Major new science education programme
Talk Science @ Irvine Bay begins on Bonfire Night with an interactive public talk at Greenwood Academy on why memory is so fundamental to human experience.
Prominent neuroscientist and RSE Fellow, Professor Richard Morris, will illuminate the physical and mental processes that control memory. He will also consider the consequences of personal memory loss - from the inability to recollect mere day-to-day events, to those associated with profoundly life-altering conditions such as Alzheimer’s Disease.
The second public event moves from memory to another fundamental element of human experience – food. In a talk titled ‘Does what we eat matter?’ at Ardrossan Academy in December, the environmental scientist and RSE Fellow Professor Margaret Gill OBE will explore the significance of eating to our daily lives. At a time when sustainability is high on the international agenda and the global population is rising at an unprecedented rate, Professor Gill will give an expert overview on why our diets are changing and consider the huge consequences this has for the natural environment and human health.
In addition to public events, a core element of the Talk Science @ Irvine Bay programme is dedicated to schools, with the aim of stimulating the aspirations of young people in the area. This will involve an eclectic mix of free talks, lectures and workshops, organised by the RSE and delivered by some of the most eminent scientific experts in their various fields.
Irvine Bay Regeneration Company is responsible for delivering the i3 Enterprise Area at Irvine, with a particular focus on life sciences and engineering. This new programme builds on the regeneration company’s previous education programme to reflect its new focus, and to help build interest in engineering and science as a career option.
Commenting on the announcement, RSE General Secretary, Professor Alan Alexander OBE said, ‘We are pleased to be bringing these inspirational events to the area. There will be something on offer for everyone in the community to engage with, and plenty to inspire the budding scientists and engineers of the future’.
Patrick Wiggins, Chief Executive of Irvine Bay Regeneration Company, said, ‘We are delighted to have partnered with the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Scotland’s National Academy, to deliver a truly innovative educational and inspirational programme – Talk Science @ Irvine Bay – to develop interest in science amongst young people and the wider population of the area.
“Life sciences businesses need good infrastructure, and financial incentives are always welcomed. But key to them is the ability to attract motivated and interested people to work for them.”
Many more public events will be announced in the coming weeks and months. For the most up-to-date news, people should check local press and visit the schools section on the RSE website.