Students bring research to life at Techfest

Research students from the University of Aberdeen will next week host a series of short talks showcasing their work and explaining how it applies to the public.

The series of free lively lunchtime events are part of the Techfest in September’s STEM in Action series which looks to bring the latest research and technology to a public audience.

The Aberdeen events kick off on Tuesday (September 13) with Life Science- Science Bites involving two research students from the University’s Institute of Medical Sciences. Kathrin Mertens will discuss if there is a link between septic patients and zinc deficiencies and Heather Doran will outline her research into links between breast cancer and estrogen.

On Wednesday (September 14) Jasper Onno Kenter from the University’s Oceanlab will discuss how the recent global financial crisis has affected the Solomon Islands. His talk Life, Change and Sustainability in the Solomon Islands will touch upon the effect on the islanders and their culture after large amounts of deforestation.

At Love Your Liver on Friday (September 16), Muhammad Farooq from the University’s Institute of Medical Sciences will explain the reasons why the liver is so important to us and examine various liver disorders, their causes and prevalence.

All three events take place at Satrosphere Science Centre at 12.30pm.

Talks are also taking place in Aberdeenshire.

Rob Craig from the University’s Digital Economy Research Hub, dot.rural, will screen a 15 minute film about community transport and what it means to those involved. This will be followed by a discussion and question and answer session. This takes place on Tuesday (September 20) at 12.30pm at Mearns Community Centre, Laurencekirk.

The day after (Wednesday September 21) Inverurie Library is hosting a 12.30pm talk from Leanne Townsend from dot.rural who will look at the benefits of broadband for rural communities for social interaction and rural businesses.

Dr Ken Skeldon, of the University of Aberdeen's Public Engagement with Science Unit, said: “The lunchtime talks at TechFest in September give a great opportunity for some of our earlier career stage researchers to talk about the challenges and issues that motivate them. We have a great range of topics this year and look forward to welcoming the public to the talks and to discuss some fascinating areas of science, engineering and technology.”  

All the events are free but booking is recommended. They can be booked through Aberdeen Box Office at http://www.boxofficeaberdeen.com/ or on 01224 641122.

For full details of the Techfest in September public programme visit www.techfestsetpoint.org.uk/tis/