View all news

Jelly volcanoes, Egyptian mummification balms and self-healing spacecraft

NASA

NASA

Press release issued: 6 February 2007

Jelly volcanoes, glass-blowing, self-healing spacecraft and Egyptian mummification balms are just some of over 50 exciting sights in store for members of the public this year as part of the University of Bristol’s new series of guided tours and talks programme.

Jelly volcanoes, glass-blowing, self-healing spacecraft and Egyptian mummification balms are just some of over 50 exciting sights in store for members of the public this year as part of the University of Bristol’s new series of guided tours and talks programme.

Led by experts from across the University, the new tours programme will provide not only a taste of some of the fascinating research that goes on at the University but also a unique opportunity to see inside many of its buildings and gardens not usually open to the public. 

People will have the chance to learn about an array of unusual topics in this year’s programme, which includes an illustrated talk on the history of the iconic Union Jack flag. Presented by Dr Nick Groom, Senior Lecturer in English, on Monday, 12 March, ‘The Union Jack: 400 years of the British flag’ will explore one of the world’s most recognisable flags.

On Wednesday, 14 March there will be a chance to discover more about the amazing developments of the Advanced Composites Centre for Innovation and Science.  Dr Ian Bond, Senior Lecturer in Aerospace Engineering will demonstrate in his talk ‘Self-healing spacecraft and more’ how a new material he has helped develop could enable spacecraft to heal punctures and leaks automatically.

Volcanoes are an impressive and often unpredictable force of nature. Volcanologist, Dr Jeremy Phillips will explain the science of experimental volcanology by simulating an eruption using pine resin and jelly, in his talk ‘Exploding pine resin and jelly volcanoes: the science of experimental volcanology’ on Wednesday, 2 May.

The chemical mysteries of Egyptian mummification balms will be revealed in Professor of Biogeochemistry, Richard Evershed’s talk entitled ‘The ancient Egyptians: new insights into the organic chemistry of mummy balms’ on Friday, 4 May.

Glass blowing with a difference is the theme of the next talk, ‘A glass act’ on Tuesday, 23 October.  Bristol University physicist, Professor Peter Barham and glassblower John Rowden will explain and demonstrate the importance of glass in the world of scientific discovery and also offer a chance for people to have a go at glass-blowing themselves.

There will also be a series of walks around the University’s new Botanic Gardens and arboretum and a chance to see a spectacular new floral arrangement at Churchill Hall consisting of 1,000 Churchill narcissi planted in the shape of the famous war leader’s victory-V sign.

There are also opportunities to take a tour around some of the University’s historic buildings including the newly refurbished Wills Memorial Building and tower, Wills Hall, Royal Fort House, Burwalls, Clifton Hill House, Goldney Hall’s Grotto, Cotham House, Lunsford House, the Victoria Rooms and the Former Baptist College.  Talks about Sir George Wills and his tobacco empire, the Americans in Bristol during WWII and tours of the University’s Theatre Collection are also taking place.

Places on tours must be booked in advance.

How to book:

  • Contact Joan Lewis, Tours Organiser, University of Bristol, Centre for Public Engagement, 8-10 Berkeley Square, Clifton, BS8 1HH, email joan.lewis@bris.ac.uk or fill out the application form in the brochure
  • Visit the University website and download an application form at www.bris.ac.uk/cms/cpe/university-tours.html
  • Telephone 0117 928 7157 between 8.30 am and 3.30 pm Tuesday-Thursday

The new brochure is now available and can be obtained by calling 0117 928 7157 or email; joan.lewis@bris.ac.uk

Further information

Please contact Joan Lewis for further information.
Edit this page