Drawing from her book Handmade, Anna explores how makers and artisans—through touch, tradition, and trial—grasp materials in ways textbooks can’t teach. From steel and glass to clay, she shares stories of learning from blacksmiths, glassblowers, and other experts, weaving personal adventures and scientific insight into a fresh, human-centered understanding of the materials that shape our world.
About this day
For A-level, IB, BTEC Level 3, T Level and keen GCSE design & technology students
Get ready for an electrifying day of creativity and innovation at Design and Technology in Action! In five fast-paced, interactive sessions, students will dive into the future of design—exploring sustainable materials, human-centered innovation, digital prototyping, and the latest in CAD and emerging AI tech.
Our incredible speakers—leading designers, engineers, and industry experts—will take students behind the scenes of the design world, sharing insights and real-world applications that bring technology and creativity to life.
With live demonstrations, interactive discussions, and plenty of audience participation, this isn’t just a lecture—it’s an experience!
Host: Anna Ploszajski (Science writer and communicator) Workshop: TBC
“An inspiring series of talks – great introduction for our students to get them thinking about their coursework!”
D&T Teacher, December 2022
One more session for this exciting event will be announced soon!
Programme & speakers
Handmade: A Scientist's Search for Meaning Through Making Anna Ploszajski, Materials Scientist, Writer and Storyteller
About Dr Anna Ploszajski
Anna Ploszajski is a materials scientist, author, presenter and science comedian who is on a mission to get people fascinated by the ordinary stuff which makes up the world around us. Her book Handmade tells the story of materials through their use in arts and crafts.
Prints Charming: How 3D Printing Could Be Medicine’s Fairy Godmother Alice Graham, University of Nottingham
3D printing is revolutionising industries from aerospace to architecture — but its most magical transformation may be in medicine. Dive into the world of bioprinting, where living cells are used to print human tissue and even whole organs. From the first 3D-printed bladder to the future of disease modelling, discover how design, engineering, and biology are coming together to save lives, layer by layer.
About Alice Graham
Alice completed a Biology BSc and Biomedical Sciences Research MSc at the University of Bristol. During which she became interested in modelling diseases especially Cystic Fibrosis in-vitro. She is now in the first year of her PhD at the University of Nottingham exploring 3D printing as a way to develop models of cystic fibrosis infection for effective antimicrobial testing.
Build The Future: Become the Engineer with a Town Planning Showdown! Amy Dillon, Design ID Principal Engineer
You’ve got a multi-million pound budget to build a new town, but residents are demanding flood defences, affordable housing, transport links, sports facilities, cycle routes and more. You can’t afford it all so what will you choose?
About Amy Dillon
Amy is an award-winning chartered Civil Engineer and a Principal Engineer with Design ID. She is the Director of The Big Bridge, an exciting initiative promoting STEM in schools. She has worked on projects including Northern Spire Bridge, Elizabeth Line Stations, shopping centres, factories and schools.
Is car design peak human endeavour? Sam Livingstone, Director at Car Design Research
2.6 million years ago man designed the first stone tool. Today the world’s most sophisticated consumer product is the car; a confluence of many advancing technological features entwined with much emotive socio-cultural meaning. It is the most useful of products, and the richest in identity — perhaps car design is the zenith of tools and the result of peak human endeavour?
About Sam Livingstone
Sam Livingstone is the Director of Car Design Research, a UK-based consultancy that advises global automotive brands on design strategy. With extensive experience in automotive design trends and user-focused innovation, he also lectures at the Royal College of Art and frequently contributes to industry publications and conferences.
The Art of Modelmaking Foster + Partners, Architectural and design practice
This inspiring talk lifts the lid on one of the most creative and dynamic careers in design. Discover the wide range of modelmaking fields you can step into, hear first-hand how two experts built their careers, and get an insider’s look at the cutting-edge world of architectural modelmaking at Foster + Partners. Walk away with your very own modelmaking pack to put your new skills into practice!
About Foster + Partners
Foster + Partners is a dynamic, multidisciplinary practice driven by innovation and collaboration. Their work is underpinned by a sustainable approach to design and engineering.