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
This week, the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) announced plans for a free public event “Archwiliwch ein planed – Explore our planet“ in partnership with the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) and Techniquest, Cardiff.
The event, will be from 18–20 October, based at Techniquest, additionally with a research ship available for the public to visit in Cardiff Bay. 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. “Archwiliwch ein planed – Explore our planet” will include free, ticketed access to Techniquest – the Cardiff based science discovery centre: focused on exploring the world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics for schools, families and adult visitors.
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 Archwiliwch ein planed – Explore our planet event will give everyone an opportunity to take a look and get involved, meeting the scientists that are delivering this research and learning about how we can live sustainably on planet Earth.”
One of the world’s top oceanographic institutions, the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) will be bringing RRS James Cook to Cardiff as part of the science event. “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” said Dr John Siddorn, NOC CEO. “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.”
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.”
Techniquest will be contacting eligible schools over the coming weeks to give them the opportunity to secure their place at this very special event.
Members of the public can sign up to the Techniquest e-newsletter via their website at techniquest.org to find out more, and to be one of the first to know when the general admission tickets for the weekend are released.