In this edition . . . creative mathematics, conservation work on Asgard, bank holiday events and, Wanted: science ambassadors!
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Art & Society
Creative mathematics: here's something unusual for people who teach mathematics -- a weekend exploring innovative ways to highlight the creativity of mathematics, including geometric forms, fractional processes, algebra, geometry and trigonometry and encompassing art, building, music and rocketry. Cultivate Centre, Dublin July 7-10. Bring compass, ruler, paper, calculator and colored pens.
Etching Rembrandt: two new exhibitions at the Chester Beatty Library in Dublin: a temporary exhibition of over 70 Rembrandt prints on loan from the Netherlands, and a new permanent exhibition on the Arts of the Book. For the Rembrandt exhibition, there will be a talk and demonstration on etching techniques by Robert Russell (Graphic Studio Dublin); Thursday, June 26, lunchtime.
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Know of any events that would interest Science@Culture readers?
Send details to Science.CultureBulletin[at sign]gmail.com
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Conferences & Opportunities
Wanted: science ambassadors! Are you enthusiastic about your science career? Want to spread the word about the benefits of working in science and technology? Discover Science & Engineering, aka DSE (the team behind Science Week and other initiatives), is looking for science ambassadors: people working in the physical sciences, whether newly qualified or well-established, who are happy to take a little time to help students make career choices. Your role in the science diplomatic service could be as simple as completing a profile questionnaire and supplying a photo for a webpage, to participating in science week events and contributing to publications. Full details at the science ambassadors page on DSE's science.ie website.
Atmospheric symposium: the cleanest air in Ireland is in Connemara, arriving on prevailing winds off the Atlantic Ocean, making it an important site for atmospheric research in the northern hemisphere. There has been a research station at Mace Head in Connemara for 50 years, in a refurbished World War II coastal lookout post, and a scientific symposium marking the half-century takes place in NUI Galway on June 19, followed by an open day at the station on June 20. Adm free, all welcome.
Critical Technologies: the making of the modern world -- one of the themes for the sixth world archaeological congress taking place at UCD June 29-July 4. Another strand, on geo-archaeology, will include presentations on how soils, sediments, landforms, rocks & minerals form part of the archaeological & palaeoenvironmental record. Conference fees will apply, but all welcome.
Dublin, City of Science: Ireland is bidding to be European City of Science in 2012 (this year's festival takes place in Barcelona). A committee is now planning a programme of events, and welcomes suggestions, especially for public outreach activities. If you would be interested in hosting an event, or becoming involved, contact juliana.adelman[at]gmail.com
Geo-guides wanted: are you based in County Waterford? Interested in training as a guide with the Copper Coast Geo-Park? They are running a weekend training course for local guides, June 14-15. Or call 051-292828.
Ideas and Instruments in Social Context: advance notice of next year's XXIII International Congress of History of Science and Technology, which takes place in Hungary July 26-31, 2009.
Island ecology, summer school: ecosystem sustainability, bird identification, the Irish names of plants and animals, and the ecology of Irish farmland. Just some of the topics for a 5-day summer school onIsland ecology, on Cape Clear Island, Co Cork Cape Clear July 7-11 2008 . Open to all. Cost: €200. For full details phone Mary on 086 063 7060
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your notice here!
If you have a visitor centre, publication, course, or conference, even a job opportunity to publicise, this is the space to reach the perfect audience.
Rates reasonable (as always, no charge for notices about free public events).
Contact: Science.CultureBulletin[at sign]gmail.com
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Listen, read
The life and work of Agnes Clerke: born in Skibbereen in the mid-19th century, Agnes Clerke achieved world fame as a science and astronomy writer of renown, even helping to shape the development of astrophysics. Dr Mary Bruck's engaging biography of this unusual self-taught Irishwoman is now in paperback. Clerke's 'History of Astronomy in the Nineteenth Century' went to four editions and became a classic, and her articles for the 9th edition of the Encyclopedia Britannica were retained until 1961. Bruck, a retired Irish astronomer living in Scotland, brings Clerke's life and work alive in an easy style that should appeal to anyone interested in the history of science and women in science. Cambridge University Press 280 pages, ISBN-10: 0521055792 £17.99
Plant hunters on the radio: a new series of Thomas Davis lectures about China and the Irish begins on RTE Radio 1 on June 9 ( Mondays, 10 p.m.), for nine weeks and lecture three (Monday 23rd) is an account of early Irish plant-hunting expeditions to China by three generations of the Earls of Rosse of Birr Castle, and recounted by the current Earl, Brendan Parsons. Other talks include doing business in China, planning mega-cities, and musical connections.
