The British Science Festival, held from 6-9 September, included a whole host of free events, talks and exhibitions from across the spectrum, covering areas such as chemistry, genetics, forensics, space, sport, the brain and engineering.

As part of the British Science Association’s annual festival, 3M sponsored Uplands After Dark, a transformation of the area’s top entertainment venues into a hotspot for creative activities, performances and demonstrations.

A team from 3M took over the Brew Stone bar for the evening, creating a mini Customer Innovation Centre and inviting visitors to see how the company applies science to create products that improve daily life.

These interactive demonstrations showed how 3M™ Glass Bubbles can make concrete float; how 3M™ Vibration Damping Foil can reduce noise; how 3M™ VBH™ Tape can bond metal in place of mechanical fixings; and how high performance 3M™ Peltor™ Communication headsets can protect delicate ears from the loudest sounds.

Another popular demo showed how 3M™ Novec™ Dielectric Fluid – used for a range of applications including precision cleaning, electronic cooling and fire protection – dries in seconds on contact with air and doesn’t damage electronic devices, even when they are submerged.

In addition, a virtual reality experience showed those brave enough to try it how 3M’s fall protection equipment can protect workers from great heights.

Said 3M’s Customer Innovation Centre lead Scott Stapley: “The bar was packed for the whole evening and visitors loved the hands-on demonstrations. It was also a great opportunity for us to tell them more about how 3M science improves lives for people every day.

“The British Science Association believes that science is not just for scientists and this event proved a great way to introduce students, academics and the general public to the latest scientific innovations in a relaxed setting.”

Find out more about the British Science Association

Find out more about 3M