outreach - public engagement | University of Strathclyde

In SIPBS we strongly advocate the benefits of Public Engagement. At the heart of our mission to deliver impactful and meaningful research is sharing our science with the local community as well as wider audiences. Some of the public engagement initiatives we are involved in include:

Young Strathclyder Programme

Staff and students from SIPBS have designed activities to develop understanding of key biological processes for primary and secondary students taking part in the Young Strathclyder Programme. For more information on the Young Strathclyder Programme please follow this link Young Strathclyder | University of Strathclyde

S5/S6 Molecular Biology workshop

Each year we welcome S5/S6 students from all over Scotland to participate in a Molecular Biology workshop designed to complement their curriculum studies with hands on practical experience, conducting research within our teaching labs. During a 3-hour lab session, students will set up a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and analyse results using gel electrophoresis, two fundamental experimental techniques used widely in Molecular Biology research. Each session is lead by an academic lecturer from SIPBS and supported by our excellent technical staff and postgraduate students. Further support material is provided to teachers after the session to guide the analysis of results and ensure consolidation of learning. In addition to acquiring invaluable experience in experimental research, students have the chance to immerse themselves in the vibrant environment of university life.

Glasgow Science Festival

As part of the Glasgow Science Festival we will be opening our doors for a day of Science and Fun!

On Saturday 8 June the Hamnett Wing Building, 161 Cathedral Street, G4 0RE, will be open to the public from 10 am to 4 pm.

Through hands-on activities, exhibitions, interactive displays, posters and mini-talks we want to engage with the public, young and old, to showcase the wonderful and cutting-edge research on-going at SIPBS.

A full itinerary of planned activities and link to book sessions will follow soon.
If you would like to learn more about our diverse Outreach initiatives, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Dr Fiona Murphy (f.murphy@strath.ac.uk) and Dr Karla Neves (karla.neves@strath.ac.uk), SIPBS Outreach and Public Engagement Co-ordinators for further information.

As a pharmacist, public engagement is integral to my role, which involves presenting research findings in an engaging and accessibly way or attending ‘Meet-the-Researcher’ events. Engaging with the public about our research at SIPBS allows us to explore the crucial question ‘What matters to you?’, which helps to ensure we are conducting socially-relevant research.

Natalie Weir, Postdoctoral Researcher

I believe it's our job as scientists to demystify what happens in our labs. I love trying to help people, especially children, who wouldn’t normally have easy access to digestible scientific material, to understand what I do in the field of antibiotic resistance, the fight against superbugs and why it's important. Recently I was cornered by a boy who kept asking "but why? but how?" (repeat many times). I suggested he Google it for more information. His answer was "but you explain it in a way that I understand". And that's why I love doing public engagement.

Kirsty Robb, Research Associate

I’m a final year PhD student and regularly engage with primary schools through Outreach @ SIPBS. I have been involved in resource development for running diabetes workshops at primary schools for their Health and Wellbeing weeks. As a type I diabetic, this is an area I have confidence in delivering. It’s great to see the children learn more about a condition I have lived with for most of my life.

Calum McMullen, PhD Student

OutreachPublic engagement

Our faculties & departments

Our faculties & departments

Engineering

Humanities & Social Sciences

Science

Strathclyde Business School