Posted on Jan. 13: Science comes to the city

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/ScienceColour150.jpg” caption=”Science in the City”]Whether they're using giant telescopes to explore the farthest reaches of the universe or miniature cameras and surgical robots to assist in delicate surgeries, McMaster University researchers are involved in exciting science.

McMaster University, in partnership with The Hamilton Spectator, is sponsoring the Science in the City Lecture Series, an opportunity for the community to come out and hear what some of our fine minds are doing in engineering, science and health sciences.

The genesis of this new series was the result of conversations between psychology professor Allison Sekuler and Nick Markettos, senior advisor to the Office of the Vice-President, Research & International Affairs.

Before coming to McMaster, both Sekuler and Markettos had previous experience with science outreach activities: Sekuler as past president and board member of the Royal Canadian Institute, an organization that enhances the public awareness of science by offering weekly public lectures, and Markettos, in his previous job as manager for the Ontario government's science and technology awareness and innovation initiatives.

“We looked at a public lecture series as an opportunity for the university to reach out to the community and offer people a chance to hear McMaster scientists talk about what they do. We envisioned an evening lecture that would be free of charge, followed by a question and answer period, light refreshments  a fun and informative evening out,” says Markettos.

The Hamilton Spectator was approached with the idea and Judi Partridge, manager community relations and corporate donations, was immediately receptive to a partnership. Partridge offered the use of the Spectator auditorium as well as free advertising for the series.

“The beauty of the Science in the City series is that it is tailor-made for the Hamilton community. McMaster, the Spectator and, of course, all the speakers are providing a terrific public service. Everyone benefits when the general public gains a greater awareness of and appreciation for science. It's wonderful to see the University giving back to the community in this way,” says Sekuler.

The series will be offered on a pilot basis this year from January to June, with the expectation that its success will result in an annual lecture series.

All are welcome and lectures will be held on Tuesday nights from 7 to 9 p.m. in The Hamilton Spectator Auditorium, with doors opening at 6:30 pm.

To reserve your seat for the first Science in the City lecture by Paul O'Byrne on Jan. 14, call 905-525-9140, ext. 24934 and leave your name and phone number or e-mail sciencecity@mcmaster.ca

For more information about the lecture series, visit http://www.mcmaster.ca/research/ScienceintheCity.htm

Lecture schedule

• Jan. 14: Paul O'Byrne, chair, Department of Medicine, executive director, Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health

  “Asthma: Is it the City?”

• Feb. 11: Martin Daly, Department of Psychology

  “Competition, Inequity and Homicide”

• March 4: Heather Sheardown, Department of Chemical Engineering

  “The Role of the Engineer in Healthcare: Engineering Blood Vessels and Corneas”

• Special Event: Science in the City for Kids

  Saturday, March 8 from 1 to 3 p.m.

  “The A-B-C s of Science and Engineering (Attitude, Brains, and Creativity)”

  “Junior Fireball Show and McMaster's Solar Car Racing Team”

• April 8: Mehran Anvari, director, Centre for Minimal Access Surgery

  “Dr. Robot: Telementoring and Telerobotic Surgery”

• May 13: Christine Wilson, Department of Physics and Astronomy

  “Moving Beyond the Visible Universe: Dark Clouds, Galaxy Collisions, and the Origin of Stars”

• June 10: Brian Baetz & Cameron Churchill, Department of Civil Engineering

  “Sustainable Communities: What Would Make Hamilton a Truly Sustainable City?”