2008 Press Releases
27.03.2008
Explaining scientific research to a lay audience is the challenge for UCC students taking part in the Grand Final of the fourth annual Science For All Postgraduate Student Public Presentation Competition.
On Wednesday, April 2nd 2008, topics such as quantum physics, controlling antibiotic-resistant bacteria, making medicines work faster, and the prevention of osteoporosis will be presented by the five finalists.
The purpose of this competition is to encourage young scientists to communicate the results of their research to the general public in an easily understandable manner.
The five finalists are:
- John Goold, a UCC physics graduate from Macroom, Co. Cork whose research is in the area of quantum physics and has implications for computation, cryptography and teleportation.
- Marianne Horgan, a UCC Microbiology graduate from Carrigtwohill whose research at Moorepark Food Research Centre concerns viruses which kill antibiotic resistant bacteria such as MRSA and Clostridium difficile and are of potential therapeutic value.
- Suzanne McEndoo, a TCD Theoretical Physics graduate from Dublin, whose research is in the area of quantum physics which may be useful for information storage in quantum computing.
- Rakesh Reddi, from Hydrabad in India., who has a degree in Pharmacy. His research focuses on increasing the speed at which medicines dissolve in the stomach to increase their effectiveness.
- Kelly Seamans, originally from Minnesota, is a UCC graduate whose research is on osteoporosis and whether it can be prevented by a diet tailored for a person's genes.
Chairing the panel of judges for the Final will Ms Jennie O'Sullivan, RTE Cork accompanied by Mr Lorcan O'Raghallaigh, Discover Science and Engineering, Forfas, Mr Dick Hogan, Acting Director, Office of Media and Communication, UCC and Dr Colman Casey, School of Pharmacy, UCC.
The competition is jointly organised by the Faculty of Science and the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, UCC and is one of a number of initiatives organised under the general banner of Science for All. This year's competition has been sponsored by Discover Science and Engineering, the Tyndall Institute and Snap Printing.
Members of the public are invited to the Final at 7pm on Wednesday, April 2nd in Lecture Theatre Boole 4, UCC. Professor William Reville, Public Awareness of Science Officer, UCC, will act as MC on the night. All are welcome and admission is free.
Picture shows finalists in UCC's Science For All competition: Rakesh Reddi, Marianne Horgan, Kelly Seamans, John Goold and Suzanne McEndoo.
678MMcS