The Festival of Tomorrow held at The Deanery Church of England Academy in Swindon on 21 and 22 of February provided an ideal platform for the Institute of Sustainability and Climate Change (ISCC) and the Innovation Centre for Applied Sustainable Technologies (iCAST) to engage with the public on pioneering sustainability solutions.
Our stall, represented by experts and students from both institutions, demonstrated the tangible outcomes of iCAST’s industry partnerships and ISCC’s multidisciplinary sustainability research.
Visitors experienced first-hand how iCAST’s focus on translating green chemistry and biotechnology research into commercial applications is revolutionising sustainable materials. Meanwhile, ISCC’s commitment to developing evidence-based sustainability solutions was evident throughout our interactive displays.
Interactive games and displays
Parents and children showed particular interest in our bio-based resins exhibit, which highlighted iCAST’s expertise in developing sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based products. Children were captivated by our molecular models and guessed various commercially available products that can be produced from bio-based materials and sustainable food choices.
The carbon emission game emerged as a standout attraction. This interactive activity educated visitors about the environmental impact of everyday food choices, and participants gained insights into how achievable, individual actions contribute to larger sustainability goals.
Our sustainable materials presentation emphasised iCAST’s pivotal role in developing bio-based alternatives to conventional plastics. The prototypes displayed were direct results of iCAST’s collaborative research model that unites academia and industry to accelerate innovation in sustainable technologies. Young visitors, already aware of plastic pollution, were particularly inspired by these tangible examples of how iCAST is creating practical solutions to environmental problems.
Throughout the Festival, our team members skilfully translated complex scientific concepts into accessible explanations, reflecting both organisations’ commitment to knowledge exchange and public engagement. The enthusiastic response from attendees validated iCAST’s strategy of focusing on industry-relevant technologies and ISCC’s dedication to creating impact through multidisciplinary sustainability research.
Bridging a gap
The Festival of Tomorrow proved to be an invaluable opportunity to demonstrate how iCAST and ISCC are at the forefront of developing sustainable technologies and climate solutions. By engaging diverse audiences, from curious children to interested parents and grandparents, we showcased how our complementary approaches – iCAST’s innovation-driven industry partnerships and ISCC’s comprehensive climate research – are working in tandem to create a more sustainable future.
Dr Jon Husband, iCAST Core Research Associate in Bio-based feedstocks and incoming ISCC Research Fellow, was one of the representatives at the event. He said:
Events like the Festival of Tomorrow are vital in bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and public understanding. We’re committed to translating sustainable technologies from the lab to real-world applications, and seeing families engage so enthusiastically with our bio-based materials reinforces the importance of our work. These interactions not only inspire the next generation of scientists but also demonstrate how our research partnerships are creating tangible solutions to environmental challenges, which the public are excited about.