Subatomic radio: how do you design a football boot? What is it like to be an astronaut? Just some of the topics covered in a new 12-part radio series aimed at a young audience, and broadcast on Sunday mornings on East Coast FM. It won't all be in studio -- expect reports from Mondello Park, Dublin zoo, skydiving with the Irish Parachute club and stargazing in Co Wicklow.
Like a book? Loathe it? ever read a review of a popular science book and thought 'I could do that'? The popularscience.co.uk website wants to expand its panel of reviewers. Send them a sample review, and if they like your style, they'll invite you to join the panel and in exchange, you receive free books to review.
Out & about . . . including bank holiday possibilities
Irish scientists and the age of the Earth: it was Dublin man, Archbishop James Ussher (1581-1656) who counted the generations in the Old Testament, and calculated the date of the Creation at Sunday, October 23, 4004 BC. But don't laugh -- it was the height of sophisticated science for its time, and helped start the science of geochronology. Later Irish scientists also helped to compute the age of the Earth. Geologist Dr Patrick Wyse-Jackson, curator of the lovely geology Museum at TCD and author of The Chronologers' Quest: The Search for the Age of the Earth, gives this year's Burlington House lecture for the Society of Antiquaries in London, June 13, 6 p.m.; free, booking essential: admin[at]sal.org.uk
Evelyn Cusack’s guide to weather: physicist turned TV weather woman, Evelyn Cusack presents a popular guide to weather for the Irish Sceptics. How do we know what the weather was like hundreds of thousands of years ago? Are hurricanes getting stronger? What is the difference between rain and showers? Where is the sunniest part of Ireland? Find out on June 4, 8 p.m., Dublin (adm: €6/3).
Industrial gems of Co Monaghan: our friends at the Industrial Heritage Association are running a one-day tour of industrial sites around Clones-Newbliss in Co Monaghan, including the Ulster Canal, watermills, and railway features. Saturday, June 28. Details tbc, depending on numbers; membership available on the day. If interested, contact frederick-hamond[at]utvinternet.com or tel: Belfast 9061 6480, by June 13.
Conservation science: another chance to see behind the scenes at the conservation workshops and laboratories in the National Museum, Collins Barracks, including work in progress on the Asgard project. Wednesday, June 25, 2:30 p.m., booking essential: bookings[at]museum.ie
Natural history mystery: not how our friends at the much-missed Natural History Museum
are managing to run public events (although, that too), but the title for a Saturday morning art, craft and science exploration of creature life they're offering for children 7-12, on Saturday, July 5. Other events over the coming weeks include an exploration of boats in the National Museum collection, including a log canoe, a Viking ship and an Egyptian sailing ship, for World Oceans Day June 7. National Museum Kildare St; adm free.
Looking for WIMPs: that's 'weakly interacting massive particles', an astrophysics concept that could help explain some of the Universe's missing mass. All will be revealed in the next Astronomy Ireland monthly talk, to be given by Prof Tim J. Sumner (Imperial College London and the UK Dark Matter Collaboration). June 9, 8 p.m., Dublin, €5
Mill rights and water power: the association of Mills & Millers of Ireland is organising a weekend summer outing to Cork, with talks, and visits to hydro-electric conversion of old steam turbines, and a rare opportunity to see the fascinating remains of the water-powered gunpowder mill at Ballincollig (restored, but closed to the public for some years now). June 21-22; €30.
Rock on: the mining heritage of Waterford's copper Coast, the glacial geology of the Comeragh Mountains in Co Waterford with the stunning
Coumshingaun corrie (Ireland's largest), and a journey to the centre of a volcano across Carrick-a-rede rope bridge in County Antrim... just some of the events taking place in June as part of the ongoing programme for International Year of Planet Earth. For events near you, including bank holiday events, see: www.planetearth.ie
Hard rain: for the bank holiday, how about viewing the aclaimed photographic exhibition at the National Botanic Gardens (continues until August 31)? Their exhibition about the potato ends on June 4, but a new fruit and vegetable garden opens on June 8, with a sustainable environment fair that weekend (Sat-Sun), adm free.
Wild Wicklow: the national park's summer programme includes a bug and beasties Safari walk (June 7), an introduction to 'leave no trace' walking (June 14), and a wildflower walk on June 28. Note, these take place on Saturdays.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Apologies: due to anti-spam measures by Yahoo, we can no longer reach subscribers with Yahoo addresses
Next edition: July 1st 2008.
