“Café Scientifique Derry-Londonderry” is the latest addition to a UK wide network of platforms for informal conversations between people with a general interest in science and the professionals who do the research.
The venue for the event, which is sponsored by Derry City Council and facilitated by the University’s Office of Innovation, is Café Artisan, Bishop Street on Thursday, December 2. It will begin at 7.00pm for 7.30pm start and end about 9.00pm.
Professor McCloskey, who is a geophysicist, will talk for about 45 minutes about his research and its wider impact and a questions and answers session will follow.
Professor McCloskey, who is from Derry, was recently ranked in the UK's 100 most influential scientists in the ‘Eureka 100’ list published by The Times. The list identified the 100 most important contemporary figures in British science and recognised the University of Ulster Professor of Geophysics for his work in earthquake science.
Dr Siobhan O’Neill, a University of Ulster psychologist based at the Magee campus who is the leader of the local initiative, says: "Café Scientifique presents the public with a unique opportunity to learn about contemporary scientific research and hold debates with like minded people. Café Scientifique will be hosting some very exciting speakers in the coming months and those who are interested should follow developments through social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter".
The idea originated in Leeds in 1998. It enables scientists and researchers to share their ideas and research outcomes with the wider public in an informal setting. Audiences consist of people who are interested in science generally but have never had the opportunity to discuss their views with, or question, someone "in the know". No scientific knowledge is assumed by the speakers, so everyone can participate.
ENDS
For further information, please contact: Café Scientifique Tel: 02871375354