HAVE YOU EVER wanted to learn more about a scientific issue but been put off by the jargon? Scientific shorthand is a time-saver for people working in the field, but can be an obstacle to a wider understanding among non-experts. That’s why the annual RDS Science Speak competition invites Irish postgraduate students to ditch the jargon and explain their work in non-technical language to a general audience.
“It’s about making science more accessible to the general public,” explains RDS foundation manager Dr Claire Mulhall. “It’s an opportunity for postgraduates to take what they do in the lab and talk about the applications of it, to break it down into what they are doing and what kind of difference they can make with it.”
The 2009 final of Science Speak (now in its fourth year) will take place later this month, giving researchers from seven Irish universities the chance to explain their work in straightforward terms and compete for a first prize of €1,000.
Audience members are encouraged to ask questions, and topics up for discussion, among others, include radon levels in Irish homes and gene therapy for spinal-cord injuries.
Pat Kenny is compere and the panel of judges includes RTÉ meteorologist Evelyn Cusack, physicist and former Rose of Tralee Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin, broadcaster and author Mary Mulvihill, Prime Timepresenter Mark Little, Peter Brabazon, director of Discover Science and Engineering, and Irish Timesscience editor Dick Ahlstrom.
The RDS/ Irish Timesevent is organised in association with Irish Universities Promoting Science and is sponsored by Wyeth Ireland and Discover Science and Engineering.
Science Speak is at the RDS Concert Hall, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, on Mon, April 27 at 7pm. Tickets are free, but booking is essential, at www.universityscience.ie or 01-2407217