On Wednesday, 17 August staff and students from the University’s Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease (IACD) working with the local children’s charity KIND hosted the first ‘WOW Science Liverpool ’ event.
The event, which took place at KIND (formerly also known as Kids In Need and Distress), saw postdoctoral researchers provide children with information regarding scientific research and health in exciting and engaging ways.
IACD uses world-class research to improve the quality of life of millions of people on an international scale.
KIND is a children’s charity, located less than a mile away from the University campus, that works with thousands of children, young people and their families across Liverpool and greater Merseyside, pioneering new and imaginative ways to help them cope with many forms of disadvantage.
Getting involved
The event was organised wholly by IACD’s postdoctoral researchers group with help from staff and students within IACD. Both The Physiological Society and Wellcome Trust generously provided support for the event.
During the day 35 children, all aged between 5 and 14, took part in highly interactive exciting demonstrations on a wide range of scientific health research including; bones, eyes, particles, DNA, muscles and blood.
The aim of the event was to provide the children with information regarding what research takes place at the University, how they can lead healthy lifestyles and how they get can get more involved in science and bring their knowledge back into the classroom.
Important
Tom West, Institute Manager IACD, added: “An essential part of our role as scientists and health professionals is to communicate the importance of the research that we do to members of the public.
“Our post-doc team have excelled in creating and delivering the WOW Science Liverpool event which was both informative and inspiring for the future scientists!”
Stephen Yip, founder of KIND said: “Our children have had one of the best days of their lives. Working hands-on with the scientists from Liverpool University they have gained a real insight into what science is about.
“The team have provided a learning experience in a fun, interactive manner which will hopefully inspire our children to learn more about science. WOW Scientists has certainly lived up to its name! Thanks to everyone who took part.”
A video of what the children thought of the event can be found here on the KIND website where you can also find more information about the charity. The video is also avaialble below:
For more information about the Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease please visit https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/ageing-and-chronic-disease/
