Science Makers is a monthly event to discuss and build low-cost, DIY and open hardware for science and education.
Science Makers is a monthly event to discuss and build low-cost, DIY and open hardware for science and education.
This month we're looking at the hot topic of drones, which are dropping in price and allowing more and more researchers to consider aerial studies which would previously have been prohibitively expensive. Drones are revolutionary in offering a fast and efficient way of collecting geological, atmospheric and wildlife data from above. Able to be equipped with on-board GPS navigation, sensory equipment, and even autopilots, many scientific groups are starting to catch on to the growing trend, with drones fast becoming the latest indispensable technology in many areas of science!
Hear from researchers building and using drones for science and get hands-on in the afternoon working on a project.
12:30 - Presentations and demos
Nigel Butcher - Technical Development Officer at RSPB
Nigel organises the design and development of electronic devices for use in avian research undertaken by the RSPB. He has a particular focus on remote monitoring equipment and has experience working on drones for use in the field.
David Coomes - Professor in the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge
David leads a research group engaged in conserving biodiversity, with a focus on forest conservation and ecology. His group regularly utilises drone technology to measure carbon storage in forests.
Mayke De Freitas Santos - Postgrad at the University of Cambridge.
Mayke has worked with cocoa and coffee farmers in Venezuela and Colombia in the last six years and has founded ACT (Aerial Crop Technologies) to provide pay-as-you-go drone surveys and analysis to farmers, allowing them to benefit from the latest scientific and technological advances in farming.
13:30 - Pizza (£4 suggested donation)
14:30 - Making!
Hands-on drone project TBC
You are also welcome to work on your own projects.