Piaras Kelly PR – Public Relations in Ireland

As part of Science Week 2007, which runs from 11 – 18 November, we have just announced a lecture series which is free to the public. Please find more information below and apply for tickets online.

To celebrate Science Week 2007 Discover Science & Engineering in association with Women in Technology and Science (WITS) and the Royal Irish Academy will bring together some leading scientists during Science Week. The Science Week Lecture Series will run from 13th-16th November. The lecture series is free to the general public and it is aimed at improving the level of understanding of the role that science and engineering play in our everyday lives.

A number of inventors, technologists and scientists from various walks of life will explore the science behind everyday items, from soccer boots to cosmetics, as well as discussing popular topics such as space travel and forensics in order to bring science to life in an interesting way.

The Science Behind the Football Boot

Craig Johnston – Inventor of the Adidas Predator and ex Liverpool soccer player

13th November – Royal Irish Academy, Dawson Street – 18:30 – 20:00pm

As a midfielder for Liverpool FC in the 1980s, Craig Johnston analysed how the design of the team’s boots could be improved to enhance the players’ control of the ball. After retiring from professional football, he became head of innovation at Adidas and developed the Predator, now the world’s best selling boot worn by David Beckham and Jonny Wilkinson.

Science and Space Travel

Joe Edwards Jr – Former NASA astronaut

14th November – Royal Irish Academy, Dawson Street – 18:30 – 20:00pm

Joe Edwards Jr was selected as a NASA pilot astronaut in 1994, in the 15th group of astronauts. He piloted the last American crewmember to the Russian Mir space station and flew the closest flying maneuvers ever attempted around an orbiting space station in the history of manned space flight in the orbiter Endeavour. Joe is also a graduate of the Navy Fighter Weapons School (Topgun) and a former Chairman of the Board of the National Science Center, a science, mathematics and engineering educational organisation created by the U.S. Congress.

The Science of Beauty

Industry Panel Discussion

15th November – Royal College of Physicians, No. 6 Kildare Street – 18:30 – 20:00pm

The Science of Beauty event will bring together some leading scientists in the field of Cosmetic Science to reveal the innovative thinking that goes into making cosmetic products. Not many people realise the vast science that underpins the cosmetics industry and the many different types of scientists who work on creating innovative and beneficial products – development of which can take years to ensure that they meet the needs of consumers to enhance appearance and well-being.

To discover more about the science behind the cosmetic products you use every day, join us for our lecture and panel discussion with industry experts on the Science of Beauty.

Science of Forensic Investigation

Dr Shiela Willis – Director of the Forensic Science Laboratory

16th November – National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street – 13:00 – 14:30pm

Dr. Sheila Willis is Director of the Forensic Science Laboratory, a position she has held since 2002. Prior to that, she was Deputy Director and Head of the Chemistry Section. She completed her undergraduate degree in UCD where she also carried out her PhD research on organometallic chemistry under the supervision of Professor A.R. Manning. She was recently chair of the European Academy of Forensic Science and has been active in the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes since its inception.

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