In a bid to raise awareness and revive interest in science, the University of Glasgow, Glasgow Science Centre and the Royal Society of Chemistry have organised the Scottish premiere of the 'science-in-theatre' play Oxygen, co-written by award winning scientists Carl Djerrasi and Roald Hoffman.

Through the medium of drama, this project aims to broaden the audience for the public understanding of science and encourage young people to learn science. The Scottish Executive, who are joint funders of the venture along with the Royal Society of Chemistry, are keen to ensure that enough people study science to a standard that will enable the future needs of the country, and this project is a step towards that goal.

Event director and member of the University of Glasgow Physical Sciences Department, Douglas MacDonald, explains: 'By using staff and students from the Physical Sciences Department to act, direct and organise the production of Oxygen, we are combining the arts and sciences in order to reach a wider and previously untargeted section of the public. It is hoped that this event will lead to greater promotion of the sciences to school level students who could be our next generation of Einsteins. A basic scientific understanding is essential if individuals are to take part in debates based around science on issues that affect their lives'.

Oxygen focuses on the drama and contention of science that is often hidden behind academic doors. By skilfully jumping between the 1770s and the present, Oxygen grapples with the ideas of priority and discovery through an attempt to reveal the individual who first discovered oxygen and thus launched the Chemical Revolution.

Through the arts, eminent chemists and writers Djerassi and Hoffman promote the human element of science and scientists. Djerassi, who has been awarded the National Medal for Science (for the first synthesis of a steroid oral contraceptive - "the Pill") and National Medal of Technology (for promoting new approaches to insect control), has also written 5 plays which have been performed from London to New York to Tokyo. Hoffman, who has received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1981, has also written published works including The Same and Not the Same, an award-winning piece translated into German, Spanish, Korean, Chinese and Russian.

Kate Richardson (K.richardson@admin.gla.ac.uk)

The performances will take place from 10 to 12 November at the University of Glasgow G12 theatre to coincide with the Royal Society of Chemistry's 2005 National Chemistry week.

For more information please contact Douglas MacDonald on 0141 330 5305 or alternatively contact the University Press Office on 0141 330 3535 or email pressoffice@gla.ac.uk

First published: 2 August 2005