‌The College of Science and Engineering Graduate School held the first ever UK Science Slam event on Friday 19th July at the Cottier Theatre.

Over 100 students, academics, representatives from industry and members of the public attended to hear eight of our PhD students present their research in a way never before seen (with various props, aural and visual effects and their own unique interpretation of the brief). The themes of the presentations included: why computing programmers are marriageable material despite immersion in the ‘dark art’ of high performance computing, how to find space wobbles, new ways to see blood, and why the propeller is much better than the jet engine. 

The audience worked together in groups to agree the winners. In the end, the winners’ podium stage was dominated by the School of Physics and Astronomy with first place for Lewis MacKenzie, and second place to Rebecca Douglas.

Science Slams have been popular in Europe for a few years and the CoSE Graduate School thought that it would be the perfect event to bring students from across the College together. The atmosphere of the event was perfect, the presentations exceptional and the specially-invented ‘Science Slammer’ cocktail almost drinkable (if somewhat potent).

Lewis MacKenzie said of the event: “The science slam was fun, challenging, and a great experience. It was a unique opportunity to communicate my research in an entertaining way to a keen audience. I’d recommend that all PhD students give it a try!”

Professor Liz Tanner, who was a member of the audience, also had high praise for the event: “It was wonderful to hear Cottiers full with the buzz of people who have thoroughly enjoyed their evening. The quality of the presentations, without exception, was extremely high and I think every table had a challenge choosing their top three. The Graduate School deserve many congratulations for organising a great evening.”



First published: 17 July 2013

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