SNAILS, soils, microwaving superbugs and bilingual brains will be among the diverse range of topics tackled by top women scientists as they take to their soapboxes to promote the female face of science in Swansea this weekend.
Swansea is hosting Soapbox Science to give residents and visitors of all ages the chance to see science as anything but boring and sweep away their preconceptions of scientists.
The Swansea University event being held on Saturday June 6 will set up shop outside the 360 Beach and Watersport Centre on the seafront between noon and 4pm.
Among the questions they will be answering are: How can micro-algae be turned into food and other consumer products? How do we stay alive in a world of poisons, toxins and danger? Are snails intelligent?
Cllr Jen Raynor, Swansea Council Cabinet Member for Education, said: “This is a wonderful event organised by Swansea University and Soapbox Science and I hope families with children in particular will pop along.
“Science is a vast area of study which can lead to a whole range of career opportunities for our young people and bring skills to the city which will enable us to attract funding and business vital to the local economy.
“I hope that the event will inspire a whole new generation of girls to consider science and technology in a new light.”
Of the 16 speakers taking part that day, eight are from Swansea University and all represent a range of disciplines including physics, mathematics, medicine, bioscience and engineering.
Professor Hilary Lappin-Scott, a microbiologist and Pro-Vice Chancellor of Swansea University, said: “It is fitting that Swansea plays host to an event like Soapbox Science as it builds on the city’s long history of industry, engineering and science which will continue with the opening of Swansea University’s new Bay Campus later this year.
“Last year’s Soapbox Science was a roaring success and the presenters and audiences all had a great time discovering science together in the beautiful setting of sunny Swansea Bay. We hope this year’s event will be even more successful and that the weather is equally as kind!”
Further information about soapbox science is available at http://soapboxscience.org
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