CO-PROMOTION ORGANISED BY
Soapbox Science Edinburgh
In Edinburgh this July, Edinburgh Napier University presents Soapbox Science: a unique event where female scientists share their research with the public. Inspired by Hyde Park’s legendary ‘Speaker’s Corner’, Soapbox Science will feature 12 speakers on four soapboxes across three hours, with each given an hour to talk. The speakers will all be women conducting research in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects in the UK. This free public event will be held on the Mound in Edinburgh city centre, and brings awareness of cutting-edge science to people in the city in a fun and accessible way. At its heart is the promotion of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, offering support, encouragement and advice for young female scientists.
Soapbox Science was fi rst held in London in 2011, and now events take place across the UK and Ireland. It’s always held in bustling public spaces, including riverside walks, parks, town squares and even beaches. Soapbox Science will be held in Edinburgh for the fi rst time in 2016, and the call for speakers is open until Fri 26 Feb.
Edinburgh Napier University received the Equality Challenge Unit’s Athena SWAN bronze award in April 2015. Athena SWAN is a charter that encourages universities to commit to advancing women’s careers in STEM and medicine, which it does by recognising and rewarding efforts to promote gender equality.
SOAPBOX SCIENCE EDINBURGH TAKES PLACE ON: SUN 24 JULY
THE MOUND, EDINBURGH (NEXT TO THE NATIONAL GALLERIES) NOON–3PM, FREE
HEAR WHAT WOMEN IN STEM AT
EDINBURGH NAPIER UNIVERSITY HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THEIR RESEARCH:
DR CLAIRE GARDEN,
SENIOR LECTURER IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE
I’ve been a neurobiologist for 19 years, working on learning and memory and Down Syndrome. I now study how hormones
affect brain development. Research has always been an important part of my work, which now includes teaching
and leadership. As a senior lecturer and Head of Biomedical Sciences, I lead an ambitious, multi-disciplinary group, and am responsible for around 700 students in four locations globally.
VALERIA MACCHIA, STUDENT,
BSC (HONS) MARINE AND FRESHWATER BIOLOGY Studying in this multicultural university is a privilege for me, because I am able to learn from professors and experienced students with varied cultural and professional backgrounds. I am engaged in several projects related to my fi eld of study
that help me fi nd answers to unknown phenomena. Field studies and laboratory work enable me to develop skills in data collection and analysis as well as data and results
interpretation. I am also involved in outreach activities, where I can share my experience as a young scientist.
PROFESSOR HAZEL HALL
I’m Director of the Centre for Social Informatics in the Institute for Informatics and Digital Innovation. My main research expertise and teaching interests lie in information sharing in online environments. Other themes in which I maintain an active interest include social computing / media, online
communities and collaboration, library and information science
research, and research impact.
FIND OUT MORE AT: SOAPBOXSCIENCE.ORG &
BLOGS.NAPIER.AC.UK/LSSS/WOMEN-IN-STEM