This week marks the beginning of the ‘Engage with Strathclyde’ programme which consists of over 50 different events being held between the 5th and 8th of May. The events aim to highlight the innovative and collaborative approach maintained by the University of Strathclyde while also showcasing the fantastic research being carried out across all disciplines. Although the primary goal is to build and enhance relationships with organisations and industry, many events are also open for the public to enjoy as well. Last year’s events attracted over 2300 people to the university and its success was acknowledged upon achievement of the 2014 Times Higher Education Leadership and Management award for knowledge exchange / transfer initiative (http://www.strath.ac.uk/press/newsreleases/headline_832840_en.html). The fantastic rteception received last year only adds to the buzz and excitement surrounding this year’s activities.
Images of Research
The Images of Research competition signifies the beginning of the week, where an exhibition of thought-provoking images produced by students and researchers are unveiled within the University. Entrants are challenged to convey the important issues they are tackling within a single image - which often produces some very inspiring outcomes. Our own group member, Olivia Kemp, has been successful in being accepted to present her image for the second year in a row, together with my first attempt. Olivia’s 2014 entry highlighted the problem of liver cancer, and its association with alcohol abuse, as well as depicting some of the work she is carrying out to develop new techniques for the diagnosis and treatment of liver cancer (Figure 1). To see our (Olivia’s and mine) entries for this year, as well as finding out about some of the other fantastic work being carried out at the University of Strathclyde, you can visit the Images of Research exhibition in the Technology and Innovation Centre (TIC) or/and online at http://www.imagesofresearch.strath.ac.uk/2015/gallery.php. After the winner is announced the images will be available for viewing on the online gallery where you can also find out about previous entries and winners (http://www.imagesofresearch.strath.ac.uk/visit_exhibition.htm).
‘Becoming an Engaging Researcher’
Coinciding with this action packed week is the ‘Becoming an Engaging Researcher’ course which is open to postgraduate students, academic staff and external guests. As well as being treated to a special performance from TV presenter and ‘stunt scientist’, Tom Pringle (aka Dr Bunhead), from Sky One’s ‘Braniac: Science Abuse’, this course offers a fantastic opportunity to find out about the amazing public engagement work being carried out at the University of Strathclyde and further afield. The initial introductory session outlines some of the ways researchers can get involved with engagement activities before leading on to interactive workshops in which you can choose to develop specific skills of interest under the guidance of experts. Having attended this fun and exciting course the previous year, it became clear that no matter how specialised and ‘niche’ your research area may be, the course is bound to make you see your research in a new light which can open up many opportunities within the scientific community and further into the public.
The course provides an opportunity to enhance the way we utilise different forms of communication. Specifically, the internet offers us some of the most popular, dynamic and fastest forms of communication available, so why not get involved? You can learn about the do’s and don’ts of creating a professional identity on the internet by attending the workshop on ‘Building your Digital Footprint’, or become a movie producer for the day by filming your very own short video, or perhaps you may like to transform your work into a stand-up comedy act with the Bright Club performers. The thought of scientists and researchers trying to make people laugh by talking about their work may sound horribly awkward, but be reassured, they do not disappoint! Each of these activities differs greatly but all provide the power to enable you to share and celebrate your own research and develop new skills.
An interest in teaching meant that I was keen to sign up for the ‘Engaging with Schools’ course. By attending this workshop I obtained all the relevant tools and expert advice which would guide my desire to share my love of science with children. Attendees are given the opportunity to register as a Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) ambassador, with costs of Protecting Vulnerable Group (PVG) membership being covered as part of the course. The STEM network are a well-established organisation who work with schools, universities and industry in developing activities to inspire young people in to a life-long interest in science (http://www.stemnet.org.uk/). Since becoming a STEM ambassador, I have developed and performed an interactive workshop for over 80 children (~12 years old) at my former high school. Initially, this was a very daunting task, however, the support and resources available from the STEM network, such as activity ideas and lesson plans, makes the process a lot less stressful. For further details on my experience as a STEM ambassador, as well as, the lessons learned from undertaking such a task, watch out for my article in the 2015 edition of the UK and Ireland Controlled Release Society (UKICRS) newsletter (http://www.ukicrs.org/newsletter.html).
After attending the ‘Becoming an Engaging Researcher’ course back in 2014, I felt truly inspired to go out and tell everyone about my work and have since been involved in a number of activities which have enabled me to do so. There is so much to gain by attending that it would be a shame to miss out! This course will leave you feeling inspired and ready to take advantage of the vast range of opportunities just waiting for you. Researchers at the University of Strathclyde and external visitors can book their place for the introductory session being held this Friday the 8th of May using the online booking system (http://www.strath.ac.uk/rdp/engage/).
The Glasgow Science Festival
Following on from the Engage at Strathclyde week, the University of Strathclyde also participates in the Glasgow Science Festival (GSF), a two week long series of “weird” and wonderful events held in venues all across Glasgow (http://www.glasgowsciencefestival.org.uk/). Be sure to check out the guide as there really is something for everyone. This year will feature our second appearance at the GSF, and Strathclyde’s Science Special weekend is already on its way to be an even greater success than the first. In 2014, Strathclyde’s Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences (SIPBS) opened its doors to the public which enabled them to discover what really goes on within our University, which is found right in the heart of the city. Visitors were wowed by demonstrations of chocolate 3D-printing, as well as interactive mind-controlled games and learning about the wonders of the Amazon. As well as having the opportunity to attend many of these exciting events as a guest, it is also possible to get involved with the festival as a volunteer. Being a volunteer provides a fun and unique perspective to the event which will provide you with hands of experience in working with the public; many members of the Lamprou Group are always taking parts as volunteers on these events. You can look out for volunteering opportunities coming up within the university or register with the GSF itself (http://www.glasgowsciencefestival.org.uk/events/sciencefestival/getinvolved/volunteers/).
Although these flagship events take place over a short time during the year, the hard work being carried out by researchers and students is continuous. The diverse range of activities and ideas available to get involved with is always increasing and this week presents the best opportunities to find out more. Whether you are supporting the work of others, or presenting your own research ideas, make sure you don’t miss out on what the University of Strathclyde has to offer.
About the Author
Rachel Donaghey. Rachel is a second year PhD student working on Nanoparticles for Biomedical Imaging.
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