First Minister bowled over by community science event

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was bowled over by a community science event organised by Glasgow Caledonian University.

The Glasgow Southside MSP took part in an experiment to measure the speed of a cricket ball at Meet the Researcher, held in the Gorbals, which offered school pupils the chance to meet university researchers and learn about science.

Representatives from voluntary, third sector and social enterprise groups attended the fun day, alongside children from Holy Cross Primary in Govanhill.

The event served as a preview for GCU Community Science Day, which will take place tomorrow, Saturday 16 June, in the Barn Youth and Community Centre, and is open to all members of the public.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP said: "This is a brilliant initiative and shows the importance of the work carried out by universities to our daily lives.

“Science impacts on every single area of our lives. We need more young people to want to grow up to be the scientists and researchers of the future."

Professor Cam Donaldson, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research at GCU, said: “This event is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the contribution Glasgow Caledonian University’s research makes to our communities.

“It’s all about encouraging young people to become involved in science and research. We need to stimulate that interest.”

GCU Community Science Day will include a host of fun science-related games and activities for all the family and is part of Glasgow Science Festival.

Visitors will be able to road-test a mobile video game designed to improve health and wellbeing, learn how to build a virus using germ blocks, see the science behind renewable energy via a mini-wind turbine and robotic car, and sample insect burgers from a bug barbecue.

Scientists will also explain the inner workings of the human arm, how memory works, and show the average length of a sneeze through a series of exhibits, from 12pm to 3pm.