Question: How will your wokr impact the lives of others?

Dr Hywel Jones answered on 14 Jun 2010:

Good question, and something we should all keep in mind when carrying out our work.
One example is the work I am doing on new lighter weight body armour. Current armour is quiet heavy and in hot climates like Afghanistan can be a real burden to wear all day. I’m hoping that the work I am doing will allow the armour to be lighter and thus lessen the burden on the person wearing it while also keeping them safe.
Other work I do with industry does not have a direct impact on people but if the companies I work with can remain competitive and be more successful in the global market place then all the employees and their families of that company are better off as a result. I once did a job for a company who make car parts which fixed a problem and basically safeguarded many of the jobs at the factory.

I have also done some work on the materials used in artificial hip joints. By continually improving medical devices like these we contribute to the improved quality of life for many elderly people or those needing hip replacements after a disease or accident. One day you may need one of these!