Science behind World War 1 wins Heritage Lottery Fund support
We are confident the project will encourage people of all ages to take a greater interest in science and to understand how science had a significant impact in WW1.
Keele and Staffordshire universities and The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery in Stoke-on-Trent have received £22,600 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for an exciting project, “WW1 – science and heritage”.
Led by academics, external experts and volunteers, the project focuses on the little explored science behind WW1 and the surprisingly positive impact it had on technology and people’s lives.
Over the past hundred years significant developments in science and technology have led to dramatic improvements in public health, lifestyle and economic security. Much of this is a direct legacy of the science emanating from one of the most devastating periods of world history – world war one. This project showcases some of these developments and will provide visitors with a combination of hands on experience, interactive exhibits and expert talks.
Few people know that Stoke-on-Trent was the UK specialist respiratory centre for lung damage and disease in World War 1; the techniques developed there led to major advancements. On the flip side, poison gas was also developed locally! Plastic surgery for those with severe wounds was also pioneered during this period.
Professor Mark Ormerod, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise at Keele University, said: “We are delighted to have received the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund for this exciting and innovative project linking science and heritage. We are confident the project will encourage people of all ages to take a greater interest in science and to understand how science had a significant impact in WW1.”
Commenting on the award, Hastings McKenzie, Dean of the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science at Staffordshire University said: “This is an excellent project, we are delighted to have the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund and to be working in partnership with Keele University and the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery. This project focuses on the science behind WW1 and is a great opportunity for our students to help communicate their knowledge and passion about this subject and about science to the general public.”
Councillor Sheila Pitt, the City Council’s Armed Forces community covenant champion, said: “We are thrilled to have received the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund for the project, which will encourage people of all ages to take an interest in science and to understand its impact in WW1. This is another part of the programme of commemorative events taking place in the city through until 2018, and follows on from the opening of the hugely popular outdoor, replica trench which opened at the museum in November.”
Reyahn King, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund West Midlands, said: “It is not always appreciated that out of the carnage and suffering of the First World War emerged scientific developments that had a positive effect on our lives today. This is a fascinating project that will reveal some of these contrasts. This project will help local young people in particular to broaden their understanding of how the conflict has shaped our modern world.”
For further information, images and interviews, please contact:
Dr Jamie K. Pringle at Keele University on 01782 733163 and j.k.pringle@keele.ac.uk