From 15 - 19 March the University of Glasgow will open it's doors to primary and secondary students and invite them to discover why David Beckham might be a scientific genius, learn how to program their own robots, compete in teams to see who can build the best bridge and make a real basket for their Easter eggs ﾖ a birds nest. These activities are just a few of the events being run during National Science Week at the University.

Students studying highers or secondary science subjects will be able to take advantage of sessions with University lecturers on fun and useful topics linked to their curriculum. Students studying highers chemisty will be able to discuss the importance of left and right-handedness at an interative lecture about 'Chilrality' and students studying highers biology can study up on tapeworm viruses in a session entitled 'Not for the Squeamish!'. There are also lectures linked to secondary and highers physics, upper secondary computing science, and more areas of the highers and secondary chemistry and biology curriculum.

Adults who don't want to miss out on discovering more about the science world can learn about 'Black Holes and other Cosmic Wierdos' over a glass of wine or coffee at the launch of Caf￩ Scientifique in Glasgow on Thursday night. Professor John Brown, the Astronomer Royal for Scotland, will explain why black holes are amongst the weirdest objects in the universe, along with cosmic strings, dark energy ﾖ and perhaps the Beagle II mystery - at the Metro Brasserie in the West End.

If it's mind teasing that you are after, the University is also participating in Brain Awareness Week (15 ﾖ 21 March) with a lecture on 'Are we born an artist or a scientist?' at the IMAX Theatre in Glasgow Science Centre. The University is also participating in the Science Centre's 'Brain Boggling Weekend': a variety of demonstrations and hands-on experiences with the brain that are running as part of the Week.

"The University is involved in many cutting edge research projects and employs some of the best scientists in the world. It is during important initiatives like National Science Week that we can make these resources more widely available to ensure science is accessible to anyone who is interested", said Prof John Coggins, Director of the University's Institute of Biomedical & Life Sciences.

The University of Glasgow has Europe's largest collection of life scientists working in the Institute of Biomedical and Life Sciences, has one of the largest medical faculties in Europe (It recently opened a new £14M Medical School), 95% of its research staff are working in subject areas producing international quality research (Research Assessment Exercise of 2001), and is one of only three Veterinary Schools in Europe to gain the prized American Veterinary Medicine Association accreditation.

Notes:

A full list and details of the University's National Science Week and Brain Awareness Week activities can be accessed by visiting: www.gla.ac.uk and clicking on 'Events' in the top right-hand corner. National Science Week bookings telephone line: 0141 330 6396. Further information on Brain Awareness Week from Debbie Dewar at the University Email: d.dewar@udcf.gla.ac.uk or Ben Craven at the Glasgow Science Centre Email: ben.craven@glasgowsciencecentre.org.

Caf￩ Scientifique is somewhere members of the public can relax with a cup of coffee or glass of wine whilst exploring the latest ideas in science and technology. It's also the place to quiz leading scientists for the truth behind the headlines on subjects from MMR & Autism to cloning and GM foods. The Glasgow Caf￩ ﾖ held on the third Thursday each month at Metro Brasserie in Cresswell Lane ﾖ is being organised by Professor Mandy MacLean of the University of Glasgow and the broadcaster and writer, Vanessa Collingridge. Caf￩ Scientifique is already established in other cities around the UK and in America.

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For further press information please call the University Press Office on Tel: 0131 330 3535.

First published: 12 March 2004