The largest science education conference in Europe is coming to Reading

Tuesday, 04 January 2011

Leading figures in science will be gathering at the University in the New Year for the biggest science conference and exhibition in Europe.

Sir David Attenborough, Lord Robert Winston and Professor Steve Jones will be among the speakers for the Association for Science Education's annual conference, from Wednesday 5 January to Saturday 8 January.

The ASE conference is for everyone involved in science education - whether a teacher, technician, advisor, or simply someone who is interested in science education. The conference is open to both members and non-members.

University staff are invited to enjoy all that the conference has to offer from the exhibitions to the lectures and sessions. To get your free conference pass you need to report to the information desk in the foyer of the Palmer Building bringing with you a form of ID and proof of your status as an employee of the University (i.e. a campus card or a payslip).  You will be issued with a badge that will give you access to the conference.  

University of Reading academics will be speaking on a number of subjects in the conference's substantial Frontier Science lecture programme. Subjects covered include climate change, archaeology, visual intelligence, diet and nutrition, chemistry and early parent-child relationships.

This year's theme, Leading Change in Science Education, is about ASE's leading role in the changing science education climate. The conference features booked courses and a wide range of special events, talks and launches of products from leading players in the science education arena, including:

• Lord Robert Winston who will speak at the ASE Members' Reception on Thursday 6 January from 5.15pm until 6.00pm.
• Professor Steve Jones who will give the ASE Presidential Address at the start of his year as ASE President, on Friday 7 January at 2.00pm.
• Sir David Attenborough, who will present ‘The Natural Curriculum: Inspiring children to learn with nature' on Saturday 8 January at 3.00pm. He'll also be introducing his Life on Land Encyclopaedia, a unique collection of DVDs specially designed for educational purposes.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Gordon Marshall, said: "This is the highlight in the science education calendar and we look forward to welcoming 3,000 teachers from across the country and abroad. We are proud to be part of the event and share our expertise in science and technology and the University's wonderful facilities.

"The Frontier Science lecture series is an ideal opportunity to learn about the innovative research going on at the University."

For more information about the conference, please visit www.ase.org.uk

Disruptions

There will be a certain amount of disruption on Whiteknights campus as the marquees for the conference are set up on the green between Palmer and the Library:

Tuesday 4 January - Sunday 9 January:

Reduced staff parking in Car Park 7 as marquee lorries will be parked there

Wednesday 5 January - Friday 7 January:

International day - delegates will be arriving. A number of Residential delegates will be parking in Car Park 2. There will therefore be reduced parking in Car Park 2 on those days

Exhibitors will be arriving to set up exhibition stands within the marquee. Exhibitors will be directed to Car Park 4 to unload and Car Park 3 to park. These car parks will be unavailable for staff parking on these day. Security will be managing ASE parking.

Thursday 6 January - Saturday 8 January:

There will be a park and ride service bringing delegates from the Madejski stadium and shuttle busses bringing delegates from their nominated off site hotels. The ASE busses will pick up and drop off in Chancellors Way.

There will be a residue of contractors vehicles parked in Car Park 7 for the duration of the conference, so staff parking there will be reduced

VIP and visitors will be using Car Park 5 during conference

Saturday 8 January from 4.00pm:

The conference exhibition will close and exhibitors will again be using Car parks 3 and 4.

Sunday 9 January to Tuesday 11 January:

The marquee breakdown will be in progress. The delivery road at the back of the Library and the road adjacent to the Chaplaincy will be closed off and the site protection fencing will be in place around the de-construction site.

Building managers of all the buildings being used by ASE have been informed of building usage times and hopefully have informed their staff.

If you have any questions regarding the event, please email events@reading.ac.uk.