We try to ensure links are valid when we go to press• but can't be responsible for other websites.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Art & Society
Creative mathematics: here's something unusual for people who teach mathematics -- a weekend exploring innovative ways to highlight the creativity of mathematics, including geometric forms, fractional processes, algebra, geometry and trigonometry and encompassing art, building, music and rocketry. Cultivate Centre, Dublin July 7-10. Bring compass, ruler, paper, calculator and colored pens.
Etching Rembrandt: two new exhibitions at the Chester Beatty Library in Dublin: a temporary exhibition of over 70 Rembrandt prints on loan from the Netherlands, and a new permanent exhibition on the Arts of the Book. For the Rembrandt exhibition, there will be a talk and demonstration on etching techniques by Robert Russell (Graphic Studio Dublin); Thursday, June 26, lunchtime.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Know of any events that would interest Science@Culture readers?
Send details to Science.CultureBulletin[at sign]gmail.com
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Conferences & Opportunities
Wanted: science ambassadors! Are you enthusiastic about your science career? Want to spread the word about the benefits of working in science and technology? Discover Science & Engineering, aka DSE (the team behind Science Week and other initiatives), is looking for science ambassadors: people working in the physical sciences, whether newly qualified or well-established, who are happy to take a little time to help students make career choices. Your role in the science diplomatic service could be as simple as completing a profile questionnaire and supplying a photo for a webpage, to participating in science week events and contributing to publications. Full details at the science ambassadors page on DSE's science.ie website.
Atmospheric symposium: the cleanest air in Ireland is in Connemara, arriving on prevailing winds off the Atlantic Ocean, making it an important site for atmospheric research in the northern hemisphere. There has been a research station at Mace Head in Connemara for 50 years, in a refurbished World War II coastal lookout post, and a scientific symposium marking the half-century takes place in NUI Galway on June 19, followed by an open day at the station on June 20. Adm free, all welcome.
Critical Technologies: the making of the modern world -- one of the themes for the sixth world archaeological congress taking place at UCD June 29-July 4. Another strand, on geo-archaeology, will include presentations on how soils, sediments, landforms, rocks & minerals form part of the archaeological & palaeoenvironmental record. Conference fees will apply, but all welcome.
Dublin, City of Science: Ireland is bidding to be European City of Science in 2012 (this year's festival takes place in Barcelona). A committee is now planning a programme of events, and welcomes suggestions, especially for public outreach activities. If you would be interested in hosting an event, or becoming involved, contact juliana.adelman[at]gmail.com
Geo-guides wanted: are you based in County Waterford? Interested in training as a guide with the Copper Coast Geo-Park? They are running a weekend training course for local guides, June 14-15. Or call 051-292828.
Ideas and Instruments in Social Context: advance notice of next year's XXIII International Congress of History of Science and Technology, which takes place in Hungary July 26-31, 2009.
Island ecology, summer school: ecosystem sustainability, bird identification, the Irish names of plants and animals, and the ecology of Irish farmland. Just some of the topics for a 5-day summer school on
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your notice here!
If you have a visitor centre, publication, course, or conference, even a job opportunity to publicise, this is the space to reach the perfect audience.
Rates reasonable (as always, no charge for notices about free public events).
Contact: Science.CultureBulletin[at sign]gmail.com
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Listen, read
The life and work of Agnes Clerke: born in Skibbereen in the mid-19th century, Agnes Clerke achieved world fame as a science and astronomy writer of renown, even helping to shape the development of astrophysics. Dr Mary Bruck's engaging biography of this unusual self-taught Irishwoman is now in paperback. Clerke's 'History of Astronomy in the Nineteenth Century' went to four editions and became a classic, and her articles for the 9th edition of the Encyclopedia Britannica were retained until 1961. Bruck, a retired Irish astronomer living in Scotland, brings Clerke's life and work alive in an easy style that should appeal to anyone interested in the history of science and women in science. Cambridge University Press 280 pages, ISBN-10: 0521055792 £17.99
Plant hunters on the radio: a new series of Thomas Davis lectures about China and the Irish begins on RTE Radio 1 on June 9 ( Mondays, 10 p.m.), for nine weeks and lecture three (Monday 23rd) is an account of early Irish plant-hunting expeditions to China by three generations of the Earls of Rosse of Birr Castle, and recounted by the current Earl, Brendan Parsons. Other talks include doing business in China, planning mega-cities, and musical connections.
