26th October 2007

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The University’s Step Up initiative has launched its annual Science Lecture Series for GCSE Step Up students.

The series includes a full programme of lectures run in conjunction with a wide range of activities aimed at promoting interest in the study of science among pre-GCSE pupils. 

Professor John McCloskey, an international expert on earthquake research, from the School of Environmental Sciences, kicked-off the series with a presentation on his role in identifying areas at risk from major earthquakes and forecasting the occurrence of Tsunamis across the world.  

He outlined the events that led to his team of researchers being thrown into the media spotlight when they uniquely predicted, in March 2005, that a large quake would occur in the Sumatra region of the Indian Ocean, ten days before it struck.

Professor Geoff McMullan, from the School of Biomedical Sciences, will deliver the next Step Up lecture on Thursday 08 November at the University’s Coleraine campus.

He will explore the topic of Extremophiles, micro-organisms capable of flourishing in conditions that destroy most forms of life, and a barely tapped biological resource. 

Dr Damian O’Kane, Director of the Step-Up programme said: “We are delighted to have someone as inspirational as Professor McCloskey to launch our engagement activities for Step-Up schools in Belfast and Londonderry. The series of activities proved extremely popular last year and had an immediate effect with all schools reporting an increased interest in science subjects among their pupils. We are confident that the coming year will see similar results.” 

Step Up is an innovative science- based programme, which aims to provide opportunities for talented young people who would not have traditionally considered studying at higher education institutions. The programme has been operating successfully for eight years and works in partnership with schools, government agencies, hospitals and local industry. 

Full details of the program can be obtained by contacting the Step Up office in Coleraine on: 70323199 or email p.kane@ulster.ac.uk.

For further information, please contact:

Trina Porter
Telephone: 028 71675511
Email: Trina Porter