Derek Shirlaw

In July 2009, I began a secondment to the University of Strathclyde as a Public Engagement Champion, tasked with helping to establish and support the activities of the West of Scotland OPEN (Outreach and Public Engagement Network) project.

Previously, I built up over two years experience as a Senior Science Communicator at the internationally renowned Glasgow Science Centre.

What did being an SSC mean? Well, I got to make Science exciting; explaining simple and more complex concepts to people of all ages in ways that allow them to understand the World around them.

I hosted workshops and labs that facilitated learning through fun; I even got to be a puppet-master - teaching younger children about the Science of force through the highly visual and amazingly entertaining medium of a puppet show.

Just as rewarding as that was the task of training others to do the same. I was involved in developing new projects and making sure that what we do is inspiring, exciting and lot's of fun!

So, I've set up this website to share some more Science with the World - hope you enjoy it!

10 Common Science Questions And Their Answers!

"10 Common Science Questions And Their Answers"
Credits: © www.freedigitalphotos.net

Why is the sky blue?

Why do bees buzz?

In a recent UK poll, four out of five adults hinted that they were baffled by the seemingly simple science questions asked by their kids! So, here are 10 commonly asked science questions and their answers!

10 Scottish Scientists who changed the World!

"10 Scottish Scientists who changed the world!"
Credits: © www.derekshirlaw.co.uk

Scotland has been a hotbed of research and discovery in the Sciences, Mathematics, Engineering and Technology over the centuries.

The Scottish Enlightenment during the 18th century, in particular, saw a huge number of scientific revelations, advances and achievements taking place as a result of investments in education, a flourishing economy and an optimistic Worldview following the Act of Union in 1707.

Here are just 10 brief overviews of the most famous Scottish Scientists who made huge leaps forward in their fields and have undeniably helped shape the World we now live in. Hopefully, they’ll provide inspiration to future generations of young Scots looking to leave their mark in the history books too.