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Last night, metals scientists battled for a $2,000 prize for the most entertaining presentation of light metals innovations and technologies.
Hosted by The Prince Albert Pub at Conrad Jupiters Casino, Technology on Tap was part of the 4th International Light Metals Technology Conference (28th June – 1st July). The great ideas tapped related to the light metals, aluminium, magnesium and titanium, and technologies to increase the efficiency and strength of these metals.
Twelve top metals scientists competed to be the most interesting and creative contestant. The best presenter, decided by an international panel of experts, was Dr Dong Qiu, who won $2,000. Postgraduate researcher, Alex Buddery took out the people’s choice award.
Dr Qiu played the part of a butcher at a meat market to ‘sell’ his idea to the audience. His technology produces stronger, lighter and cheaper magnesium alloys that can be used in the production of cars, laptops and other modern technologies. According to Dr Qiu’s sales pitch, these alloys can be produced if you use his secret ingredient; a “grain refiner”, which makes metals strong. Dr Qiu said, “It was a great experience. I might become an entertainer yet!”
“Last night was absolutely brilliant. The technology performances flowed more smoothly than the Guinness itself,” said comedian Barry McLeod from CMA Events, the creator and host of Technology on Tap.
The Light Metals Technology Conference (LMT2009) is an international event that showcases metals and alloy technologies from across the world. Research centres from Austria, Canada, Germany, South Africa, the United States and Australia form the Global Light Metals Alliance, which alternate hosting the Light Metals Technology Conference every two years. 200 delegates are attending the LMT2009 being held on Queensland’s Gold Coast at the Sofitel Hotel. Although the LMT conference originated in Australia in 2003, it will not return to our shores until 2017.
CONTACT
Sue Keay M. 0408 778 667 E. s.keay@cast.org.au
http://www.lightmetals.org
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