Exeter Gears Up for Soapbox Science, Bringing Science to the Public and Promoting Gender Equality in STEM

Exeter Gears Up for Soapbox Science, Bringing Science to the Public and Promoting Gender Equality in STEM

(IN BRIEF) Soapbox Science is returning to Exeter for its 7th event, featuring 12 female scientists sharing their research with the public on June 10th. The initiative aims to bring science to the general public and challenge gender stereotypes in scientific careers. Speakers from the University of Exeter, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, and Bournemouth University will cover a range of topics, including friendships in animals, nanoparticle-based cancer treatment, and the impact of nutrition on brain health. The event will run from 12 pm to 3 pm at Piazza Terracina, Exeter Quayside, and is sponsored by various faculties and teams within the University of Exeter.

(PRESS RELEASE) EXETER, 18-May-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — University of Exeter, a public research university in Exeter, Devon, South West England, United Kingdom, announces that Soapbox Science is set to make a triumphant return to Exeter, showcasing a fantastic lineup of women who have made significant contributions to the scientific community. The event will take place on June 10th, featuring 12 female scientists standing on soapboxes at Piazza Terracina, Exeter Quayside, to engage with the public and share their research.

Soapbox Science is an international initiative aimed at bringing science to the general public while challenging gender stereotypes in science careers.

Speakers from the University of Exeter will deliver enlightening talks, including:

• Dr Delphine De Moor, Behavioural Ecologist, presenting “What animals can teach us about why we make friends.”
• Ioana Blein-Dezayes, PhD student in the Biomedical Spectroscopy group, discussing “I Am Small, But I Am Fierce! Hunting Cancer with Nanoparticles.”
• Imogen Fermor-Worth, Biomedical Physics PhD student, exploring “What makes the grass green and the sea blue?”
• Dr Alison Gifford, PhD student, shedding light on “Cryptococcal meningitis – understanding a deadly brain fungus.”
• Daisy Harley-Nyang, Engineering PhD student, investigating “Microplastics in Wastewater Treatment Plants – From Home to River.”
• Dr Liliane Mukaremera, Lecturer in Biosciences, delving into “Do judge a fungus by its cover!”
• Katie Partridge, PhD student, uncovering the secrets of “Blood sugar: a body balancing act?”
• Dr Ann Power, Environmental Sciences Researcher (Biosciences), exploring “The Pollen-ator: Rise of the Machine Learning.”
• Rebekah White, Evolutionary Geneticist and PhD student, revealing insights into “LIFE CHANGING: Using worms to explore longevity and ageing.”

In addition to speakers from the University of Exeter, the event will feature speakers from Plymouth Marine Laboratory and Bournemouth University.

Dr Lauren Biermann, Marine Remote Sensing Scientist at Plymouth Marine Laboratory, will demonstrate how materials floating on the ocean surface can grow large enough to be visible from space.

Dr Sophia Amenyah, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Bournemouth University, will focus on nutrition and brain health, engaging the audience with interactive and fun activities.

Co-organiser Dr Safi Darden of The University of Exeter said: “Soapbox Science is a fantastic interactive platform that allows leading scientists from a diversity of backgrounds and disciplines to showcase their pioneering research and engage with the public, helping to inspire the younger generation in pursuing a career in STEMM.”

“The response we get from the public at these events is brilliant, especially from the younger generation. We need to challenge the gender stereotypes in science careers and this event is a great way to create a dynamic learning environment for all.”

The full speaker list, along with feature articles on their work and event details, can be found at https://www.exeter.ac.uk/research/events/soapboxscience/.

The event will take place from 12 pm to 3 pm, with four scientists speaking on soapboxes simultaneously.

The Exeter event is proudly sponsored by the Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, and the University of Exeter’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion team.

Media contact:
pressoffice@exeter.ac.uk

SOURCE: University of Exeter