Scientists need to communicate their work in plain language to the general public who want to know about genetically modified foods, embryonic cell cloning, BSE, AIDS, foot-and-mouth and other subjects, so that they can make informed decisions.
Tonight, at 7 p.m., PhD students from UCD's pharmacology and biochemistry departments will make presentations on subjects including Duchenne muscular dystrophy, thrombosis and the workings of the immune system to a panel of non-science judges.
Research on cancer and heart disease will also be discussed. To bridge the gap between the scientific community and laypeople, the Merville lay seminars aim to encourage young scientists to present their work in a way that is accessible to the general public.
Broadcaster Pat Kenny will chair the seminar in the O'Reilly Hall, UCD, and the judging panel - Brian Kerr, manager of the youth international soccer team, journalist Brenda Power of the Sunday Tribune and Professor Eunice McCarthy, head of the UCD social and organisational psychology research centre - will be chaired by Fergus Finlay. The Attorney General, Michael McDowell SC will present the awards.
The seminars are sponsored by the Science, Technology and Innovatin (STI) awareness programme, which is managed by Forfas on behalf of the Office of Science and Technology. Admission is free. For further information contact Denise Graham at (01) 496 0244 or (087) 646 8914.
