University's Public Engagement team to take to the airwaves

University's Public Engagement team to take to the airwaves

A new science radio show developed by the University of Aberdeen will launch on a community radio station, Shmu FM, tomorrow (Tuesday).

Talking Science will bring a mix of news, interviews and regular features including science you can try at home and a weekly sound of science competition.  

Researchers from across the University will be interviewed on air, and there will also be a focus on topics being discussed at forthcoming Café Scientifique sessions and other events. 

The new Talking Science show is presented by the Public Engagement with Research team working with staff and students across the University wishing to develop their communications and presenting skills. The show will also provide regular opportunities to promote public facing initiatives of the University and opportunities for learning such as courses and the new online learning modules delivered with FutureLearn.

Dr Heather Doran of the University’s public engagement with research unit, said: “The new partnership with Shmu FM provides a fresh opportunity to engage wider groups with the ground-breaking research in Aberdeen while encouraging new audiences to our events. The show itself also provides a great new skills development opportunity for researchers, particularly postgraduate and early career staff, wishing to gain experience and transferrable skills.”

The launch show will air at 2pm on Tuesday, June 17, and will continue until the end of the year.

Talking Science is supported by a science engagement grant from the Scottish Government aimed at encouraging widening access with hard to reach groups and rural communities.

Shmu was established in 2003 to support engagement and interaction with the priority regeneration areas in Aberdeen.

Talking Science is the second University based show to feature in the Shmu schedule, as the Growth Matters programme is hosted by Cruickshank Botanical Gardens curator Mark Paterson.

Staff and students wishing to get involved with the initiative should get in touch with the public engagement team at peru@abdn.ac.uk