The Women in Science exhibit in the Poly's Steele Gallery

Celebrating women in science during British Science Week 2015

Science-lovers from across Cornwall have been treated to a series of hands-on events and activities celebrating the spirit of invention, discovery, and scientific research.

Experts from the University of Exeter joined forces with representatives from three Cornish-based organisations to run a number of informative, interactive and fun events to mark the recent British Science Week.

The Penryn Campus team joined forces with the Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society and Falmouth Café Scientifique to provide a host of activities for audiences of all ages and expertise.

The extravaganza, which ran throughout the week of March 13-22, included seminars, keynote speakers, interactive lectures, and even a science-based comedy show.

The science spectacular began with a public seminar and reception themed around Women in Science. Sarah Newton, MP for Truro and Falmouth, delivered a keynote speech at the event, explaining the integral role that science plays in policy making. Speaking after the event, she said: “I was delighted to join such an inspiring celebration of women in science. Encouraging more girls to study science, maths and technology at school and through into university and apprenticeships is really important.

Our country needs more scientists and engineers and at the moment we are missing out on so much talent as too many girls don't pursue their interest in these subjects. I hope the week's activities will have inspired more girls and young women as well as their families to consider these areas of study and employment. We have world class science on our doorstep and I will continue to all I can to support it."

Five lecturers from the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus - Annette Broderick and Regan Early from the Centre for Ecology and Conservation, Frances Wall from Camborne School of Mines, Helen Smith from Renewable Energy, and Ruth Garside from the European Centre for Environment and Human Health – then delivered intimate talks to the audience about the role of women in science past, present, and future.

At a reception following the seminar, guests had the opportunity to quiz the presenters about pursuing a career in the sciences. Debbie Webb, speaking on behalf of two teachers who brought a group of female students from Penair School, said: “It was a great experience enjoyed by all—inspirational, fascinating. Opened their minds to what you can do with a degree. It has left people asking for more opportunities like this, too!”

The following evening, The Poly hosted a special instalment of Falmouth Café Sci, at which two University of Exeter scientists discussed their research on “The Birds and the Bees.” Professor Juliet Osborne, of the Environment and Sustainability Institute, talked about her work on pollinators such as bumblebees, and Dr Caitlin Kight described the implications of noise pollution for birds living in human habitats. Dr Kight said: “It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to share our work with such an engaged and enthusiastic crowd. They asked some challenging questions that kept Juliet and I on our toes!”

Visitors to the event could also stop by the University of Exeter’s Women in Science exhibit, located in The Poly’s Steele Gallery. The stand profiled a group of inspirational women recently recognized by the University during its International Women’s Day celebrations. It also provided information on the Athena SWAN initiative, which seeks to improve equality and diversity in the fields of science, technology, engineering, medicine, and mathematics.

The grand finale of the British Science Week collaboration was Brainsex, performed by Timandra Harkness at The Poly on Thursday March 19th. The interactive and educational comedy show explores whether and how neuroscience can explain differences between the genders.

Dot Peryer, a representative for The Poly, said: “Last week’s collaboration between The Poly, The University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus, and Falmouth Café Scientifique was in the best traditions of The Poly, where, for nearly 200 years, we have brought together science, technology, and the arts and helped create opportunities for local people to engage with all of these disciplines. The University’s exhibition celebrating women scientists created a lot of interest, and we hope has inspired young people to consider the possibilities of a career in science.”

Date: 26 March 2015

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