York Science & Innovation Grand Tour News

The Design & Innovation behind York’s Grand Tour

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 16:08:02 +0100

Commissioned as creative and event marketing consultants for the Grand Tour, Ideas Group were involved at the very early stages of the project development helping present the concept to gain the support of key city organisations – York City Council, the two universities, Science City York, Visit York and York Museums Trust.

A challenging prospect, the project would require all aspects of Ideas Group expertise, including marketing and communications strategy, exhibition and museum design, online and digital media, identity and graphics, event coordination and project management.

Developing and managing large scale projects such as this requires organisational skills and attention to detail as well as a structured approach to the marketing and communication strategy. It also requires passion and a sense of ownership to deliver such an intense, broad based and unique project. A fantastic project in which to be involved and one which generated a rewarding sense of achievement in all the Ideas Group team.

During the run up to the launch, we were approached by the University of York, a partner organisation and key contributor of exhibits, to create a fully immersive 360º video presentation of all 60 exhibits. The premier screening was at the evening event of the launch day celebrations.

Exhibits find new homes

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0100

All the exhibits have now been removed from their city centre locations and presented to Sponsors. We hope that these beautiful large scale images will adorn the walls of Sponsors’ workplaces and continue to inspire staff and vistors for many years.

Interview with Prof Robards

Wed, 23 May 2012 08:29:08 +0100

Professor Anthony Robards OBE has been described as the ‘interface between the University of York and businesses, the City and the Region’. He co-founded both the local Science Park and Science City York, was President of the Microscopical Society and has published over 130 books and papers in biological research, both pure and applied. Obtaining his OBE in 2002 for ‘Services to Higher Education’ and a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ at the Yorkshire Evening Press Business Awards ceremony in 2003, it could be argued that Professor Robards has played a critical role in the development of York into the city it is today.

He now divides his time between working for the University of York, involving himself with charitable works and sitting on the board of a number of companies. His latest project is the York Science and Innovation Grand Tour, an interactive open-air exhibition around the heart of York which seeks to demonstrate to residents and visitors that science and innovation in York is something to get excited about.

Read the interview here

Photo © Matt Clark York Press

Fantastic Launch Day line up

Mon, 21 May 2012 13:58:01 +0100

The Grand Tour is all set for its Grand Opening with a day of special activities lined up for Wednesday 30 May. Many sponsors and exhibitors will be displaying a fantastic array of fun and inspiring, science and innovation in Parliament Street in the city centre from 12 noon till 3pm, including:
Flamingo Land – Get up close and personal with our mini-beasts!
York St John University – Psychology exhibit about ‘brain tricks’
Make your own science inspired artwork with Sally Lane-Morgan
University of York Dept of Biology – fantastic microscopes with all sorts of biological samples to look at, plants as you have never seen them before, bugs and much more!
NYBEP – hands-on, airplane design, make and test activity.
St Peter’s School – Demonstration of projectile motion showing that firing guns upwards might result in unintended consequences!
As well as a spectroscopy demonstration with neon stars and solar telescope.
University of York Dept of Physics – Hands-on Physics experiments like balloon kebabs, Chinese resonating bowl, solar telescope
MyScience – Science, technology, engineering and maths. Hands on activities to inspire all.
University of York Dept of Chemistry – Spectroscopy in a suitcase!
York Museums Trust – Hands on activities and slide show.
Bootham School – Demonstration of augmented reality app on smart-phones!
Nestlé – The science behind confectionery.
York Cocoa House – The evolution of the chocolate industry.
Yorkshire Air Museum – What’s inside the geodesic structure?
Pick up a Tour Guide leaflet on the day and set off at your leisure on the York Science and Innovation Grand Tour and discover the 60 inspirational exhibits displayed around the streets of York.

You are invited to the Launch Dinner

Tue, 01 May 2012 12:19:50 +0100

York Professionals has joined forces with the York Science & Innovation Grand Tour 2012 to host an exclusive dinner for the professional and business community. We invite you to join with us for what promises to be an inspiring and uplifting celebration of the city’s remarkable successes in the world of science and innovation.

From 30th May, many large format science and innovation themed, compelling images and messages will appear in prime locations around the city telling captivating stories.

Running until 31st August, it will put the spotlight firmly on York’s vibrant and diverse economy of business, tourism, science and innovation.

We bring you and your guests a great opportunity to mix with fellow professional services members, Grand Tour participants, sponsors, local businesses, and selected media.

The evening will begin with a drinks reception, followed by a four course dinner and an opportunity for a sneak preview of the Grand Tour. We do hope you and your guests can join us.

Roger Highfield, author, journalist and broadcaster will be delivering the after dinner speech. Well known and respected in the field of science, Roger was Science Editor at The Daily Telegraph, a position he held for two decades, and was Editor of the New Scientist between 2008 and 2011. He still writes a column for the Telegraph and works for the Science Museum Group.

If you would like to book a place please visit the York Professionals website and book online by Friday 11th May 2012 or contact Jo Pickering on 01904 435363 Email:admin@york-professionals.co.uk.