PhD student Isabel Castanho presents at Soapbox Science

Volcanoes, nanoparticles and wireless chargers: women in science showcase research in town centre

The public is invited to see women in science present their research in Princesshay on Saturday June 29.

The Soapbox Science event returns for its fifth year, with its most diverse series of presentations yet.  Twelve researchers from across the University of Exeter and beyond will present their research to the public.

Topics will range from how diseases can be detected with intelligent nanoparticles and how exactly we can charge our phones without the use of wires, to measuring learning and memory in squirrels.

The speakers will also show off a wide variety of techniques and research skills, and importantly, bring you the latest findings from their work. More information on all speakers and speaker blogs is available here.

Dr Safi Darden, who is the founding organizer of the Exeter event, said: “I feel like we have truly reached a milestone in this fifth year. I recently bumped into someone who told me they come along every year. This is a real sign that Soapbox Science Exeter has become among the city’s established events that people make sure to include on their summer agenda.”

There will be speakers from the University of Exeter’s College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Biomedical Modelling and Analysis, and College of Medicine and Health.

Sariqa Wagley, who was a speaker in the 2018 event and now assists Safi, said: “I really enjoyed communicating my own research on microbes to the public. For me, Soapbox Science is about representation, and making sure female researchers in the STEM subjects are seen, heard and valued as scientists.

“I was honoured this year when they asked me to join the organising committee and am excited to be behind the scenes supporting this year’s speakers. There is quite a bit of work that goes on to organise the event that I had no idea about so it has been a real eye opener to see how much work goes into the event.”

The event is part of a nationwide initiative by Soapbox Science, which aims to bring science to the people and challenge gender stereotypes in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM) careers.

By highlighting the visibility of female scientists, the event also hopes to inspire females who are considering a future career in STEMM.

The event follows the format of London Hyde Park’s Speakers’ Corner, transforming Exeter’s Princesshay into an arena for public learning and scientific debate; creating a dynamic and bustling atmosphere and learning environment for all. Starting from just one event in 2011, there are now 42 events taking place around the world this year.

This family-friendly event will run from 1pm to 4pm in Princesshay Square, Exeter. More information about the Exeter events is available here. More information about Soapbox Science is available via their website.

You can keep up to date with the event on Twitter using @SoapboxExeter and #ExeterSoapbox.

Date: 26 June 2019