Blowing Glass Tradition: From Craft to Cutting-Edge

Step into the mesmerising world of glass science with our lecture, "Blowing Tradition: From Craft to Cutting-Edge." Set against the stunning backdrop of a botanic garden, this event is part of a grand glass exhibition, offering a unique exploration of how glass blends ancient artistry with modern scientific innovation.

Our first speaker, Professor Heike Ebendorff-Heidepriem, a nominee for the 2024 SA Scientist of the Year, will guide you through the evolution of glass. From its traditional forms to its role in advanced technologies, Professor Heike will reveal how glass has transformed into a crucial component in various fields. Discover how the unique properties of glass, particularly when paired with light, make it essential for technologies ranging from art to fibre optics. She will explain how different methods, such as fibre drawing and extrusion, and new techniques like 3D glass printing, showcase glass' diverse applications and its impact on modern science and industry.

Following Professor Ebendorff-Heidepriem, meet Tony Koutsonikolas, R&D Mechanical Engineer at Maple Glass Printing, an innovative Australian company leading the charge in glass 3D printing and recycling. Australia is at the forefront of revolutionising the glass industry, boasting the world's first commercial glass 3D printer and groundbreaking recycling solutions.

Tony will take you through the fascinating journey of how Maple Glass transforms raw glass materials into high-quality filament and ultimately into intricate 3D-printed designs. This technology is opening new frontiers for glass applications, enabling complex, digitally fabricated designs that were once unimaginable. Even more impressively, Maple Glass is committed to sustainability, with the capability to produce parts from up to 100% waste glass. Discover how this pioneering approach is not only shaping the future of glass manufacturing but also setting new standards for environmental responsibility.

Dr Jiawen Li will follow with a real-world example of using 3D-printed glass to advance healthcare. Associate Professor at the University of Adelaide, she is an innovator in biomedical engineering. Dr Li will present a groundbreaking advancement in the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. During the lecture, she will discuss her development of an ultrathin 3D-printed endoscope designed to aid cardiologists in identifying patients at high risk of heart attacks.

All lectures are supported by The University of Adelaide, the Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, Inspiring SA, ANFF, Optofab, and special thanks to partner Maple Glass Printing for this lecture.

Enhance your evening with picnic boxes for a selection of treats, available for pre-order to pick up from the Noel Lothian Hall. 

Arrive early to meander under majestic trees and through the lush landscapes of Adelaide Botanic Garden while exploring the stunning Chihuly in the Botanic Garden for before the show. 

Your ticket includes a glass of Bird in Hand wine upon arrival, available from 6:00pm, with the lecture starting at 7:00pm.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see glass in a new light!

Date: Wednesday 6 November 2024

Times: 6:00pm to 8:30pm 

The venue opens at 6:00pm, lecture starts at 7:00pm

Cost: $35.00 per person (plus booking fee) including a drink on arrival
Keen to attend all 4 Science Talks? Emailbotanic.exhibitions@sa.gov.au for 20% off.

Location: Noel Lothian Hall, Adelaide Botanic Garden

Entry and exit via the Hackney Gate.

Wednesday Wonders

On Wednesday nights this spring, join us for a unique series of events.

Be delighted by local artists for some mid-week magic at the Music Series, or explore the scientific realms of glass in fascinating Science Talks, in partnership with the University of Adelaide's Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing.

Arrive up to an hour before your event to see the Chihuly in the Botanic Garden exhibition in a new dimension as the sun sets, grab a glass of Bird in Hand from the bar or pre-order a picnic box to enjoy in the Garden. 

For more events in this series, see the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium What's On page!