The School of Biosciences was delighted to welcome Professor Alice Roberts, the new Professor of Public Engagement in Science, to present at the Bioscience Graduate Research School (BGRS) Symposium 2012. In a crowded lecture theatre Professor Roberts delivered her captivating talk on the misconceptions and misinterpretations of human evolution from palaeoanthropological evidence, which was well received and understood by all attendees.
She also spoke about her long involvement with the BBC and gave a fascinating insight into some of the programs she has been involved with. Subsequent to the inevitable barrage of questions that followed her talk, Professor Roberts took time to examine the research posters being presented in the undercroft of the School of Biosciences.
The BGRS Symposium is run annually by the Biosciences Graduate School Committee (BGSC) to give all those involved with the BGRS an opportunity to present their research to their peers within the department in the form of both short talks and poster presentations. Talks are run over two days providing the school’s Doctoral Researchers with the opportunity to practice their presenting skills. All talks and posters are assessed and prizes are up for grabs for the best students in both the short talks and posters.
This year’s winners are:
- 1st prizes for talks: Chibuzor Uchea, Ian Cadby
- 2nd prizes for talks: Megan Coombs, Andrew Josh Lilly
- Poster: Elizabeth Haining
Each year a guest speaker is chosen by the BGSC to speak at the symposium, and the guest lecture is always an eagerly anticipated and well attended event. Speakers provide a fascinating and user-friendly insight into their research, as well as talking about their career in science. Professor Alice Roberts was no exception and the BGRS would like to thank her for supporting us and the University of Birmingham.
On Wednesday 18th April 2012, Professor Roberts presented “Wild Swimming” on BBC4, which is available to watch on BBC iPlayer until 25th April.