Research students from the University of Aberdeen will host a series of short presentations aimed at making science easier to digest as part of the 2009 TechFest In September Public Programme.
They will play their part in LunchBytes – a series of lively lunchtime events to be held at Aberdeen’s Satrosphere Science Centre.
It will provide an opportunity for the students to bring their own research areas to life and demonstrate to an audience the benefits of their work.
LunchBytes will get underway on Monday (September 14) when Andrew Mort will present Scoop & Go. He will consider issues of rural first aid, the difficulties of treatment in hostile conditions, and will look at the ways in which new technology could help.
Tuesday will see Lena Kastl offer an insight into how the orchestra of our genes is controlled and how cancer can develop when things go wrong.
On Wednesday, Emma Shiels will attempt to change our perception of parasites, demonstrating their beneficial effects and the efforts being made to understand them better.
She will be followed by David Muirhead, whose topic on Thursday is The Importance of Meteorites and the Evolution of the Earth, and Tania Griffin on Friday, who will consider what children in Aberdeen currently know about nutrition and physical health.
Each of the LunchBytes will get underway at 12.30pm and are free to attend. They can be booked through Aberdeen Box Office at http://www.boxofficeaberdeen.com/ or on 01224 641122.
Dr Ken Skeldon, of the University of Aberdeen's Public Engagement with Science Unit, said: “The LunchBytes are a great way for people to get a taste of some of the research work underway here at Aberdeen.
“Our young scientists are engaged on varied and interesting projects which will appeal to a wide audience.
“The University of Aberdeen is making its biggest ever contribution to TechFest September in 2009 and is delighted to support such a fantastic science festival.”
Research students from across the University will also be serving up a selection of science treats at a special dinner on Monday, September 14, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Aberdeen's Music Hall, and then again for the TechFest family weekend at the Beach ballroom.
They will be ‘science-busking’ – mingling with the public to show off basic scientific concepts to small groups in interactive and compact sessions.
The family weekend includes a huge range of activities and will take place on Saturday September 19 and Sunday September 20 from 9.30am to 4.30pm. Admission costs £4 per person or £15 for a group of 4.
For full details of the Techfest in September Public Programme visit www.techfestsetpoint.org.uk/tis/