A Question of Communication.
University of Manchester
The University of Manchester asks ??How and Why Science??? in an exploration of the communication of science.
In asking ??How Science??? and ??Why Science??? the research team at the University hope to explore the issues behind communication of science. Lecturers Ellen Poliakoff, of the School of Psychological Sciences, and Stuart Allan, of the Faculty of Life Sciences are working with science communicator and filmmaker, Erinma Ochu on a multi-disciplinary programme of activities. The programme will expose the work of a researcher and engage the public, bringing understanding of science to a wider audience.
For example, ??Why Science??? takes the form of a documentary film that ??will connect with young people thinking about their future careers, and the possibilities science might present to them?? (Erinma Ochu). This will be followed by ??How Science??? a schools mentoring programme which allows pupils to work alongside the University staff who make research possible, from technicians to lecturers. ??A Day in the Life?? will be an exhibition of photographs taken by scientists, which reflect their normal working day.
The initiative kicks off with a ??public as communicators?? programme with projects that engage the public in communicating science. A team of scientists from the University have been working with Barlow High school to develop a Brain Activity Day. This will be held at the Manchester Museum on Saturday 12th March and the Trafford Centre on the 16th of March.
As part of the Manchester Museum??s Science Fair, ??From Lab to Layman??, Erinma will also be developing workshops with a group of actors and scientists called ??You know it makes sense?? on the 18th and 19th of March. Both projects celebrate National Science Week and Brian Awareness Week. All events will be free and open as a drop in session for families.
Projects are sponsored by a Wellcome VIP grant, the Medical Research Council and a BBSRC, NERC, MRC small grant award. The entire programme is supported by the University of Manchester.
The team are particularly interested in hearing from schools and scientists working in all disciplines, and should contact Erinma at the address below.
Submitted by: Charlotte Thorley and Erinma Ochu, 09 March 2005
