7 March 2013

'Swimming in an Ocean of Images' - Café Science event on 11th March

Ways of ensuring that scientists can make the most of the information extracted during research will be discussed at the next Café Science event in Dundee.

Professor Jason Swedlow from the University of Dundee will lead the event, entitled 'Swimming in an Ocean of Images', at Chambers Coffee House and Restaurant on Monday, 11th March.

Professor Swedlow, a cell biologist and light microscopist at the University's College of Life Sciences, will explain how scientists around the world produce huge amounts of information and images every day.

This means that it becomes difficult to store and share all this data, which may overwhelm the scientists and computer systems. In some cases this may lead to missed opportunities to identify medical breakthroughs.

In light of this, Professor Swedlow and his team have developed the Open Microscopy Environment - freely available software that aid the sharing and storing of biological image data.

"Being able to store and share images using this software is essential to the process of making scientific and medical breakthroughs," said Dr Jon Urch, Public Engagement Coordinator at the University and the event organiser.

"It helps medics identify the early stages of cancer and other diseases, and it helps scientists to learn more about the biological progresses underpinning these diseases and identify potential cures. At this event, Professor Swedlow will be looking at how OME technology is now being used across the world and the type of impact it is have in different countries."

The popular Café Science series recently celebrated its 5th birthday, with more than 4000 people having taken the opportunity to hear about the ground-breaking scientific research happening locally since 2008.

The popularity of these informal discussions led by leading researchers from the Universities of Dundee and Abertay, James Hutton Institute and across Scotland has helped to enhance public understanding of science, and topics ranging from the latest medical breakthroughs to environmental challenges.

'Swimming in an Ocean of Images' takes place at Chambers Coffee House and Restaurant at 7pm, Monday, 11th March. Entry is free and open to all, and while the event is not ticketed people are advised to arrive early to avoid disappointment.

If you would like to suggest a topic or are interested in speaking at Café Science please contact cafescience@dundee.ac.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
MOBILE: 07800 581902