[sorry, this was sent last night but a problem with the mail server delayed it until now] Astronomy Ireland · www.astronomy.ie · (01) 847 0777 · info@astronomy.ie THE BA FESTIVAL OF SCIENCE has a packed programme of superb events this week, which I highly recommend you get to, even if you have to travel from outside Dublin - take a few days holidays from work! There are some brilliant talks by world authorities so don't miss them. Their website is authoritative and the best way I found of search for events is to use: http://www1.the-ba.net/the-ba/page.asp?selectPage=639 Select the day you want, and list FULL DETAILS with ALL EVENTS ON ONE PAGE. Then you can print it out or wade down through it and make a list of talks/events to go to. I did. Here is my selection for Wednesday September 7th (in 'start time' order): ALBERT EINSTEIN: A 20TH CENTURY ICON - Organised by: The BA Physics and Astronomy Section Date : 07/09/2005 - Time : 10.00-12.30 Location : Edmund Burke LT, Arts Building - Cost : **€7.00 To celebrate Einstein Year, three lively lecture demonstrations are planned, performed by well known science communicators. Two presenters of a Channel 4 documentary on Einstein's brain, a best selling author and broadcaster and an award winning science communicator, make up an exciting mix to enthuse and excite all ages. - Einstein made simple - Wendy Sadler, science made simple What did Einstein actually do in 1905 that was so important? This interactive show, with demonstrations and audience participation, will aim to simplify the science of Einstein's 1905 papers. The show will consist of three sections on atoms, the photoelectric effect and relativity. - Einstein's brain: The search for genius - Jim Al-Khalili & Dr Mark Lythgoe, University of Surrey and University College London Based on their recent Channel 4 film, physicist Jim Al-Khalili and neuroscientist Mark Lythgoe talk about their awe-inspiring adventure in search of the brain of Albert Einstein, to discover whether his genius was unique and whether it might unlock the secrets of creativity. - Big bang: A history of cosmology - Simon Singh, Albert Einstein's research led to a revolution in cosmology. His theory of relativity gave rise to the Big Bang model of the universe. However, Einstein initially rejected the Big Bang and it took him many years to change his opinion. Why did Einstein change his mind, and how did the Big Bang model transform itself from a maverick theory into a foundation of modern science? As well as discussing the development of the Big Bang model, Simon will talk more generally about how new scientific ideas are invented, developed and adopted. With appearances by Led Zeppelin, the Teletubbies and a gherkin. PARTICLE PLAYS: PHYSICS IN 3 MINUTES - Organised by: Dublin City University Date : 07/09/2005 - Time : Workshop: 10.00-15.30 Presentation: 15.30-17.00 Location : Liberty Hall Arts Centre, Eden Quay - Cost : Free, ticket required Unique science communication competition in which teams of physicists, students and actors attempt to explain complex theories in physics to a non-specialist audience. Teams have only three minutes to explain their theory through performance. Multimedia, props, costumes, gags, and any level of surrealism is encouraged. The emphasis is on originality and fun. WOMEN IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: MAKING A DIFFERENCE - Organised by: Women in Science and Technology (WITS) Date : 07/09/2005 - Time : 14.00-16.00 Location : Ui Chadhain LT, Arts Building - Cost : **€7.00 Successful women working in Science and Technology will detail their careers and how their work makes a difference. They will give positive advice to attendees on choosing careers in Science and Technology. Attendees are invited to join us afterwards in the Gingerman for some light refreshment and an opportunity to chat with the speakers and WITS members - everyone welcome. - - Ena Prosser, Women in Technology and Science (WITS) - - Eucharia Meehan, Women in Technology and Science (WITS) - Excitement of biodiscovery - Catherine Godson, Biomedical researcher and VP for Innovation at University College Dublin This talk will highlight the thrill of discovery in biomedical research using examples from work on mechanisms of disease and novel therapies. Emphasise will be placed on the importance of mentoring, creativity and teamwork in career development. - Engineering Dublin city - Anne Graham, Dublin City Council How engineers shape the city of Dublin from the depths of the underground sewers to the tallest sculpture in Europe - the Millennium Spire. - Puzzling through - Sarah Flannery, Wolfram Research, and winner of the Irish and European Young Scientist Competitions in 1998 The talk will outline early influences and the appeal of mathematics and cryptography, relating some personal experiences that have been of particular value in career progression. - Women are from Venus, Mars, Titan….. - Mary Bourke, Planetary Science Institute Planetary geology is at the frontier of current scientific investigation. It is an exciting and rapidly advancing field with many opportunities. This presentation will highlight some of the interesting and intriguing findings from recent missions and outline potential career pathways for bright, motivated, young scientists. TURNING UP THE VOLUME ON SCIENTIFIC DEBATE - Organised by: Centre for Research on Adaptive Nanostructures and Nanodevices (CRANN) Date : 07/09/2005 - Time : 15.00-17.00 Location : Lloyd Institute LB04 - Cost : **€7.00 Issues arising from science and technology are increasingly at the heart of our everyday lives. From computers to cloning, climate change to cancer treatments, we are constantly bombarded with new products and developments. But what questions need to be asked? Where can we go to find answers? How can we make our voices heard? Our expert panel combines the worlds of communication, policy-making, research and industry. The discussion will focus on international initiatives for public engagement with science, gearing up to a knowledge-economy, and the unveiling of plans for an exciting new Dublin centre for scientific exhibition, discussion and debate 'The Science Gallery'. So come and make your voice heard as we turn up the volume on the scientific debate in Ireland. - - John Bowman, AN EVENING WITH RICHARD WISEMAN AND SIMON SINGH - Organised by: Irish Skeptics Society (www.irishskeptics.net) Date : 07/09/2005 - Time : 20.00-22.00 Location : Royal Dublin Society - Cost : €5.00 A lively and high entertaining evening with eminent psychologist Richard Wiseman, and possible guest appearance from Simon Singh (TBC). - David Moore, Chairman. SOCIETY · MAGAZINE · SHOP