I’m a Scientist, Get me out of here returns in November, for two weeks from Monday 11th-Friday 22nd
We’re running four themed zones, and one general science zone.
Read on to find out all about them, or head straight to the application form to take part:
- Teachers apply by 23rd September: iasie.ddev.site/teachers
- Scientists find out more and apply: iasie.ddev.site/scientists
Image by Ragesoss
Drug Discovery Zone
Scientists are coming up with new treatments for diseases and illnesses all the time, many of which will be a new drug. Discovering a new drug could start from many places: modifying the structure of old drugs, studying organisms that cause disease to find weaknesses, computer modelling of completely new molecules, testing what compounds found in nature can do, and some drugs are even found completely by accident.
In this zone there might be scientists working hard trying out thousands of different molecules in order to find what affects a particular disease, or working on clinical trials making sure that new drugs work and are safe for us to use, or helping policy makers decide which drug research to fund.
The Drug Discovery Zone is funded by Wellcome
Energy Zone — a zone for primary schools
Energy is everywhere in different forms. It’s light and heat, but also sound, electricity and magnetism. We make use of energy every day without even thinking about it; flicking the lights on, listening to music, and (like right now) using a computer. Most electricity is generated by burning fossil fuels to release their energy— not good for climate change. Thankfully, there are lots of renewable sources of energy that won’t run out and are much better for the environment, including solar, water or wind.
Scientists in this zone might be researching future energy sources, making interesting use of sound to study materials, finding ways to keep our homes warmer in winter, or be working out how best to get the energy we have around the country, or even looking deeply inside our ultimate source of energy, the Sun.
The Energy Zone is funded by Science Foundation Ireland
Food Zone
Every wondered why some foods taste so good? Why don’t the bubbles in an Aero float out of the chocolate, how do you get a runny yolk in a Creme Egg and what chemistry is happening in caramelisation? Why is it safe to eat bacteria in cheese and yogurt but not bacteria in meat?
Food scientists do lots of things: some develop new food products; some test food to make sure it is safe; others work with the public to work out how food is perceived by our senses: how it looks; tastes; smells and feels and even the effect on our brain. Some food scientists look at the structure of food and how the chemical and physical nature of food can influence our health. Some food scientists look at how we make food more nutritious and how we can add value to the food chain.
The Food Zone is funded by Science Foundation Ireland
Water Zone
Image: Wikimedia
The water molecule is the most common chemical on the planet’s surface (covering as much as 71% of it), it is the main part of all living cells, and vital for all life on Earth. Water in the ocean also carries energy, in its waves, tides and temperature. And as our climate changes, how we manage the water we have is becoming more and more important.
This zone will include scientists using water in their work. They could be developing tests to check that water supplies are safe or planning water management for new cities, seeing if energy from oceans can be used as a sustainable energy source, investigating flood risks, studying water ecosystems, maybe even looking for water in outer space.
The Water Zone is funded by Science Foundation Ireland
Sodium Zone – General Science
The Sodium Zone will take scientists from a range of different research areas. We welcome any type of scientist to apply for these zones – especially people outside a traditional academic research role or environment; technicians, industry, public sector – all are welcome to take part.
The Sodium Zone is funded by Science Foundation Ireland
Shape the Future
Every student who takes part in I’m a Scientist this November will get to also be part of Shape the Future.
What does sustainability mean to you? Efficiency? Recycling? A better way of living? One thing is clear: our planet needs bright ideas and new ways of thinking, consuming and living.
The Shape the Future competition is run by I-Form, the SFI Research Centre for Advanced Manufacturing. Members of the public will enter their idea for a 3D-printed invention that imparts a message about sustainability or the environment. A shortlisting panel will select finalists based on technical criteria and print feasibility, as well as strength of connection to the sustainability theme.
The finalists will then be quizzed by your school students in the Shape the Future online zone, where they’ll be competing for the students’ votes to have their idea into 3D printed reality.
Shape the Future is supported by Science Foundation Ireland and I-Form Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre
Apply now to take part!
Teachers
If you’re already on our lists, please check your inbox and fill out the survey linked in the email we’ve sent you. If you’re new to our events, click below…
Apply by Monday 23rd September. We’ll send an email out soon after you sign up asking which zones and how many classes you would like to bring online.
Scientists
Apply by Monday 23rd September. Find out more about the activity on the Scientists Information page.
It’s also worth looking at our super helpful advice on your application