The University of Aberdeen is hosting and supporting an exciting and diverse programme of free events as part of British Science Week which runs from 13-22 March 2015.
Tonight, Monday 16 March, Dr Neil Basu, Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University of Aberdeen and Dr Nick Fluck, Medical Director for NHS Grampian will discuss their research into lupus. Lupus - sometimes called ‘Wolf’s bite’ because of its distinctive rash, is an incurable autoimmune disease that currently affects hundreds of people in the Grampian area. In an informal talk as part of the Café Med series in the Suttie Centre Café at 6pm, Dr Basu and Dr Fluck will explain how their research explores this diverse and unpredictable medical condition and describe how they hope to improve treatment for current patients.
The fascinating world of fungi will be the topic up for discussion on Wednesday 18 March, in the hugely popular Café Scientifique series of free talks held in Waterstones at 7pm. Dr Andy Taylor, Senior Lecturer at The James Hutton Institute. Dr Taylor will lead an informal discussion into how fungi are integral to our lives as nature’s recyclers, pharmacists, bakers and brewers.
A full programme of events will continue throughout the week including a Director’s Cut event with Zoe Heron, series producer of the popular BBC science series Horizon. In this popular event, Zoe Heron will explore the highlights and memorable programmes from the Horizon series with interviewer Professor Alan Marcus from the University of Aberdeen’s School of Language and Literature.
Further events include talks on the river Dee and its wildlife with the Aberdeen Biodiversity centre and Zoology Museum. There is also a chance to see some of the most impressive images from the world of science, selected as winners of the 2015 Wellcome Image awards at Aberdeen Science Centre, Satrosphere.
The programme will culminate in the Family Discovery Day where children of all ages are invited to get hands on experience of scientific experiments, meet a worm, investigate science super powers, make 3D selfies and much more, at Aberdeen Science Centre, Satrosphere, Aberdeen from 10am – 4pm on Saturday 21 March. Entry is £1 for this event.
Dr Heather Doran of the University's Public Engagement with Research Unit said: “This year’s British Science Week in Aberdeen is fantastic, with a diverse range of events designed to engage both adults and children with topics from across the scientific spectrum.
“From outdoor events exploring the phenomena of the natural world, to talks investigating our fascinating brains, the programme promises to deliver an array of scintillating science.”
The full programme of events in Aberdeen can be found at http://www.abdn.ac.uk/engage/nsew/index.php
ENDS