University of Liverpool - Participation? It's child's play

A "toy academic" called Professor Fluffy features in a showcase of best practice in widening participation. The University of Liverpool launched its International Centre for Educational Opportunities at the Shanghai Expo last week. The centre will build on the success of the university's outreach activities in the UK. Using Professor Fluffy - a colourful soft toy - as a teaching aid, children aged nine and 10 are taught a mini-curriculum in subjects such as medicine or science.