Public asked to inspire scientific research
Wednesday, 30 Apr 2008 00:01
Researchers want to work with 'everyday experts'
Science In Focus
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University researchers are turning to the public in the north-east of England to help them come up with fresh scientific ideas.
Scientists at the universities of Durham and Newcastle want to hear from 'everyday experts' to inspire new thinking on ideas around ageing, vitality, energy and the environment.
No formal training in these areas is necessary for the four-year Beacon project, just "valuable life experience".
"The idea is to make universities more open to learning from local people's own life experiences as workers, patients or carers," said Beacon project director Dr Tom Wakeford.
"They bring a fresh perspective and will often ask better questions than academics. It's important to include them in decisions about where our research needs to be heading in the future."
One of the areas in the spotlight will be climate change.
"The challenge is how to use energy more efficiently, minimise pollution and use depleting resources more effectively," Michael Pennington, Durham University's director of educational outreach explained.
"While technology will help, people from all walks of life have a role to play, bringing their views on wind power, nuclear waste, transport and communications.
"Only by pooling experience and expertise will we devise new ways to meet these challenges and open new horizons that will continue to improve our quality of life for generations to come."
People wanting to get involved with the Beacon project should contact beacon@ncl.ac.uk before May 27th.