Association for Science Education conference returns to Reading this January

Thursday, 20 December 2012

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

Lord Rees, Michael Rosen and Professor Michael Reiss will be among the speakers for the Association for Science Education's Annual Conference, from Wednesday 2 to Saturday 5 January 2013.

The ASE conference is for everyone involved in science education - whether a teacher, technician, advisor, or simply someone who is interested in science. 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 all you need to do is 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 Frontier Science lecture programme. Subjects covered include climate change, archaeology, visual intelligence, cardiovascular disease and chemistry.

This year's theme, ‘Constructing the future of science education; tackling 50 year challenges', reflects ASE's role during its 50 year reign and its continuing role in shaping the future of science education. 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:

• Professor Michael Reiss will present the OCR policy and review lecture on Thursday 3 January from 9.30am until 10.30am.
• Lord Rees will give the ASE Presidential Address at the start of his year as ASE President, on Friday 4 January at 2.00pm.
• John Oversby will present the Reading University: Institute of Education Special Lecture: Bridging the gap, on Friday 4 January at 4.00pm.
• The Margaret Collis ASE Primary Science Lecture and Astra Zeneca Science Teaching Trust Primary Science Teaching Awards will be presented by Michael Rosen on Saturday 5 January at  11.15am.

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

Disruptions

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

Tuesday 1 January - Sunday 6 January:

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

Wednesday 2 January - Friday 4 January:

International day - delegates will be arriving. On these days there will therefore be reduced parking in Car Park 2

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 days. Security will be managing ASE parking.

Thursday 3 January - Saturday 5 January:

There will be a park and ride service bringing delegates from the Madejski stadium and shuttle buses bringing delegates from their nominated off-site hotels. The ASE buses 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 the conference.

Saturday 5 January from 4.00pm:

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

Sunday 6 January to Thursday 10 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.