Science Learning Centre North East is pleased to announce its 2008 Christmas Lecture series for children.

This year we have Dr Anthony Hilton, Senior Lecturer and Director of Biology / Biomedical Sciences at Aston University.

Following a PhD in molecular microbiology from the University of Birmingham, Dr Hilton remained at the University as lecturer in food microbiology in the Institute of Public & Environmental Health for five years before moving to Aston University in 2000. At Aston, Dr Hilton works on foodborne pathogens including other important clinical bacteria such as MRSA. He is currently honorary general secretary of the society for applied microbiology and has held several journal editorial positions. Through his work with the science media centre and liaison with the media directly, Dr Hilton is a regular contributor to print and broadcast articles in the field of microbiology. He recently featured in an eight part BBC Three series, ‘Grime Scene Investigation’ taking a huge mobile laboratory to visit members of the public in their homes and reveal the microbial world living in, on and around them. Dr Hilton is a passionate communicator and keen to engage younger students in microbiology.

This year, Anthony will be delivering his “An unwanted guest for dinner” show to schools across the region in November.

This hour long lecture, aimed at children in years 6 & 7, will incorporate a mixture of demonstration and audience participation in experiments to reveal the hidden world of microorganisms.  The lecture will be complimented by film clips from the BBC TV series ‘Grime Scene Investigation’.  The running theme of food safety will be used to teach the importance of storing, cooking, cleaning and preventing cross-contamination when preparing food and to highlight the role of bacteria in causing foodborne disease and how this can be prevented.

Anthony will be giving his lecture at the following venues:

Sanofi Aventis, Alnwick
Tuesday 25 November at 10.30am and 1.30pm

Johnson Matthey, specialist chemicals company in Billingham, Teesside www.jmcatalysts.com
Wednesday 26 November at 10.30am and 1.30pm

Science Learning Centre North East , Pity Me, Durham
Thursday 27 November at 10.30am and 1.30pm

Procter and Gamble, Longbenton
Friday 28 November at 10.30am and 1.30pm

The lectures are free but places are limited to 30 children per school. For further information or to book your place, please email Claire Willis, Teacher Scientist Network Coordinator on claire.willis@durham.ac.uk or telephone 0191 3706215. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Hazard Identification Sheets

Hazard Identification Sheets for all venues can be downloaded below:
Johnson Matthey
Science Learning Centre North East

Acknowledgements

Science Learning Centre North East kindly acknowledges the contribution of the following organizations in supporting the Christmas Lecture Series 2008.