Science communication & public engagement

October 13, 2017 Science communication & public engagement

Are you awake to sleep deprivation?

By James Brown, Education and Public Engagement Manager, Biochemical Society

How much sleep did you get last night? Did you manage your full eight hours? Or do you prefer to burn the candle at both ends? Do you ever worry about how much sleep you get? I’m no stranger to a good lie-in but after hearing Matthew Walker, director of the Center for Human Sleep Science at the University of California, Berkeley, even I feel like I’m short changing myself in the sleep stakes.

Six societies, two events, and a whole lot of coffee

By Jennifer Freer, Public Engagement Intern, British Ecological Society

What happens when six biology societies come together to celebrate International Coffee Day 2017? Well, when it’s the inhabitants of Charles Darwin House, it results in a two-day coffee extravaganza where science discussions mixed with cold brew coffee Martinis, and a cake-filled coffee morning took a double shot of biology know-how.

September 15, 2017 Research / Science communication & public engagement / Student-focused

Molecular battles in the fight for your food

By Freya Varden, John Innes Centre, Norwich

Whether you are a vegan or dedicated carnivore, a gourmet chef or a take-out devotee, plants are directly or indirectly the core of your diet. And in many parts of the world, we take it for granted that the supermarket will be stocked with fresh vegetables, or that the cafe round the corner will have coffee beans available for your flat white.

August 16, 2017 Biochemical Society / Education & careers / Science communication & public engagement

‘Introduction to DNA’ for primary pupils

By Sharon Williams, Coventry University, UK

On the 7th and 8th of July, six staff and ambassadors from Coventry University ran a fun and interactive DNA activity for children age 7-11 and their families. The activity took place at the Coventry FabLab in the city centre. The idea behind the DNA workshop is to give the community an opportunity to have free family science activities. The event has allowed 7-11 years old to do hands-on activities related to Molecular Biosciences, with the support of their families.