Dundee's scientists of the future are set to discover how an embryo knows its head from its tail, explore the inner workings of molecules and muscles and see cells strutting their stuff . The Royal Society of Edinburgh's series of masterclasses for young people, is being held for the first time at The University of Dundee, where a limited number of places are left.
Supported by the Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland, the Startup Science series is intended to offer junior secondary pupils who have shown an enthusiasm and flair for science and technology, exposure to the inspiration of experts, and the opportunity to roll-up their sleeves and take-on practical, hands-on challenges.
The series starting in Dundee on November 24th will be delivered by leading academics. Successful classes covering other varied, scientific topics have recently been run by The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, St.Andrews and Stirling.
The masterclasses, which are free, are aimed at enthusiastic S1 & S2 pupils who are likely to make positive responses to new ideas, and who do not give in too easily. Places are limited, and are being offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Masterclasses in other towns and cities have been highly oversubscribed. There will be a break for refreshments and on completion of the classes, pupils will be presented with a certificate.
Dundee-based President of the Royal Society of Edinburgh Sir William Stewart said:
These masterclasses in Dundee are hugely important in helping to inspire our young people. We must engage and nurture their interest in science and technology and encourage them to consider the exciting career opportunities in science and engineering. As a nation of pioneers and explorers, we can build upon Scotland's great legacy of invention and ingenuity, and urge our young people to strive for excellence. The Royal Society of Edinburgh will continue to work with teachers and leaders in business and academia to help our young people meet, and seek solutions to the challenges of the twenty first century.
Please note that pupils cannot just turn up on the day, anyone interested, must register in advance with the RSE. The dates and topics for the sessions to be held at Dundee University are as follows:
Saturday 24 November - Cells strutting their stuff by Dr Inke Nathke and Professor Birgit Lane
Saturday 1 December - Having the heart to get a grip by Professor Michael Rennie
Saturday 8 December - How an embryo know its head from its tail by Professor Cheryll Tickle and Dr Kate Storey
Saturday 15 December - Tracking your molecules by Dr Carole MacIntosh
For Further Information on the masterclasses and to register, please
contact:
Dr Harinee Selvadurai, Education and Events Officer, The Royal Society
of Edinburgh (RSE)
Tel. 0131 240 5000
For Media Enquiries only, please contact:
Stuart Brown, Public Relations Officer Tel. 0131 240 5016
mob: 0411 710 249
For more information on the Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland's support
and activities, please contact:
Marlies Cruse (Mrs)
Project / Press Officer
Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland
Tel. 0131 260 0382
Website: www.ltsbfoundationforscotland.org.uk
Notes for Editors:
1. The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) is Scotland's National Academy. A wholly independent, non party-political body with charitable status, the RSE is a knowledge resource for the people of Scotland. Organising conferences and lectures both for the specialist and for the general public, the RSE is a forum for informed debate on issues of national and international importance. Scotland's foremost think-tank, the Society draws upon the expertise of its multidisciplinary fellowship of men and women of international standing, to provide independent, expert advice to key decision making bodies, including Government and Parliament. Strengthening links between academia and industry and boosting wealth-generation at home, the Society's Research Awards programme annually awards well over half a million pounds to exceptionally talented young academics and potential entrepreneurs. Today, operating a successful programme of inspiring lectures and hands-on workshops for primary and secondary school pupils, the RSE is also active in classrooms from the Borders to the Northern Isles.
The multidisciplinary membership of the RSE makes it unique amongst learned Societies in Great Britain. Its peer-elected fellowship encompasses excellence in the Sciences, Arts, Humanities, the Professions, Industry and Commerce. Borne out of the intellectual ferment of the Scottish Enlightenment, the RSE was founded in 1783 by Royal charter for the "advancement of learning and useful knowledge". A progressive Scottish Society, working as part of the UK and within a global context, the Royal Society of Edinburgh is committed to the future of Scotland's social, economic and cultural well-being. The RSE is Scottish Charity No. SC000470Further information about the RSE can be found on its website at: www.royalsoced.org.uk
3. Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland received in excess of £6.7 million from Lloyds TSB Group's pre-tax profits to support charitable activities within Scotland in 2001.
4. Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland funds recognised charities, which provide support in the fields of social and community needs, education and training, and scientific, medical and social research.
5. Every three years, the Trustees of Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland review the criteria and priorities which guide them. Priority support is considered for projects which include children, young people, ageing population, parenting, rural disadvantage, physical and mental disability, homelessness, substance misuse, minority groups and infrastructure.
6. The Lloyds TSB Foundations, each with its own Board of Trustees, consist of four independent charitable Foundations, (Scotland, England & Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands). They were formed in 1986 by the then TSB Group, and in 1997 changed their name following the merger of Lloyds Bank and the TSB Group. By deed of covenant, the Foundations receive one per cent of Lloyds TSB Group's pre-tax profits, averaged over three years, in lieu of the dividend on their shareholding. Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland receives 19.46% of the fund given to the four Foundations.
7. In 2001, the four Lloyds TSB Foundations will distribute £34.4 million.