The University of Aberdeen is gearing up to host more than 650 delegates at this year's Public Communication of Science and Technology (PCST) conference.
Attendees from more than 60 countries across the globe will log on to attend the virtual event next week (24 – 27 May) which was originally due to take place in Aberdeen last year.
The theme of the conference is Time, Technology and Transformation and will offer attendees the opportunity to share their interest in science communications and enable new connections between practitioners and researchers, across national and cultural boundaries.
The event will be chaired by University’s Chair in Chemistry Professor Marcel Jaspars and Dr Heather Doran, Public Engagement Manager at the University of Dundee.
Keynote speakers at the conference include freelance science writer and former editor of Nature, Dr Philip Ball; Professor Emily Dawson from the Department of Science & Technology at University College London; Mara Entradas from the University Institute of Lisbon; Dr Marina Joubert from Stellenbosch University in South Africa; Professor Matt Nisbet from Northeastern University; Andres Roldan Executive Director at Parque Explora and Professor Mike S.Schäfer from the University of Zurich.
The conference, which should have taken place last May at TECA, has moved completely online due to Covid-19, however the organising committee have worked extensively to ensure the programme is as engaging as ever – with 359 presentations scheduled over four days.
Delegates will still get the chance to visit Aberdeen, as the 2025 conference will take place in the city.
Professor Jaspars commented: “Myself and everyone involved in the organisation of the PCST conference are absolutely delighted that we will finally be able to host the event next week.
“It was a huge disappointment when the conference had to be postponed last year so it is really exciting that we are now ready to go!
“It’s not easy moving everything online for an event of this size which attracts so many delegates from around the world, however the organising committee and the team at the University have worked extremely hard to ensure that Aberdeen will still be putting on a first class event for all the attendees.
“It’s also great news that Aberdeen will have the opportunity to host the next conference in person. The city has a lot to offer and we will look forward to sharing it with attendees in 2025.”