👩‍🎓👩‍🔬 UCD PhD candidate and RTÉ 10 Things to Know About Presenter Amy Hassett on the importance of #ScienceWeek: "It's a great opportunity to showcase some of the fantastic research that is happening around the country, but also to show how science can and does influence our day-to-day lives. I also think it's great from the perspective of planning for the future." In addition to her TV presenting, Amy has been studying at UCD College of Science: "I've been in college for the last ten years (fingers crossed I'll finish soon!), first doing a Degree in science, then a Master's in neuroscience and now a PhD in Marine Science/ Neuroscience." "I've enjoyed every bit of it so far, but I have really enjoyed branching out into more science communication-orientated things in the last few years. Now I want to stay in science but move into stuff that involves getting the public involved in science - citizen science and things like that!"

🧑‍🔬🏅 Warmest congratulations to Assistant Professor Mark Pickering, who has been announced by The Royal Microscopical Society as this year’s recipient of its Chris Hawes Outreach and Education Award in recognition of his contributions to public outreach and education. One of the oldest learned societies for promoting microscopy, the Royal Microscopical Society, awarded Dr Pickering the prestigious prize at its AGM earlier this month. After receiving the award, the UCD School Of Medicine academic said he was “genuinely proud” of the work he and his team had done and would continue to do to remove barriers to “scientific exploration and seeding new communities of discovery.” “It's my name on the award, but I just represent a small part of a bigger team effort,” added Dr Pickering. Created in honour of the late Professor Chris Hawes, former President of the RMS, for his contributions to the Society and work on showcasing to the public the many benefits of microscopy, the RMS’ Outreach and Education Award is given annually to those seen as keen advocates for science and microscopy as a whole, and who’ve inspired people to take a keener interest in the subject. A neuroscientist, microscopist and educator at the UCD School of Medicine, Dr Pickering’s main area of research is focused on understanding the factors underpinning the structure and function of the nervous systems. Alongside his research activities at UCD, public and community engagement and involvement in science are cornerstones of his work. By not only informing and engaging the broader community about science but also empowering them to become active participants in the process of science themselves, he aims to democratise the process of discovery.