I’m a scientist, get me out of here! is looking for scientists who want to get young people interested in science, without having to leave the lab.
The competition gets teenagers talking online to real scientists, and learning about real science. Students have fun, but also get beyond the stereotypes, learning about how science relates to real life, developing their thinking and discussion skills and making connections with real scientists.
The students vote for their favourite scientist; the one with the least votes gets evicted, until only one is left to be declared the winner.
The event was won in 2008 by Dr Ian Walker of the University’s Department of Psychology. Competing against five scientists from industry and other universities, Dr Walker scooped the £500 prize to help communicate his work.
He said: “I was delighted and very surprised to win as I was up against cancer scientists who I thought would be considered more worthy. It shows there is clearly a thirst amongst young people for psychology as they were really fascinated by the subject.”
University Press Officer, Dr Vicky Just, also took part in 2008 whilst working as a biochemist at the University of Bristol.
She said: “The online chat format allows students to ask questions they might not ask if they were face-to-face with the scientist in a classroom, from questions on ethical implications of their research to what music they listen to.
“The format also allows scientists to engage with the public without even leaving the lab.”
There will be events in March and June this year: March 15th-26th and June 14th-25th.
This award-winning event is funded by the Wellcome Trust, to promote public engagement with science. Find out more, or register to take part, visit the I’m a scientist get me out of here website.