As it celebrates its centenary year, the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health is looking forward to taking part in the University of Aberdeen's May Festival.
The festival, which will take place from Friday, May 10 to Sunday, May 12, will celebrate a range of different themes, including food and nutrition and with a host of events led by the Rowett, the public will be in expert hands.
Dr Alexandra Johnstone will team up with chef Nick Nairn for ‘Science on a Plate with Nick Nairn’ after being challenged by the May Festival team to rustle up delicious dishes.
Another event which is set to attract a large crowd is a lecture presented by Dr Francesco Branca, Director of Nutrition at the World Health Organisation.
The event entitled: ‘A food supply to meet all human needs: How close is the world to achieving the dream of Boyd Orr?’ will take place at Kings Conference Centre on the Friday of the festival and is free to attend.
A team from the centre has also worked with local producers in order to organise a produce market, which will take place on Saturday, May 11.
Local producers from across the region will showcase some of their offerings at the all-day event, and members of the public will be able to buy some of their finest fare. Among those attending are JG Ross, Ola Oils and Alford Oatmeal.
Dr Sue Bird, Communications Manager for the Rowett, said: “I am sure the Produce Market will prove extremely popular with festival revellers.
“There is going to be a great quality of local produce on display and offer, and it is fantastic that we are able to work alongside so many producers in order to bring the market to the May Festival.”
Strictly for over 18s, the Rowett is also ‘Serving up Science at Malmaison’ with a Saturday evening event that is sure to tickle the taste buds of many.
Attendees will discover the science behind an evening at the Malmaison whilst enjoying an array of cocktails over a specially created May Festival menu. Dr Alexandra Johnstone and the hotel’s resident chef will discuss what makes a sustainable diet, where our food comes from and how people can use novel ingredients to produce healthy and delicious meals.
It’s not only the adults who will be able to enjoy the various Rowett events taking place during the May Festival.
Laura Young, Knowledge Exchange Assistant at the Rowett, will lead two ‘Fun with Food’ events during the Marathon Oil Schools’ Festival, which takes place from Tuesday, May 7 to Thursday, May 9.
Laura will run two sessions, one aimed at Primary 1 to Primary 3 aged pupils, and another for P4 to P5 groups.
The youngsters who attend Laura’s event will have a great time, taking part in what is an exciting and interactive show which involves simple but spectacular experiments using everyday items which can be found in most kitchens!
Laura is looking forward to welcoming the younger festival goers to the University’s Old Senate Room for her event.
She said: “My event is so much fun – I probably enjoy it every bit as much as the pupils who come along!
“I always get a fantastic response when delivering activities like this in schools, so it will be great to be able to deliver this event as part of the May Festival.
“Learning really can be lots of fun, and I am sure each and every child that comes along to the School’s Festival will enjoy the time they spend on campus.
Taking part in events such as the May Festival highlights the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health’s commitment to the public by sharing the expertise of its scientists which is based on the research they carry out.
For the last 100 years, the institute has led the way in nutrition research, and it continues to play a major role in the UK research capability in nutrition and human health today.
The Rowett events at the May Festival have been designed to not only entertain members of the public, but also to provide some information about nutrition and health - and having spent 100 years researching these fields, the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health is well placed to deliver such events.
Tickets for the May Festival are available now and can be booked by visiting: www.abdn.ac.uk/mayfestival
Tickets are also available at the Aberdeen Box Office and bookings can be made in person or by calling 01224 641122.
For further information about the May Festival, please visit www.abdn.ac.uk/mayfestival
For further information about the Rowett’s Centenary celebrations, please visit www.abdn.ac.uk/rowett-centenary