National Chemistry Week is sure to go with a bang when it kicks off next month with an exciting programme of events, lectures and an exclusive screening of the popular Al Gore film, An Inconvenient Truth.
The University of Aberdeen and The Robert Gordon University have joined forces to make this year's theme of Chemistry Week 2007, Travel, as interesting and widely available to the North-east public as possible.
Chemistry Week is a national event organised by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). Held every two years, the specific aim is to promote a positive image of chemistry and increase public understanding of the importance of chemical science in our everyday lives.
This year's theme his has been chosen to support the RSC's energy and transport campaign of Fuelling the Future, with a particular emphasis on how chemistry offers positive solutions to the energy challenges that travel (and transport) are facing today.
One of the organisers of this year's Chemistry Week 2007 is Professor Jim Anderson, of the University of Aberdeen. He said: "Chemistry plays a pivotal role in today's society. The aim of the programme of events is to raise the profile of science, and chemistry in particular, and is designed to help people understand that chemistry is fundamental to everyday life. I hope that the various events being organised will raise awareness of the influence of chemistry around us."
The week-long programme of events will comprise of lectures looking at current issues, as well as a film screening. The programme starts on Saturday, November 3, with an activity day at Satrosphere, Fuelling the Future, for all to get hands-on experience of chemistry. The event takes place from 10am-5pm and will continue for a second day on Sunday, November 4. There will be hands-on demonstrations based on the theme of energy and how chemistry is vital to the development of future fuels. The event is aimed at school children - 11 years and older – however, it is also open to the public. Tickets cost £5.75 for adults, children (3+) and concessions £4.50 - no booking is required.
A schools lecture is being organised by The Robert Gordon University on Wednesday, November 7. The event is for schoolchildren and will be given by Dr Alan Owen, Head of Sustainable Energy, Centre for Research in Energy and the Environment, The Robert Gordon University, who will present Fuelling the future….. or the end of the road?
The availability of energy in useable forms is the key to the continued existence of all technological societies, including the UK. Ahead of the event, Dr Owen said: "The title of this presentation says it all: first-world societies have a choice between addressing the energy issue or returning to the Middle Ages."
Dr Owen will take guests on a tour through the history of energy use - how we have arrived at where we are now, and asks what the options are for the future? What are the implications for our current way of life? What will the world be like by 2050, by 2075? How will we travel (if we still can)? Can our present agricultural practices maintain the food chain?
Dr Owen added: "The current generation of schoolchildren will go on to be the key scientists and engineers that decide if the techno-junkie human race makes it to the other end of the 21st Century. The question I will asking them is this - are you up to the challenge?"
This event is being held in H223, Faulty of Health & Social Care, RGU, Garthdee Road at 2.00pm. The audience is invited to stay and join Dr Owen after the lecture – they will also get the opportunity to view a hybrid car.
This event will be followed on Thursday, November 8, with a screening of former US Vice- President and recent Nobel Prize Winner, Al Gore's award-winning documentary on climate change, An Inconvenient Truth at the Belmont Cinema in Aberdeen. The film gives a stark warning about the impact of global warming. Following the screening there will be a discussion on questions raised in the film which will be chaired by Dick Winchester, Managing Director, Pistrelle. Tickets for this event cost £4.50 each or £3.00 each for RSC members.
Finally, on Friday, November 9, a lunchtime lecture is being staged at King's College Centre, University of Aberdeen. James Smith, Chairmain of Shell, will deliver his presentation, Energy and Climate Change, to guests. Professor C Duncan Rice, Principal and Vice Chancellor at the University, will welcome guests before introducing Mr Smith, a graduate of the Institution, as the guest speaker. Professor Rice will host a Q&A session with the audience before bringing the event to a close. A sandwich lunch will be provided and there will be an opportunity to meet Mr Smith following the lecture. Everyone is welcome to attend. To book your place at the free-of-charge lecture, please contact Dr Richard Wells on: (01224) 272920 or email: href="mailto:r.wells@abdn.ac.uk">r.wells@abdn.ac.uk</a></p>
Dr Richard Wells, from the University of Aberdeen's Department of Chemistry, and Secretary of the Aberdeen and Northern Scotland local section of the RSC is looking forward to a fascinating week of events. He said: "Chemistry is often portrayed as a dirty science and many people have little or no idea how much chemistry impacts on their every day lives. The aim of Chemistry Week is to help show the contribution that chemistry and chemical science has brought to our lives today through a broad range of topics."