14 September 2010
What lies behind Dundee's doors?
Photo opportunities: Saturday, September 18th at The Wellcome Trust Building (9am-4pm), Archive Services, Tower Building (10am-12pm), Book and Paper Conservation Studio, Main Library (10am-11.30am), D’Arcy Thompson Museum, Carnelley Building (10am-12pm), Museum Services, Hawkhill House (2:00-3.30pm), Institute of Medical Science and Technology, Dundee Medipark (11am-3pm).
The public will have the chance to find out about the exciting array of work carried out at the University of Dundee, from world-leading scientific research to the painstaking preservation of historical documents, this weekend.
A series of events will be held on Saturday, September 18th as part of Doors Open Days 2010. Across the city, hundreds of people will be granted access to fascinating buildings not normally open to the public as well as taking part in events, tours and talks for all ages.
As part of this city-wide programme, the University is hosting events offering visitors the chance to:
- Enjoy a guided tour of the labs at the College of Life Sciences’ Wellcome Trust Building and find out about the leading-edge work carried out there.
- See how history is preserved at the Book and Paper Conservation Studio
- Explore the collections held by the University’s Archive and Museum services
- Investigate the cutting-edge MRI facility at the Institute of Medical Science and Technology.
- Discover D’Arcy Thompson’s amazing collection of animals and fossils
"There are many fascinating aspects of the University that people might not know much about but will be very interested in finding out more about," said Dr Jon Urch, Public Outreach Coordinator at the University.
"The imposing buildings that make up the College of Life Science’s complex are an instantly recognisable feature of the Dundee skyline, but very few Dundonians will ever have stepped foot inside them and seen what goes on in one of Europe’s largest and most productive research centres for themselves.
"The College of Life Sciences Postdoc Association (CLSPA) and the Postgraduates in the College of Life Sciences (PiCLS) have brought together scientists from all 16 research divisions at the college and the Scottish Crop Research Institute for this event.
"The scientists will explain what, how, and why, they study the important research questions they do, and there are also limited spaces available for research-themed tours of laboratories throughout day.
"For those with an interest in history, there are opportunities to see how the past is preserved at the award-winning Book and Paper Conservation Studio, as well as the chance to view the collections held by our Archive and Museum services.
"The D’Arcy Thompson Museum bridges science and history, and I would strongly urge as many people as possible to get along to see the fabulous collection of animals and fossils amassed by this world-famous scientist and the pioneer of life sciences at Dundee.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Doors Open Days, an annual festival that celebrates Scotland’s buildings, places and spaces, old and new. Doors Open Days is organised locally by groups and individuals around the country and nationally by the Scottish Civic Trust. With the help of many volunteers, these events will open up historic and contemporary buildings that are not normally accessible to the public.
This year the events in Dundee are supported by OPEN North East a partnership of local universities and science centres. OPEN North East funded the printing and distribution costs of leaflets across the city.
Dr Urch, who is also Co-ordinator of OPEN North East at Dundee said, "We are delighted to be celebrating 20 years of Doors Open Days in Dundee. The University of Dundee is opening the doors to some of its most exciting buildings, and it is a once in a year opportunity to discover our city’s best kept secrets."
Fiona Hyslop MSP, Minister for Culture and External Affairs, said, "Regardless of whether your motivation is an appreciation for architecture or just nosiness, Doors Open Days offer an opportunity to get behind the scenes glimpses at a whole host of buildings.
"Across the country volunteers and coordinators have organised events that will appeal to all ages and I would encourage everyone to find out about what is happening locally and support Doors Open Days in its 20th year."
More information about the events taking place across Scotland can be found at www.doorsopendays.org.uk
Full details of the CLS event can be found at www.lifesci.dundee.ac.uk/doors_open_day.
Dr Jon Urch and the organisers at each venue will be available for interview. For further information please call 01382 386669 or email j.urch@dundee.ac.uk
For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277 |
