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Yesterday I managed a day out to get to the Polymer IRC’s UK Polymer Showcase<\/em> at York. As you’d expect, most of the presentations were about polymers and plastics research, but the Material World’s Quentin Cooper also gave a very entertaining guest presentation entitled Plastic and Past Stuck – Why Science Changes the World but Scientists’ Image Stays the Same<\/em>. In this Quentin explored perceptions of science. <\/p>\n One of the most engaging parts of this was a look at the images children produce when asked to draw a scientist; inevitably the clichés of lab coat and glassware were overwhelming. The image here is my own effort from a number of years ago (but not, sadly, as a child in response to a scientifically conducted pole!). I guess the general premise is that people build stereotypes that overlook the essential humanity of the scientist. Science is a job that you can do, but it is also a way of looking at things? Getting answers to questions?<\/p>\n I had a great day out, so thanks and congratulations to Helen and the Polymer IRC team for organising this event…<\/p>\n