New voices on science, agriculture and engineering

Understanding enzyme surface mobility kinetics in complex industrial systems
Charlotte Fletcher, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences

Enzymes are one of the most important molecular components of laundry and dishwashing detergents. They enable soil removal, whiteness maintenance, increase fabric appearance/softness and have anti-malodour and soil release benefits. When incorporated in detergent formulations, enzymes can provide improved performance with reduced temperatures, water consumption and environmental impacts. However, for detergents to effectively work in these ‘quick and cold’ conditions, we need to understand exactly how enzymes operate (mobility kinetics) in a detergent context so we can optimise their usage, as well as understand how substrates, in particular starch, immobilise themselves on consumer surfaces.

Digital Sailmate: Enhancing Safety through Low-Cost Stability Monitoring in Artisanal Fishing
Nathan Smith, School of Engineering (winner of the public vote)

Offshore fishing remains one of the most dangerous occupations worldwide, particularly for artisanal fishers in developing countries. With an estimated global mortality rate of over 100,000 fishers annually, insufficient vessel stability leading to capsizes is a key aspect of this safety crisis.

This talk links the problem of fishing boat safety due to stability loss to the opportunity presented by low-cost consumer-level digital technology. By providing accessible information about vessel stability, we enable fishers to make more informed decisions about operational safety. Here, we explore how low fidelity data can be used to measure and monitor vessel stability using a prototype device, presenting both model and full-scale testing in Lamu, Kenya.