04.07.12 National Science Technician Conference

This week we are at the National Science Conference in York with Professor Kathy Sykes.

Once again Professor Kathy Sykes will be handing over the Gratnells Science Technician of the Year Award in person. Kathy will be joining the winners at the Science Learning Centre HQ at York University on the 5th on July 2012.

Professor Sykes – who recently appeared alongside Stephen Hawking in Channel 4s series Brave New World – will address an audience drawn from science technicians across the UK at the annual (ASE) National Technicians Conference in her keynote speech highlighting the importance of engaging with the public about science. She will also explore how getting children enthused in the classroom today will lead to better scientific understanding in the future.

Following her speech, Kathy Sykes will make a presentation to those voted the top three science technicians across the UK who have been nominated for the Gratnells awards by their schools or colleges. The Awards – now in their third year – have been supported by Professor Sykes from the onset. “It’s a privilege to once again be involved with these Awards which acknowledge just how vital the role of the Science Technician is in the teaching and learning of the subject in our schools and colleges across the UK”, said Professor Sykes.

We are delighted that Kathy Sykes has been able to highlight the important role science technicians – sometimes called ‘the forgotten heroes of science’ – fulfil in our schools. And this year’s winners have not only been of an exceptional standard but also the volume of nominations received show that more and more schools are acknowledging the vital role science technicians play in the teaching of the subject.

The ASE National Technicians Conference at the NSLC will run over two days – starting Thursday 5th – when lectures and practical workshops will cover a wide range of topics to around 400 delegates. 

Please do come and say hello if you are there, and don't forget to pick up an entry form for next year's Science Tecnhician of the Year competition.