The University of Aberdeen is hosting a unique event, which should help dispel the myth that scientists are dull. Recent research undertaken by the Institute of Physics indicates that scientists are perceived to be boring, however the number of women entering the sciences has doubled since 1960 and the average age of a physicist is now 31.
Thursday's (6 November) Postgraduate Open Day for the Schools of Medicine and Medical Sciences, part of the College of Life Sciences and Medicine, aims to attract some of the finest young minds to the city and proves how exciting science can be.
Dr Helen Galley, Senior Lecturer and Director of Postgraduate Studies for the Schools of Medicine and Medical Sciences at the University, said: "The University of Aberdeen has achieved international recognition in the fields of medicine and medical science and we boast some of the finest graduates in the UK. Visitors to the event should see just how innovative the University of Aberdeen is, as well as the exceptional quality of staff, students and state-of-the-art teaching facilities."
Only about 4% of science professors in the UK are women, 11% in medicine/medical sciences but in Aberdeen the number is 19% and rising. At Aberdeen, 50% of postdocs are women and the University has committed itself to improving this number by supporting initiatives, networks and mentoring.
Alexandra Brand returned to do her honours degree as a mature student at the University and has recently been appointed as a postdoc in the Department of Molecular & Cell Biology. She said: "As a mature student, I came to the University of Aberdeen to re-train and take my first degree.
"The University has been extremely supportive, flexible and encouraging and offers the challenge of succeeding in the international academic environment. It was a natural next step for me to continue to post-graduate training for a new career."
For further details on the Postgraduate Open day, visit: www.abdn.ac.uk/medicine/postgraduate/openday/