an overview of human performance throughout history in our bid to become swifter, higher and stronger. He will be followed by leading industry experts, who will talk on:
the physiological limits of human achievement by looking at the differences between humans and animals in terms of speed and endurance;
the advances in sports equipment technology and examine its impact on human performance; and finally
the effect of advancements in drug testing technology on athletes’ pursuit of excellence. (See Notes to Editor for details of the speakers at each venue)
The events are being backed by former Olympic gold medallist and physics graduate, Jonathan Edwards, who will be making a special guest appearance at the London venue (May 20).
'The laws of physics are at work in all sports, and any edge athletes can gain that is within the rules could make the difference between success and failure,' Edwards explained.
Also commenting on the debates, the etb’s Chief Executive Alan Clark said:
'The Engineering in the Olympics campaign aims to encourage and inspire a new generation of engineers by championing the innovative and dynamic opportunities that this sector can offer.
'In an Olympic year, we hope these debates will showcase the innovative and creative role the science, engineering and technology sector can play in achieving British success at the Olympics.'
Jeremy Newton, Chief Executive of NESTA said:
'We are delighted to be working with the etb in highlighting the essential role played by engineering in this year's premier sporting event, the 2004 Olympics. Such collaborative work is what NESTA is here to encourage, working across science, technology and the arts to support UK innovation and help it thrive'
Tickets for the Birmingham and Newcastle dates of the Limits of Human Performance discussions are free, and can be reserved by either calling 020 7557 6410 or logging onto www.engineeringintheolympics.com/human where there’s also a chance to win a trip to the Athens Olympics as well as kit signed by Olympic Gold medallist, Jonathan Edwards.
Tickets for the London date are priced at £8 (£5 concs) and can be booked online at www.rigb.org or by calling 020 7670 2985.
For further information, contact:
Helen Rix, Engineering & Technology Board (etb)
0207 557 6446
hrix@etechb.co.uk
Anthony Scammell, Weber Shandwick PR
020 7067 0464 / 07714 340 525
ascammell@webershandwick.com
Sarah Bowen, Weber Shandwick PR
020 7067 0431
sbowen@webershandwick.com
Rachel Handbury, the Royal Institution (Ri)
020 7670 2907
rhandbury@ri.ac.uk