Science fun for St Andrews

Budding scientists, active researchers and local community groups are invited to attend a brainstorming meeting aimed at communicating science to the general public.

The event – hosted next week (Wednesday 22nd September) by the University of St Andrews – is organised by the BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science), who co-ordinate National Science Week across the UK.

National Science Week is the annual explosion of thousands of science events up and down the country, aimed at bringing science to the wider community as well as enthusing young people to pursue science, engineering or technology careers.

Next week’s meeting in St Andrews is intended to recruit new local organisers to science week events and to provide information for existing organisers. It is also hoped that the University will be selected to host the Scottish launch of next year’s National Science Week, which will be held on 11-19 March 2005.

It is the first time that the University has hosted a NSW briefing meeting. Principal and Vice-Chancellor Dr Brian Lang, who will welcome potential organisers to the event, said:

“The University is delighted to be asked to host this meeting and there are exciting plans afoot to hold the Scottish launch of National Science Week in St Andrews.”

During the meeting, the BA will provide free resources, pointers as to where to secure funding, advice on marketing and a short workshop. Organisers will welcome anyone with an interest in science – from local schools, colleges and museums to local businesses and scout / girl guide groups.

Liz Robertson, BA Regional Officer, said:

“Everyone and anyone can become a NSW organizer and events can be any size and held anywhere. Attending a NSW briefing evening is free and the perfect opportunity to find out what you could do”.

The NSW briefing at St Andrews will be held at Lower College Hall, St Salvator’s Quad at 6.30 p.m. Anyone interested in coming along to the briefing evening should contact the University’s Admissions office 01334 462245.

More information about NSW is available at the BA’s website www.the-ba.net

ENDS

Issued by Beattie Media On behalf of the University of St Andrews Contact Gayle Cook on 01334 467227, mobile 07900 050 103, or email [email protected] Ref: Science week briefing 160904.doc View the latest University news at http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk