St Andrews first for research

The spotlight will be on Scottish history and its international influence on 24 September, when the University of St Andrews will host a range of activities, exhibitions and lectures as part of the nation’s first ever Researchers’ Night.

Researchers’ Night 2010 is a pan-European event, organised by the European Commission, which takes place on the last Friday in September each year. The celebration is part of the “Researchers in Europe” initiative, and involves a wide range of scientific and research organisations (including museums, laboratories and academic institutions), all over Europe, hosting a variety of entertaining and fun events planned to run late into the night.

“Scotland and the Wider World” is the first ever Researchers’ Night event to take place in Scotland, and will be a celebration of research and learning. There will be a wide range of informative events for all ages, including:

• A seal-making workshop
• Story-telling sessions
• An opportunity to learn about and handle St Andrews relics
• A public lecture on the Scottish Enlightenment
• A poster exhibition

Another central event will be Professor Steve Murdoch’s demonstration of a Scotland, Scandinavia and Northern Europe, 1580-1707 database, which provides access to the biographies of 7,000 Scottish men and women and a wealth of genealogical information.

Professor Murdoch said:

“As researchers we often find ourselves in possession of interesting and valuable historical information. Researchers’ Night allows the research team working on the Scotland and the Wider World Project and the SSNE Database the perfect opportunity to share our findings with the public and invite participation in historical discussions from anyone interested in history and culture regardless of their level of study in the subject”

Activities and events will run throughout 24 September from 15.00 to 23.00. The programme will close with a wine reception in Upper College Hall from 21.00 – 23.00; with the folk-rock band Dry Island Buffalo Jump (made up of two poets, three historians and a French linguist) proving that researchers know how to let their hair down – jamming out with a mix of covers by the Grateful Dead, The Band and Bob Dylan.

All are free of charge but some will require booking. Many events will also be available via live-streaming on the website. For further details go to: www.st-andrews.ac.uk/history/researchersnight

Or contact Dr Kathrin Zickermann on 0131 466 1122 or [email protected] or Dr Sumi David on 01334 462 302 or [email protected]

Issued by the University of St Andrews

Contact: Emma Shea, Communications Manager on 01334 462 109 or [email protected]