A cancer scientist is visiting 10 Highland secondary schools this week and giving pupils an insight into some of his research.
Around 300 biology pupils will hear Dr Andy Schofield’s talk Understanding cancer: what
makes good cells go bad.
The S5 and S6 students will also hear about some of the latest cancer research being undertaken at the University of Aberdeen.
Dr Schofield is giving the series of talks as part of Techfest in September’s secondary schools outreach programme. Dr Schofield’s ‘Highland Tour’ will run from Monday 31 August to Friday 4 September.
He said: “It is the first time I have done a ‘Highland tour’ of this kind and I am really looking forward to meeting and talking to the pupils.
“I will be explaining a little about how and why we get cancer. Pupils will also hear about the latest research into cancer and what is being done to personalise therapy rather than have a one-size-fits-all-patients approach.
“I’ll be covering hundreds of miles and meeting around 300 pupils and I really hope I’ll be leaving them thoroughly enthused about science.”
Liz Hodge, Managing Director of TechFest-Setpoint, which organises TechFest in September, said: “Through the Highland Tour we aim to offer, each year, tours to schools in remote areas.
“We are delighted that Dr Schofield will be sharing with pupils his enthusiasm and knowledge about cancer research. Bringing the latest scientific research into the classroom promotes the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and their relevance in our society today.”
TechFest in September 2009 is Aberdeen and the North East of Scotland’s annual festival of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), which is set to attract a record 20,000 visitors between September 11 and 28. For more information on TechFest in September 2009, visit http://www.techfestsetpoint.org.uk/tis