8 November 2012

College of Life Sciences opens its doors

Photo/Interview Opportunities - 10am to 4pm Saturday 10th November

The University of Dundee's 'citadel of science' will open its doors to the public this weekend, giving an insight into the internationally renowned research being conducted in the city.

The College of Life Sciences is open to all members of the public on Saturday 10th November for its annual Open Doors Day. Entrance is via the Medical Sciences Institute building on Dow Street.

Open Doors Day 2012, which runs in conjunction with the Dundee Science Festival, is organised by early career researchers at the College to allow them the opportunity to share their enthusiasm for the work they do with members of the public.

This year's event promises to be bigger and better than ever - with tours of the College's cutting-edge Microscopy and Proteomics facilities, the unique Drug Discovery Unit and the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification.

Apart from the tours there will also be an Interactive Zone for people to try out microscopes for themselves, the hugely popular Molecular Microbes team will be on hand to introduce the world of invisible creatures, and this year's iGem Team will recreate their Edinburgh Festival show, illustrating cell instability -through juggling. There are a variety of short films on throughout the day explaining the scientific research that is carried out and why we're so passionate about it. And, if you've never heard a scientist sing a song about beer and yeast - well that could change…

This year the event committee is co-chaired by two PhD students, Eilidh Ferguson and Harriet Stratton, of the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification.

Eilidh said, "This is science that everyone can relate to. It will be a fun packed day with something for all ages. Plus it's free and open to everyone."

Harriet said, "It's a great opportunity to get an insight into the groundbreaking research that goes on in this facility. It will be a fun filled day for all ages."

Owing to limited spaces, booking for the laboratory tours is essential. However apart from the tours there is a lot of other activities to keep everyone occupied.

To book a tour, email opendoorsday@dundee.ac.uk or for any further information please email Sarah at S.Hussain@dundee.ac.uk or call 01382 381023 or 01382 385828.

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
MOBILE: 07800 581902