Dance event is full of bright ideas

A workshop that uses dance to explain the properties of light will be among the highlights of a one-day programme of research-themed events.

The event at the National Museum of Scotland - which aims to show children how atoms and molecules absorb light - will take place on Friday 25 September as part of Explorathon '15.

Explorathon is a nationwide initiative, showcasing some of the best research and innovation being pioneered in Scottish universities.

Engaging talks

Other attractions include a lecture by Dr Jon Stone, a consultant neurologist at the University. He will talk about research aimed at helping those who suffer from functional neurological disorders, such as blackouts and panic attacks.

Edinburgh PhD student Martha McGill will share some of eighteenth century Scotland’s favourite ghost stories. Her talk at the White Horse bar will explore what superstations can tell us about the early modern era.

Meet the experts

Further Meet the Experts events include a session by researchers from the University’s School of GeoSciences on the science behind volcanoes. There will also be a talk on the benefits of speaking a second language from the University’s Bilingualism Matters Project.

A series of experiments examining the properties of sand will take place in Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden.

Families can join interactive drop in sessions on understanding society through data, turning data into sculpture; singing to excite molecules; bringing history to life through digital reconstructions; finding out how we see the world and “Heart-stopping - the Finals” workshop.

Careers advice

Experts from the University will be on hand to offer advice to people considering a career in science.

Archaeologists, earth scientists and other researchers will be at the National Museum of Scotland between 4 and 5pm.

In the late afternoon, scientists will take to the stage in an event that combines research and stand-up at The Stand Comedy Club.

Packed programme

Members of the public can gain behind-the-scenes access to leading edge physics research when the University’s James Clerk Maxwell Building opens its doors from 5 to 8pm.

Elsewhere, PhD students will discuss their research topics with an audience at Akva Bar as part of the PhD in an Hour event, while other researchers will present their work, inspired by 2015 being the International Year of Light, at the Café Scientifique in Banshee Labyrinth.

A team of researchers from the Ashworth Labs, the Roslin Institute and the Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution will be delivering a range of family activities at Edinburgh Zoo.

A ceilidh featuring dances with a scientific twist will take place in Teviot student Union debating hall.

European researchers' night

The Explorathon project was made possible with funding from the European Commission secured by the Universities of Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Strathclyde.

The event is part of European Researchers’ Night, which will see more than 300 cities across Europe stage events that connect scientists with schools and the public.

Edinburgh’s Explorathon partners include National Museums of Scotland, the Royal Botanical Garden, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Bright Club, Localmotive Market at Waverley Station and Café Scientifique.