We’re delighted to share two Design HOPES projects featured in the University of Strathclyde’s Images of Research 2025 exhibition. Celebrating the theme ‘From Research to Reality’, the exhibition highlights the power of research to drive real-world change.

Plant-Based Reusable Theatre Caps (Category Winner), photographed by Marsaili McGrath, tackles the environmental cost of the 800,000 single-use theatre caps discarded annually by NHS Scotland, and is a Design HOPES theme 4 project. The innovative solution features reusable, plant-based caps made from sustainable, biodegradable cellulosic fibre, co-designed with NHS staff to improve safety and identification.

A Step in the Right Direction (Highly Commended), created by Andrew Wodehouse and the Design HOPES team, reimagines mobility aids with sustainability at its core. This lightweight walking aid is made from recyclable cardboard, flat-packable, and strong enough to support movement—even gymnastics.

The exhibition is part of the Glasgow Science Festival and runs at Glasgow Central Station from 5–15 June.