Announcing ‘Explore our planet’ public event

The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) is pleased to announce plans for a free public event ‘Explore our planet - Archwiliwch ein planed’.

‘Explore our planet’ is a partnership with the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) and Techniquest, Cardiff.

The event will take place from 18 October to 20 October, based at Techniquest. There will also be a research ship available for the public to visit in Cardiff Bay.

Bringing environmental science to the public

The event and activities aim to bring the world of environmental science to the public.

The weekend promises to be full of fun, facts and interactive environmental science with hands-on attractions and in-person talks by the UK’s leading environmental scientists.

‘Explore our planet’ will include free, ticketed access to Techniquest, the Cardiff based science discovery centre.

The centre focuses on exploring the world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics for schools, families and adult visitors.

Living sustainably on planet Earth

Professor Louise Heathwaite, Executive Chair of NERC, said:

We’re incredibly lucky in the UK to be home to some of the world-leading environmental scientists who, together with researchers across multiple disciplines are identifying and helping to solve global environmental challenges.

The ‘Explore our planet – Archwiliwch ein planed’ event will give everyone an opportunity to take a look and get involved, meeting the scientists who are delivering this research and learning about how we can live sustainably on planet Earth.

The RRS James Cook

One of the world’s top oceanographic institutions, NOC will be bringing the Royal Research Ship, RRS James Cook to Cardiff as part of the science event.

Dr John Siddorn, CEO of NOC, said:

This is a unique opportunity for the public to visit a working research ship and understand what life on the ocean is like for our researchers and crew.

Our scientists and technologists can be at sea for weeks at a time, carrying out critical research under difficult conditions.

It takes great skill across a range of disciplines to understand the ocean! Adults and children can see first-hand what it’s like on the ship, and we may even inspire some to become the oceanographers of the future.

Working with schools

Sue Wardle, CEO of Techniquest, added:

We are delighted to partner with NERC and NOC for this fantastic event, and we look forward to welcoming visitors to Techniquest.

It is going to be a fun weekend of activities and a wonderful opportunity to meet the experts to find out more about their important work.

In the lead up to the weekend we will also be working with schools to encourage budding scientists to take part and join in.

Getting involved

Techniquest will be contacting eligible schools over the coming weeks to give them the opportunity to secure their place at this very special event.

Visit the Techniquest website to find out more and to be one of the first to know when the general admission tickets for the weekend are released.

Top image:  Credit: National Oceanography Centre

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