Finn Holden (Physics), Katie Whitelock (Maths) and Sophie Worsfold (Maths), took part in the Aegis Professor Undergraduate Challenge, a competition managed by the Science Partnership Office.
The competition invited multidisciplinary teams of students to apply their knowledge to real-world scientific problems, helping them understand how science research can be applied and commercialised. The challenge was supported by the Aegis Professors, honorary academics with industrial expertise who work with students and academics to link teaching and research with the challenges faced by business and industry.
Finn, Katie and Sophie proposed a possible solution to declining bee populations; provide the perfect nestbox. Their high-tech design could identify species through picking up individual wingbeat signatures, and use genetic algorithms to determine which boxes were most attractive.
The team won an experience visit to the Met Office, donated by Aegis Professor Albert Klein Tank, Director of the Met Office Hadley Centre for Climate Science and Services. The Met Office works closely with the University through the Met Office Academic Partnership (MOAP) which supports staff working across both organisations to facilitate knowledge exchange and inform research.
Professor Klein Tank said, ‘Ensuring the next generation of scientists’ innovative ideas are listened to and given the chance to develop is important to the Met Office and strongly aligns to our values, “We’re a force for good” and “We keep evolving”.’
The students had an action-packed visit on 13 November. As well as meeting with Professor Klein Tank, they gave a lightning talk on their work to Dr Pete Falloon who leads on Climate Service for Defra on Food, Farming and Natural Environment and holds a MOAP joint position at Bristol. ‘I was impressed by the innovative approach proposed by the students,’ said Dr Falloon, ‘and am looking forward to introducing them to funding and government stakeholders who I hope can help them take the concept forwards.’
Dr Debbie Hemming, who manages the Vegetation-Climate Interactions (VCI) group at the Met Office, was equally impressed. ‘I really enjoyed meeting the students and hearing more about their project,’ she said. ‘It was brilliant to see how enthusiastic they were about progressing their work and I was pleased to be able to make suggestions on how they could do this. I really hope this excellent concept can be supported to reality.’
Finally, the team were given an overview of the Knowledge Integration Team by science communicator Alice Dring, and finished the day with a tour of the Service Operations Centre.
The day was an inspiring one for the students, with Finn commenting, ‘The knowledge and insight provided by the people at the Met Office was extremely helpful. I enjoyed picking their brains about a few questions I had regarding a future career in this area. Particular thanks to Deborah Hemming, Pete Falloon, Alice Dring and Albert Klein Tank for their time.’