8 February 2008

Sharing science at Sensation

Leading researchers from across Scotland will guide family audiences into the fascinating world of science at Sensation Science Centre in Dundee this month.

Researchers from the Universities of Dundee and Edinburgh and the Scottish Association of Marine Science (SAMS) in Oban will be at Sensation on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th February to offer a half-term scientific treat.

`Sharing Science' is an event aimed at families and anyone with an interest in science and offers the chance to get hands-on with some of the leading research taking place in Scotland. The event will use fascinating models and displays to offer the chance to:

• Find out what your DNA looks like and take it home in a necklace!
• See real movies of human cells growing and dying
• Be like a real scientist and look at live parasites and worms down a microscope
• Discover more about climate change and flood risk management in Scotland. What are the social impacts of flooding, flood warning and coastal flooding in Dundee?

"We have got some of the leading science researchers in the country opening up the work they do for a very broad family audience and it should be a fascinating weekend," said Dr Lara Bennett from the University of Dundee, one of the event organisers.

"This is a great way for young people to get involved with science and find out more about some of the biggest issues facing us today. It will be informative, illuminating and, most of all, fun!"

This event is being co-ordinated by the Scottish Institute for Biotechnology Education (SIBE) and has been funded by a Science Engagement Grant from the Scottish Government.

This is a unique opportunity to come and meet 'real life' scientists and learn more about the exciting work they do. All the usual Sensation exhibits including Mindball will be available, as well as a special mid-term science show called 'How to Make the Perfect Poo'. Sensation's opening hours are 10am -5pm everyday and both the Sharing Science event and the mid-term science show are free with the normal price of admission.

For more information please visit www.sensation.org.uk

SENSATION - Allan Martin, (Tel: 868604 E-mail: alan.martin@sensation.org.uk)

For media enquiries contact:
Roddy Isles
Head, Press Office
University of Dundee
Nethergate Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384910
E-MAIL: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk