Science fest inspires pupils at university
Students and schoolchildren had a super time at Paisley’s university when a top boffin visited.
The Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland visited the University of the West of Scotland to deliver a lecture and drop in on its Super Science Festival.
Professor Sheila Rowan spoke to an audience of 120 students, staff and members of the public about championing the use of science to inform policy development and Scotland’s world-leading science base.
Her recent work was an integral part of one of the most significant scientific breakthroughs of the century, resulting in the announcement that gravitational waves had been detected in space.
She spoke about her experience and how she continues to champion the huge potential Scotland’s science industry has to make a positive contribution to the country’s economy, people and environment.
Professor Rowan said: “I was delighted to contribute to the Inspiring Women lecture series.
“It provided a unique opportunity to celebrate the role of women in Scotland’s world-leading science base.
“The lectures at UWS have created a valuable platform to allow us to continually inspire women of all ages and celebrate their contributions to our society.”
The talk, was the latest in the university’s Inspiring Women lecture series, which was created by the principal and vice chancellor, Professor Craig Mahoney, to provide a platform to inspire attendees to be bold, ambitious and break boundaries.
Elsewhere on campus, the university welcomed school children and families to its Super Science Festival event, with input from Glasgow Science Centre, The R&A, The Engine Shed and Merck.
Children had the chance to take part in a fun-filled programme of exhibits, workshops, experiments and games, including; handling marine creatures to learn about the effects micro plastics can have in aquatic environments; having a shot on UWS’ own flight simulator; viewing the parasite and amoeba world under a microscope and learning about the magical properties of everyday liquids such as toothpaste.
Professor Craig Mahoney, said: “The campus was filled with all things science yesterday as we greeted school pupils and families to our Super Science Festival and, of course, welcomed the Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland to deliver an important talk as part of our Inspiring Women lecture series.
“Engaging people of all ages in conversations surrounding science is extremely important and the events highlighted our commitment to ensuring insights into STEM are accessible to all.
“The campus was bustling with amazing science experiments and workshops, and I’d like to thank all partners involved for offering such an exciting programme of events.
“We were absolutely honoured to have Professor Sheila Rowan provide us with our penultimate Inspiring Women lecture this year.
“Sheila’s achievements in the field of science are groundbreaking and I am certain her talk was a huge source of inspiration for those in attendance.”