A postdoc research assistant at the University of Edinburgh has won the final of a national competition to encourage scientists to explore the social and ethical implications of their research. Marco Colombo, a researcher in the School of Mathematics, impressed the judges with the presentation of his poster on optimization at the competition final at the prestigious BA Festival of Science, held in York earlier this month. Marco, who is supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, was competing in perspectives, a national competition for young researchers, organised by Research Councils UK. Competitors had been whittled down through a series of regional heats before the finalists presented their posters and discussed their research with the public during the Festival. Marco talked to visitors about optimization, a branch of mathematics that studies many problems that appear in real-life situations.
Marco said, "I had an exciting week at the Festival in York and was inspired by the way in which the scientists engaged with people. I had the chance to talk to a variety of people about my work and it was gratifying when they realised that mathematics, and optimisation specifically, has an impact in their lives. In particular, they could see that they all encounter- and solve - some of these problems almost daily. The aim is to find the allocation of the available resources that provides the best result while meeting all requirements. Think of holiday planning as an example of an optimization problem we have all encountered. Taking part in the competition made me think of the implications and the possible social impact of my studies."
Festival visitors voted Sarah Moller, a PhD student in atmospheric chemistry at the University of York, the perspectives 'people's choice' for her comic strip poster on ozone in the lower atmosphere. Different frames showed the risk to human health associated with ozone and also how it can be beneficial.
Sarah, who is supported by the Natural Environment Research Council, said, "Perspectives was a really good thing to be involved in; I learned a lot about effective communication, and researching the poster has really helped my background knowledge of my subject area. It was great to see what interested the public about my research and to hear their opinions; to get their vote as the people's choice was amazing. The festival itself was a brilliant opportunity to hear about interesting research from lively and often engaging speakers."
The competition, organised and sponsored by Research Councils UK, was designed to give young researchers the opportunity to gain the skills and experience needed to discuss the social implications of their research - something that all scientists are now asked to do. The winner of the competition received £750 and 2 runners-up received £350 each. The winner of the 'people's choice award', given to the researcher whose poster received the most votes from visiting members of the public, received £350.
Speaking on behalf of the Research Councils UK (RCUK), Professor Alan Thorpe said, "It is hugely important that scientists engage with the public and talk about their research. The Perspectives competition gives young researchers the chance to learn the communications skills that will help them throughout their scientific careers. I would like to congratulate not only Marco and Sarah for winning, but everyone who took part for their effort and enthusiasm."
- ends -
Further Information
Notes
Perspectives was open for applications from Feb 2007. 35 young scientists were selected to take part and attended workshops in June and July held at the Dana Centre in London.
The posters were displayed at the BA Festival of Science at the University of York, 10-14 September. The BA Festival of Science is one of the UK's biggest science festivals. It attracts around 400 of the best scientists and science communicators from home and abroad who reveal the latest developments in research to a general audience.
The researchers answered questions from members of the public, researchers and the media at several sessions during the week.
The judging panel was made up of prominent scientists and science communicators.
About Research Councils UK
The seven Research Councils are independent non-departmental public bodies, funded by the Science Budget through the Office of Science and Innovation. They are incorporated by Royal Charter and together manage a research budget of over £2.8 billion a year.
Research Councils UK (RCUK) is the partnership between the UK's seven Research Councils. Through RCUK, the Research Councils work together to champion the research, training and innovation they support.
The seven UK Research Councils are:
- Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC);
- Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC);
- Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC);
- Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC);
- Medical Research Council (MRC);
- Natural Environment Research Council (NERC);
- Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC).
Contact
Julia Short
RCUK Media Officer, Tel 01793 444435