What: Your chance to meet world-leading Norwich scientists working on global issues
When: Tuesday 5 September, 17:30 - 19:30
Where: The Assembly House, Theatre Street, Norwich, NR2 1RQ
Note: Speakers available for interview in advance – please see below
The BA Festival of Science is bringing some of the world's brightest science stars to Norwich next month – but one event will give local people the chance to meet the brains behind cutting edge research going on in and around the city of Norwich every day of the year.
Science on your Doorstep is a free event that will give the public the chance to discuss key issues with world-class researchers based in the City of Norwich. The event is being organised by Research Councils UK and will be chaired by local broadcaster Anna Hill, presenter of BBC Radio 4's Farming Today and On Your Farm.
The speakers at the event and their research areas are:
Mike Gasson, Institute of Food Research, Norwich Research Park – Food Safety
Recent years have seen food scares involving Sudan-1 dye and salmonella. Mike Gasson’s team are at the forefront of efforts to understand the pathogens that cause food poisoning and improve food safety.
Claire Hughes, University of East Anglia – Marine Biodiversity
The UK has just experienced its hottest July since records began and global warming is being blamed. Claire Hughes' research looks at the gases produced by microorganisms and the impact they have on cloud formation and ozone depletion.
Jouni Paavola, Centre for Social and Economic Research on the Global Environment (CSERGE), University of East Anglia – Environmental Sustainability
It is almost universally recognised that climate change is happening around us and society is going to have to adapt. Jouni Paavola's work at CSERGE looks at how we are going to make socially just decisions about climate change, biodiversity and water quality.
Anna Hill, speaking ahead of the event, said: "The public have a huge interest in science. Whenever we cover research on Farming Today we receive lots of email asking very specific and thoughtful questions. Events like Science on your Doorstep give people the chance to discuss important issues in science and to have their voices heard."
Science on your Doorstep from Research Councils UK gives local people the chance to meet world-leading scientists from their local area and discuss the real world issues they are working on.
The BA Festival of Science is hosted by UEA, NRP and Norwich City Council, and will take place from 2 - 9 September 2006 in venues across the UEA, NRP and Norwich City. To view the full programme of events or book tickets, visit http://www.the-ba.net
The speakers are available for interview before the event. Please contact Matt Goode, Tel: 01793 413299
Media are welcome to attend the Science on your Doorstep discussion event. Please contact the press office to register.
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Contact
Research Councils UK Press Office
Matt Goode, Research Councils UK
Tel: 01793 413299
Notes to Editors
Science on your Doorstep is a free event. Members of the public can turn up on the day but free tickets are also available in advance from the BA Festival box office.
The event is being held 17:30 - 19:30, Tuesday 5 September 2006 at The Assembly House, Theatre Street, Norwich, NR2 1RQ.
The BA Festival runs from 2 - 9 September 2006. Details of all events are available online at http://www.the-ba.net/. Tickets for the main and city programme can be booked online or by calling 020 7019 4963. Tickets for the 8 - 13 yr olds programme can be booked by calling 01603 450042. Tickets for the 14 - 18 yr olds programme can be booked by calling 020 7019 4945.
The BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) aims to promote openness about science in society and to engage and inspire people directly with science, technology and their implications. Established in 1831, the BA organises major initiatives across the UK; these events include the annual BA Festival of Science and National Science Week.
About Research Councils UK
Research Councils UK (RCUK) is the partnership between the UK's eight Research Councils. Through RCUK, the Research Councils work together to champion the research, training and innovation they support. The Research Councils are independent non-departmental public bodies, funded by the Science Budget through the Office of Science and Innovation.
Together the Research Councils invest around £3 billion a year in research and training in universities, facilities and Research Councils Institutes.
For more information please visit: http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/
The eight UK Research Councils are:
- Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC);
- Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC);
- Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils (CCLRC);
- Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC);
- Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC);
- Medical Research Council (MRC);
- Natural Environment Research Council (NERC);
- Particle Physics & Astronomy Research Council (PPARC).