The 6th of May is the start of the University of Aberdeen May Festival MAY-HEM. There are LOADS of events taking place for adults and families across the weekend. Lots are bookable in advance but there are lots of drop in sessions too. I've rounded up my picks of the bunch below.
These
events still have tickets available but they are going really quickly so book
fast to avoid disappointment! I am volunteering at the festival and have helped
to organise a number of events and I will be around the whole weekend and for
plenty of the MAY-HEM events too. Click the title for links through to further
info.
MAY-HEM
Tues 6th PechaKucha Aberdeen 7pm
Belmont Cinema, FREE, NO NEED TO BOOK
A night
of image based presentations from a number of different speakers in Aberdeen
showcasing interesting music, photography, stories and projects. Always good
fun and always a great mix of ideas. Talks will include space art, music, vegan
food and a whole lot more!
Thurs 8th The Brahan Seer Legend 7.30pm
Cellar 35, FREE NO NEED TO BOOK (get there early!)
Aberdeen
Skeptics present another laid back talk and discussion night. This time with Dr
Alex Sutherland who will explore the
strategies used by those who believe in prophecy to perpetuate their
belief, using the Scottish Highlands’ Brahan Seer legend as a model.
The MAY FESTIVAL 2014 - 9th - 11th
May - ALL EVENTS ARE TICKETED!
Friday 9th May
In WWI there were huge numbers of casualties, but surprisingly around
one third of all deaths were due to hidden killers - infections. This talk will
explore the fatal culprits involved and how infections could have been
prevented
Scottish Identity Today: The Enormous Contributions of New Scots - 2pm - 3pm FREE
With the help of one of Scotland’s leading population statisticians and
a panel of experts, this event thematically debates the underlying changes
which have made Scotland a more cosmopolitan, vibrant and diverse nation. How
have these new Scots, including our thriving Asian and Polish communities,
added to our national distinctiveness?
Hear short (3 min) talks from postgraduate students at the University of
Aberdeen about their research subjects. - this session should be good and a
very good chance to hear from some of the possible professors of the
future.
Descriptor is in the title! Should be an interesting talk!
Saturday 10th May
Natural
Produce Market 10-4 (drop in)
Drop in and BUY FOOD! Taking place in Elphinstone Hall
On the road to better bones 10-4 (drop in)
Step into the bus outside Elphinstone Hall. Come
aboard our new mobile bone health truck GO-MOBILE, bringing latest
scanning techniques for osteoporosis to doorsteps across the North of
Scotland.
David Bond: Project Wild Thing 1.30 - 3.30 pm (£6/£4)
Project Wild Thing is the hilarious, real-life story
of one man’s determination to get children out and into the ultimate, free
wonder-product: Nature. Film Screening followed by a
discussion. Project Wild Thing is a film led movement to get
more kids (and their folks!) outside and reconnecting with nature. The film is
an ambitious, feature-length documentary that takes a funny and revealing look
at a complex issue, the increasingly disparate connection between children and
nature.
Professor Miedzybrodzka, Co-director of the University of Aberdeen
Centre for Genome-enabled Biology and Medicine and Clinical Director for NHS
Grampian Genetics Services, will describe how state-of-the-art genetic testing
is personalising everyday medical care, helping people to make life choices and
improving the health of the people of Scotland.
Neil Fachie was born with a degenerative eye-condition known as
Retinitis Pigmentosa. This talk seeks to explain how sport has helped him
realise this needn't be a limiting factor in his life. A light-hearted look
back at his life to date, culminating in Paralympic success at London 2012.
Bright Club 8.30 pm - LATE! (£6/4)
THIS IS GOING TO BE AWESOME! Bright Club returns for 2014. It's a comedy
night with a difference.. featuring sets from researchers from the University
of Aberdeen (you might well see one of your current/old lecturers on stage) and
the amazing Eleanor Morton. Bright Club is where brains and comedy
collide to bring you an entertaining night of laughs and new ideas.
Sunday 11th May
Hack 'n' Make Faire 10-4 (drop in)
FREE. Drop in and make cool stuff all day!
On the road to better bones 10-4 (drop
in)
Step into the bus outside
Elphinstone Hall. Come aboard our new mobile bone health truck
GO-MOBILE, bringing latest scanning techniques for osteoporosis to
doorsteps across the North of Scotland.
Health or Wealth 12 - 1.30 pm (FREE)
Debate! What really impacts on our health and wellbeing? Is it down
to the food on our plates or the money in our pockets? Does environment matter
more than exercise? Come and join a lively panel debate featuring wide-ranging
views on the tough questions concerning the wellbeing of people in Scotland.
With Dr John Bone (Sociologist, University of Aberdeen), Dr Sandra Carlisle
(Anthropologist, University of Aberdeen), Ewan Gurr (Trussell Trust Scottish
Coordinator) and Ally Prockter (Head of Community, Aberdeen Football Club).
Chaired by the BBC’s Health Correspondent Eleanor Bradford.
Creationism, Fundamentalism & Science - Where's
the Problem? 1 - 2pm (FREE)
With so many hot potatoes here, one can only speculate how Professor R.
J. Berry will grasp the nettles! But grasp them he will. Known for his
scientific acumen as well as his Christian faith, this lecture will promise
much for the scientists and the Christians as well as the undecided!
Energy versus Anxiety 2 - 3pm (FREE)
DEBATE! We’ll explore the basic question of whether developing
technologies can really keep the lights on? A panel of industry and academic
experts will discuss the challenges and what energy choices might look like in
the future. A lively afternoon with plenty of time for audience comments and
questions. With Professor Jim Anderson, John Scrimgeour, Dr Euan Bain (all
University of Aberdeen) and Jeremy Cresswell (Editor, P&J Energy
Supplement). Chaired by the BBC’s Eleanor Bradford.
In Conversation with Kate Adie 3 - 4.30 pm (£10/£8)
Kate Adie blazed a trail for journalism, and for women, reporting live
from war zones and hot spots around the world.
DEBATE! Expert scientists present what’s known about common kitchen
bugs that can cause serious illness to you. Take part in a discussion to find
out the best way to stay safe in your kitchen. Presented by Professor Hugh
Pennington (Emeritus Professor of Bacteriology, University of Aberdeen),
Professor Norval Strachan, Dr Kenneth Forbes (both University of Aberdeen) and
Dr Kevin Pollock (Senior Epidemiologist at Health Protection Scotland).
The Battle for Britain 6 - 7pm (£6/4)
The Independence Referendum is the single most important constitutional
issue in the United Kingdom's history since its inception. Journalist and
broadcaster David Torrance, acclaimed for his political biographies, uses his
latest book, The Battle of Britain, to set the scene for a May Festival debate
with a panel of distinguished guests.
There are
LOADS of exhibitions taking place too - I will be putting
a separate post for those up as you do not need to book to see
them.
I produce lists of events going in Aberdeen that
sound interesting and are a bit science-y. Seen
any other interesting events that I haven't mentioned? Email me!
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