Double win for Leeds in science outreach project

Congratulations to two Leeds academics – Dr Jim Caryl and Dr Dave Sproson – who were both declared winners in the science outreach project I'm a Scientist Get Me Out of Here.

The scientist-schools engagement project is funded by Wellcome Trust. Over a two-week period in June, around 100 scientists from different disciplines and universities put aside time to take part in daily live chat sessions with 100 schools around the country (and also some international schools).  The scientists and students talk online, breaking down barriers, having fun and learning. The students then vote for their favourite scientist.

This year, six Leeds academics took part, entering one of 23 scientific 'zones' or subject areas. There are five scientists assigned to each zone.  Dr Caryl (Faculty of Biological Sciences) was voted a winner in the Genes zone and Dr Sproson (School of Earth and Environment) won the most votes in the Marine and Underwater Science zone. They each received £500 to spend on science communication.

Also taking part in the project were Katie Marriott (School of Chemistry), Dr Clare Woulds (School of Geography), Lyndsey Fox (School of Earth & Environment) and Philippa Demonte (School of Earth & Environment)  (U/G mature student)

The first I'm a Scientist... event was run in 2008, funded by a People Award from the Wellcome Trust and proved to be very successful. The project was then awarded a Society Award in 2009 to run the event at a much bigger scale. I'm a Scientist... now runs twice a year, with a smaller event in March leading up to the main June event.

More details can be found on the I'm a Scientist...website.

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