Subatomic radio: how do you design a football boot? What is it like to be an astronaut? Just some of the topics covered in a new 12-part radio series aimed at a young audience, and broadcast on Sunday mornings on East Coast FM. It won't all be in studio -- expect reports from Mondello Park, Dublin zoo, skydiving with the Irish Parachute club and stargazing in Co Wicklow.
Like a book? Loathe it? ever read a review of a popular science book and thought 'I could do that'? The popularscience.co.uk website wants to expand its panel of reviewers. Send them a sample review, and if they like your style, they'll invite you to join the panel and in exchange, you receive free books to review.
Out & about . . . including bank holiday possibilities
Irish scientists and the age of the Earth: it was Dublin man, Archbishop James Ussher (1581-1656) who counted the generations in the Old Testament, and calculated the date of the Creation at Sunday, October 23, 4004 BC. But don't laugh -- it was the height of sophisticated science for its time, and helped start the science of geochronology. Later Irish scientists also helped to compute the age of the Earth. Geologist Dr Patrick Wyse-Jackson, curator of the lovely geology Museum at TCD and author of The Chronologers' Quest: The Search for the Age of the Earth, gives this year's Burlington House lecture for the Society of Antiquaries in London, June 13, 6 p.m.; free, booking essential: admin[at]sal.org.uk
Evelyn Cusack’s guide to weather: physicist turned TV weather woman, Evelyn Cusack presents a popular guide to weather for the Irish Sceptics. How do we know what the weather was like hundreds of thousands of years ago? Are hurricanes getting stronger? What is the difference between rain and showers? Where is the sunniest part of Ireland? Find out on June 4, 8 p.m., Dublin (adm: €6/3).
Industrial gems of Co Monaghan: our friends at the Industrial Heritage Association are running a one-day tour of industrial sites around Clones-Newbliss in Co Monaghan, including the Ulster Canal, watermills, and railway features. Saturday, June 28. Details tbc, depending on numbers; membership available on the day. If interested, contact frederick-hamond[at]utvinternet.com or tel: Belfast 9061 6480, by June 13.
Conservation science: another chance to see behind the scenes at the conservation workshops and laboratories in the National Museum, Collins Barracks, including work in progress on the Asgard project. Wednesday, June 25, 2:30 p.m., booking essential: bookings[at]museum.ie
Natural history mystery: not how our friends at the much-missed Natural History Museum
are managing to run public events (although, that too), but the title for a Saturday morning art, craft and science exploration of creature life they're offering for children 7-12, on Saturday, July 5. Other events over the coming weeks include an exploration of boats in the National Museum collection, including a log canoe, a Viking ship and an Egyptian sailing ship, for World Oceans Day June 7. National Museum Kildare St; adm free.
Looking for WIMPs: that's 'weakly interacting massive particles', an astrophysics concept that could help explain some of the Universe's missing mass. All will be revealed in the next Astronomy Ireland monthly talk, to be given by Prof Tim J. Sumner (Imperial College London and the UK Dark Matter Collaboration). June 9, 8 p.m., Dublin, €5
Mill rights and water power: the association of Mills & Millers of Ireland is organising a weekend summer outing to Cork, with talks, and visits to hydro-electric conversion of old steam turbines, and a rare opportunity to see the fascinating remains of the water-powered gunpowder mill at Ballincollig (restored, but closed to the public for some years now). June 21-22; €30.
Rock on: the mining heritage of Waterford's copper Coast, the glacial geology of the Comeragh Mountains in Co Waterford with the stunning
Coumshingaun corrie (Ireland's largest), and a journey to the centre of a volcano across Carrick-a-rede rope bridge in County Antrim... just some of the events taking place in June as part of the ongoing programme for International Year of Planet Earth. For events near you, including bank holiday events, see: www.planetearth.ie
Hard rain: for the bank holiday, how about viewing the aclaimed photographic exhibition at the National Botanic Gardens (continues until August 31)? Their exhibition about the potato ends on June 4, but a new fruit and vegetable garden opens on June 8, with a sustainable environment fair that weekend (Sat-Sun), adm free.
Wild Wicklow: the national park's summer programme includes a bug and beasties Safari walk (June 7), an introduction to 'leave no trace' walking (June 14), and a wildflower walk on June 28. Note, these take place on Saturdays.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Apologies: due to anti-spam measures by Yahoo, we can no longer reach subscribers with Yahoo addresses
Next edition: July 1st 2008.
We try to ensure links are valid when we go to press• but can't be responsible for other websites.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
