Speakezee+ : a unique Southampton event!

Evolution, Vaccination and an Electronic Journey – Researchers Speak to Local Pupils at Southampton Festival

Local secondary school students and their families are to attend talks and discussions on cutting edge research, given by the researchers themselves at the Southampton Science and Engineering Festival on Saturday 12th March at the University of Southampton, Highfield Campus.

As part of a nationwide launch of public lectures and discussions, ‘Speakezee Presents…’ events are taking place all over the country - but only in Southampton is there also a unique event aimed specifically at secondary school pupils, ‘Speakezee+’! 

At each session, running at 12pm and 2pm, three fantastic researchers will engage you in their fascinating work and give an insight into the ups and downs of their personal journeys as scientists. After each talk you will have the opportunity to ask them your questions about science, engineering, what it’s like to be a researcher or whatever you’d like to know!

There will be an introduction from Jess Spurrell, PhD student in cryogenic engineering, showcasing some of her favourite female scientists and engineers throughout history. Then our speakers Dr. Judith Lock, Adriana Wilde and Dr. Mike Head will take over and answer your questions on topics as diverse as evolution, medicine and computer science.

What are the long-term effects of parents on the next generation? How can we better understand behaviour to enhance animal welfare? Why was the MMR vaccine linked to autism? How can computer science take you on a journey across three continents? Can your smartphone be used to help you learn?

Turn up on the day or book tickets for this FREE event via the University of Southampton Science and Engineering Festival website: http://www.southampton.ac.uk/per/university/festival/science-and-engineering-day.page 

The event is being run as part of Southampton’s citywide International Women’s Week celebrations.

The Speakers

 

Dr. Judith Lock

Evolutionary Biology

How do the effects of parental care transmit across the generations? Are good intentions translated to good consequences in the long term? How can we use our knowledge of behavioural ecology to improve animal welfare? These are the sorts questions that drive Judith Lock in her research, which she would like to share with you, along with her personal experiences as a researcher.

Adriana Wilde

No place like HOME… or how did I end up here?  

Let Adriana take you on her personal journey in computer science, that takes you to places in Europe, Australasia and South America! On the way you will see a parallel computer, hear how human activity can be recognised using sensors that your smartphone has, as well as how these are used in learning. A personal account of how women can excel in STEM* – and continue to do so!
 

Dr. Mike Head

Vaccines, and why MMR really doesn’t cause autism

This talk will briefly take you through the evidence surrounding the MMR vaccine, Andrew Wakefield’s fraudulent paper, and the huge amount of research pointing out there is no link there. The MMR vaccine is safe and effective, and here you’ll be introduced to the how’s and why’s around this curiously controversial topic.
 

*STEM = Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths