'Life on Mars' at the University of Surrey
Monday 15 December 2008
The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) has just sponsored their seventh Annual Christmas Lecture for schools and colleges at the University of Surrey. The theme was ‘Is there life on Mars?’ and the full-house lecture drew an appreciative audience of young and old alike. This joint venture between the University’s Educational Liaison Centre (ELC) and the IET was also illustrated by a prototype Mars Rover exhibited by a supporting team from EADS Astrium Ltd.
The presenter, Dr Ian Crawford, Senior Lecturer in Planetary Science at Birkbeck College and Geophysical Secretary of the Royal Astronomical Society, is an expert on astronomy, astrobiology and space exploration and his talk was illustrated by stunning photos and movie clips that enthralled the audience. He explained that the planet had once had ample water and could well have mirrored Earth by developing micro-organisms before it lost its atmosphere and any remaining surface water.
Both the University of Surrey and the IET are strongly committed to working with schools and colleges in order to raise the profile of science and engineering among the next generation. The Surrey IET branch wants to enthuse people of all ages and show that engineering is an enthralling subject that can lead to a range of hugely enjoyable and challenging careers. Brian Stratford, Director of Educational Liaison at the University, was delighted with the Christmas Lecture. He said “It was clear from the variety of questions put by the youngsters that the topic had fired their imagination. We are grateful to the IET for their sponsorship of this annual event and we are already planning for the 2009 Christmas Lecture.”
Media Enquiries
Peter La, Press Office at the University of Surrey, Tel: +44 (0)1483 689191, or Email mediarelations@surrey.ac.uk
