Bling-bling gems and tours of the universe: how Black scientists are helping bring science to life (2 March 2006)
People from Afro-Caribbean groups may be amongst the most under-represented in science, but as National Science Week (10-19 March 2006) nears, two scientists from the Black community are leading the fore to engage young people in science with innovative projects.
Geoscientist Toyin Solanke mixes an interesting combination of the study of urban geology with the sound of urban grooves.
“I was always curious about life on Earth and our planet’s interior,” says Toyin. “My Environmental Science and Biology teachers were great and very encouraging, but then so were my English Lit, Drama and Theatre Arts teachers, too. After I left school, I was doing a summer musical with a regional youth theatre when I realised I still wanted to discover more about Earth, evolution and the Universe.”
Toyin took up ‘A’ level Geology evening classes and from there eventually went into a career in Petroleum Geology working for BP Exploration. Recently, she set up the Urban Geology Activity Access Programme (UGAAP).
“The idea behind UGAAP is to show geology ‘on the door-step’, delivering and presenting geology through geo-lyrics and urban rhythms,” says Toyin. “The aim is to encourage greater participation in exploring, understanding and managing our surroundings; enjoying the fascinating fossils, marvellous minerals and bling-bling gems – the relevance, importance and ‘geothrillogy’ of them!”
Whilst Toyin’s work is grounded on Earth, Dr Maggie Aderin, founder of Science Innovation Limited, looks to the stars for her work.
“I got the space bug when I was 6 years old, and through my work I have been able to see more of this world and the solar system than I would have ever thought possible,” says Maggie. She has worked developing technology for such organisations as the European Space Agency and NASA.
Like Toyin, Maggie doesn’t want to keep her passion to herself, which is why she now conducts “Tours of the Universe” in her spare time, a scheme she set up to engage school kids in the wonders of space. As well as giving children a taste of the thrills of space travel, the tours also serve to encourage women and ethnic minorities to consider science and engineering as a valid career option.
“I have heard many school girls say that they think that science is ‘boys stuff’ so don’t give it a try,” she says. “This is rubbish; science should be available to anyone with an interest, male, female, black or white.”
National Science Week 2006, which this year incorporates ESRC Social Sciences Week, will take place between 10-19 March 2006. Over 500,000 people are expected to take part in 1,500 events throughout the UK. In addition, the public will be invited to “Click for the Climate” and pledge to make a small step towards combating climate change. For more information about National Science Week and Social Sciences Week, including free activity packs and an online programme, click here.
National Science Week is coordinated by the BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) and is funded by the Department of Trade & Industry. It is sponsored by BP the Economic & Social Research Council.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Craig Brierley, Press Officer, the BA
Tel: 020 7019 4947
Email: craig.brierley@the-ba.net
Note for editors
1. The BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) is the UK's nationwide, open membership organisation dedicated to connecting science with people, so that science and its applications become accessible to all. The BA aims to promote openness about science in society and to engage and inspire people directly with science and technology and their implications. Established in 1831, the BA organises major initiatives across the UK, including the annual BA Festival of Science, National Science Week, programmes of regional and local events, and an extensive programme for young people in schools and colleges. For more information about the BA, please visit www.the-ba.net.
2. The ESRC is the UK's largest funding agency for research and postgraduate training relating to social and economic issues. It provides independent, high-quality, relevant research to business, the public sector and Government. The ESRC invests more than £123million every year in social science and at any time is supporting some 2,000 researchers in academic institutions and research policy institutes. It also funds postgraduate training within the social sciences to nurture the researchers of tomorrow. More at http://www.esrc.ac.uk
3. About National Science Week
Geoscientist Toyin Solanke mixes an interesting combination of the study of urban geology with the sound of urban grooves.
“I was always curious about life on Earth and our planet’s interior,” says Toyin. “My Environmental Science and Biology teachers were great and very encouraging, but then so were my English Lit, Drama and Theatre Arts teachers, too. After I left school, I was doing a summer musical with a regional youth theatre when I realised I still wanted to discover more about Earth, evolution and the Universe.”
