University celebrates science week
Release Date 04 March 2011
The University of Reading will be celebrating all things science this month as part of National Science and Engineering Week.
Saving the world, learning how human language evolved and discovering why people stammer are some of the events taking place from 11-20 March during Reading Science Week.
On Tuesday 15 March, four scientists from the University will try to convince you that they have the solution to the most important evil of the world in ‘Ways to save the world - a scientific dragons' den' at 7.30pm in Café Mondial at the Students' Union. The audience will cast their vote to choose which one has the best idea.
As part of the University's Public Lecture Series, Professor Mark Pagel will present ‘The evolution of language - past, present and future' on Wednesday 16 March in Palmer Building at 8pm. Professor Pagel will explore why we alone as a species have language and how we can trace some elements of language back tens of thousands of years.
On Thursday 17 March at 6.45pm Dr David Ward, from the University's School of Psychology and Clinical Language Science, will give a fascinating insight into the science behind stammering followed by a Reading Film Theatre screening of The King's Speech at 7.45pm( tickets for the film can be purchased on the evening). Dr Ward will discuss some of the treatments available and how these have changed over time. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions.
Find out about biodiversity in your garden at the Museum for English Rural Life on Sunday, 20 March from 2-4pm when the University's museum celebrates the Science of Mother Nature.
The week's programme is co-ordinated by the Thames Valley branch of the British Science Association, and University of Reading staff will also be volunteering at other events, such as star-gazing and science busking.
Dr Lucy Wallace, the University's Research Communications Manager and chair of the Thames Valley branch, said: "Reading Science Week provides fantastic opportunities for local people to experience science on their doorstep. There are loads of events throughout the week for people to get involved with."
Visit www.britishscienceassociation.org/readingscienceweek for full details of all events.
All events are free, unless otherwise stated.
ENDS
For more information, please contact Rona Cheeseman, press officer, on 0118 378 7388 or email r.cheeseman@reading.ac.uk