I’m A Scientist, Get Me Out Of Here!

I’m A Scientist, Get Me Out Of Here! is a guest post by Sue Carney.

Imagine having an eclectic group of scientists at your disposal to ask any question you like. This is exactly what the ‘I’m A Scientist, Get Me Out Of Here’ project offers to approximately 8000 UK school children for two weeks, commencing Monday 13 June 2011.

There are 100 scientists taking part from a wide range of disciplines from quantum physics to ecology, in 23 different zones. Richard Case, DCC’s resident fingerprint expert, and I are representing forensics in the forensic science zone, along with 3 other scientists. Check out my & Richard’s profile pages. We’ve already received live chat bookings for the next two weeks and questions have started to trickle in, which we answer in our own time, posting replies on the ‘I’m A Scientist’ site. I think we’re going to be busy!

This is a great opportunity to show young people what it’s really like to work in science and  maybe we’ll inspire the scientists of the future. There’s also a competition involved. Richard & I already enjoy a little banter and friendly rivalry, especially during Cold Case Live Chats, but now we really are in competition with each other! The winning scientist from each zone receives £500 to spend on science communication. I’m already thinking about a forensic science workshop for schools and colleges, and on his profile page, Richard mentions producing materials for schools in conjunction with The Fingerprint Society.

You can read updates on the event by following @imascientist, or #IAS2011 on Twitter, or support the DCC experts by following progress on our profile pages.

I thank you!