Toyin took up ‘A’ level Geology evening classes and from there eventually went into a career in Petroleum Geology working for BP Exploration. Recently, she set up the Urban Geology Activity Access Programme (UGAAP).
“The idea behind UGAAP is to show geology ‘on the door-step’, delivering and presenting geology through geo-lyrics and urban rhythms,” says Toyin. “The aim is to encourage greater participation in exploring, understanding and managing our surroundings; enjoying the fascinating fossils, marvellous minerals and bling-bling gems – the relevance, importance and ‘geothrillogy’ of them!”
Whilst Toyin’s work is grounded on Earth, Dr Maggie Aderin, founder of Science Innovation Limited, looks to the stars for her work.
“I got the space bug when I was 6 years old, and through my work I have been able to see more of this world and the solar system than I would have ever thought possible,” says Maggie. She has worked developing technology for such organisations as the European Space Agency and NASA.
Like Toyin, Maggie doesn’t want to keep her passion to herself, which is why she now conducts “Tours of the Universe” in her spare time, a scheme she set up to engage school kids in the wonders of space. As well as giving children a taste of the thrills of space travel, the tours also serve to encourage women and ethnic minorities to consider science and engineering as a valid career option.
“I have heard many school girls say that they think that science is ‘boys stuff’ so don’t give it a try,” she says. “This is rubbish; science should be available to anyone with an interest, male, female, black or white.”
National Science Week 2006, which this year incorporates ESRC Social Sciences Week, will take place between 10-19 March 2006. Over 500,000 people are expected to take part in 1,500 events throughout the UK. In addition, the public will be invited to “Click for the Climate” and pledge to make a small step towards combating climate change. For more information about National Science Week and Social Sciences Week, including free activity packs and an online programme, click here.
National Science Week is coordinated by the BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) and is funded by the Department of Trade & Industry. It is sponsored by BP the Economic & Social Research Council.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Craig Brierley, Press Officer, the BA
Tel: 020 7019 4947
Email: craig.brierley@the-ba.net
Note for editors
1. The BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) is the UK's nationwide, open membership organisation dedicated to connecting science with people, so that science and its applications become accessible to all. The BA aims to promote openness about science in society and to engage and inspire people directly with science and technology and their implications. Established in 1831, the BA organises major initiatives across the UK, including the annual BA Festival of Science, National Science Week, programmes of regional and local events, and an extensive programme for young people in schools and colleges. For more information about the BA, please visit www.the-ba.net.
2. The ESRC is the UK's largest funding agency for research and postgraduate training relating to social and economic issues. It provides independent, high-quality, relevant research to business, the public sector and Government. The ESRC invests more than £123million every year in social science and at any time is supporting some 2,000 researchers in academic institutions and research policy institutes. It also funds postgraduate training within the social sciences to nurture the researchers of tomorrow. More at http://www.esrc.ac.uk
3. About National Science Week
- National Science Week is coordinated by the BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science).
- National Science Week is funded by the Government through the Department of Trade and Industry and the Office of Science and Technology.
- During the week, events are organised throughout the UK by a large and varied range of organisations and individuals including hospitals, schools, industry and museums. Venues range from shopping centres to pubs and churches.
- National Science Week is aimed at everyone from children and adults to decision-makers and investors and is intended to:
- engage and inspire people of all ages with science and technology and their implications
- promote discussion and understanding of what science, engineering and technology can and cannot achieve
- promote knowledge of the scientific method, i.e. how scientists go about their work and reach their conclusions
- promote science, engineering and technology studies beyond the age of 16 and science, engineering and technology as career options.
- An essential feature of National Science Week is the way it takes science to the public rather than waiting for the public to find science. The week has drawn many scientists into the public domain to discuss their work with interested audiences.
- over 1,500 events from hands-on activities to discussions, tours and online activities
- over 500,000 participants at events
- high level of public awareness
- A searchable database of events during National Science Week is available here.
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