THE FINE ART of communicating science without jargon goes on display later this month when the annual Science Speak competition takes place at the RDS in Dublin.
The competition sees university students attempting to explain their research to a lay audience. They may use graphics and displays, but only ordinary language is allowed, with a minimum of scientific terminology. Now in its fifth year, Science Speak is organised by the RDS and The Irish Timesin association with Irish Universities Promoting Science.
The event always attracts a large and varied audience. It showcases the talents and creative thinking of some of our brightest science and mathematics students and helps them to explain their work in non-technical terms.
Last year's winner, Julie O'Donovan of University College Cork, won with a description of a complex phenomenon, Brownian Motion. There is a prize fund worth €1,900, with a top award worth €1,000. This year's event will, as in past years, be compered by RTÉ presenter and Frontlinehost Pat Kenny.
A panel of judges select the top three students. This year the panel includes Met Éireann meteorologist Evelyn Cusack; RTÉ presenter Keelin Shanley; former Rose of Tralee, teacher and physicist Aoibhínn Ní Shúilleabháin; head of Discover Science and Engineering Peter Brabazon and this reporter.
The event is free and open to the public and takes place at 7pm on Tuesday, April 27th, in the RDS Concert Hall.
Advance booking for this event is essential.
Book online at universityscience.ie, e-mail science@rds.ie or contact the RDS at 01-2407217.