Visualisation in science conference success

The first ever College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences Visualisation in Science conference was held on 5 April at the University of Glasgow.

Organised by RSA Fellow Dr Paul M. Rea, it was a packed day full of talks from both staff and students alike, discussing their work on digital projects and how to make science more visually engaging.

There were 14 talks covering topics including augmented and virtual reality, photogrammetry, e-tutorials, web based tools, digital microscopy, animations, and visual statistics. These talks demonstrated the wide range of digital projects that are currently being undertaken by both staff and students. There are many exciting activities in the field of technology-enhanced learning and teaching occurring across the College. The day truly highlighted and showcased the innovative work to engage learners, the wider public, and the educational scholarship and pedagogy linked to these practices.

Another highlight of the day was the keynote talk given by Dr Paul Chapman who is the Head of the School of Simulation and Visualisation, and the collaborators for the School of Life Science’s joint taught MSc in Medical Visualisation and Human Anatomy. Dr Chapman’s talk, entitled ‘The Evolution of Visualisation in Science’, traced the changes and advances in technologies, and how we engage with these throughout history to modern technologies available today. There was also discussion centred on the future of technological advances in education, research, and day-to-day life.

The event was also a fantastic opportunity to meet colleagues, network, and enjoy the more social side of the day. This was held in the Museum of Anatomy, Laboratory of Human Anatomy, in the Thomson Building.

The day was warmly received and well attended, and huge thanks to all the presenters and the conference team who helped make it happen!