Seven postgraduate science students will be judged on their ability to explain their research projects in a jargon-free language, writes Dick Ahlstrom.
A novel inter-university event takes place next month when the Republic's seven universities go head to head in the first annual "Science Speak" competition. The competition is about communications skills and making science understandable to all. It is also about telling the public about the important scientific research taking place in Ireland's universities.
Science Speak is a joint initiative organised by the Royal Dublin Society and The Irish Times in association with Irish Universities Promoting Science. It takes place in the RDS Concert Hall at 7pm on Monday May 15th and admission is free.
The competition involves the work of seven postgraduate students, one from each of the universities. Each competitor will be asked to make a 10-minute presentation on his or her research using ordinary, jargon-free language. The public will then be invited to ask any questions they like about the research and its importance to society in general.
An overall winner will be selected by a panel of judges, which includes Adi Roche, director of the Chernobyl Children's Project who will chair the panel, Katriona Devereux of RTÉ's Scope programme, Peter Brabazon, programme director of Discover Science and Engineering, and this reporter. RTÉ's Pat Kenny (right) will compere the event, introducing the speakers and ensuring they remain within their presentation time limits. Pharmaceutical company Wyeth BioPharma of Grange Castle has sponsored the €1,000 prize fund.
Science Speak is one of an ongoing series of public science communication events organised jointly by The Irish Times and the Royal Dublin Society. The goal is to help the public understand the importance of scientific endeavour and to describe and explain the latest research findings being made by Irish and international scientists.
The event takes place in association with Irish Universities Promoting Science, an initiative devised by the deans of science of the Republic's seven universities after a meeting in 1999.
The body acts as a major promoter of science and science education, with a particular emphasis on encouraging more students to consider science as a career and take science subjects at Leaving and third level. Its website, www.universityscience.ie, provides detailed information about science courses in all seven universities, research and career opportunities and related help and guidance.
Admission to Science Speak is free but places must be booked to ensure access to the event. To book a place contact our automated booking line at 1550 114 708 or from Northern Ireland, 0906 604 0248. After the tone leave your name and telephone number, remembering to speak slowly and clearly. Each caller may book a maximum of two seats and the booking phone lines will remain open until all 700 seats have been reserved.