An interactive planet for the public to explore UK science and engineering was launched at the end of September by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) - the UK's largest government agency for research.

IMPACT! World www.impactworld.org.uk is an innovative new website where users can explore how engineering and physical sciences research is helping to build the world around us and creating a healthy, productive and sustainable future.

Through films, stories, and an interactive planet, the website shows how research is helping to fight crime in police stations, save lives in hospitals, develop green forms of transport, informing government decisions and much  more.

Science and Innovation Minister Lord Drayson said: "This new website shines a deserving light onto the contribution science and engineering make to the UK. It offers a fascinating insight into how home-grown technologies are tackling some of the biggest challenges we face such as improving our quality of life and stimulating the economy."

EPSRC Chief Executive Professor Dave Delpy said: "Engineering and physical sciences research is crucial to creating a healthy, prosperous and sustainable society. It has huge impact on the world around us. We hope this website and our IMPACT Campaign will help the public understand why research is so crucial to the UK's future."

IMPACT! World is the latest activity in EPSRC's IMPACT!  Campaign, which aims to demonstrate how UK scientists and engineers are solving some of the biggest challenges facing society.