Throughout 2006: Europe-wide
Competition: Marine photography

By sharing the enthusiasm of scientific discovery and the beauty of the sea, Marine Genomics Europe wishes to raise awareness among European citizens of the value of science and the need to protect our marine heritage. In a photography competition, underwater images will be publicly exhibited during 2006 in a travelling exhibition at aquaria, museums and schools. Schools, science museums and others are invited to host the exhibition.

More information: www.marine-genomics-europe.org
Contact: Michele Barbier (barbier@sb-roscoff.fr)

24-25 November 2006: Gläsernes Labor, Berlin-Buch, Germany
Workshop: Genlabor & Schule III

Genlabor & Schule is a network of learning laboratories for the molecular life sciences in Germany, coordinated by the German Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (GBM). Science teachers, research scientists and representatives of learned societies, governments, companies and foundations are invited to attend.

Participation costs 30€, with a discount for members of the GMB or representatives of NaT-working projects.

More information: www.genlabor-schule.de
Contact: Jörg Maxton-Küchenmeister (maxton@gbm-online.de)

22 November 2006, 9 am and 11am: San Lazzaro di Savena (BO), Italy
School event: Women in Science - Science at School

On her Italian tour, Rossella Palomba, researcher at the Italian National Research Council and ambassador for equal opportunities in science, will meet higher secondary-school students, to stimulate their interest in scientific careers.

More information: www.lascienzainpiazza.it or www.irpps.cnr.it/diva

22 November 2006: Technopolis, Mechelen, Belgium
Training course: TOP Day

All teachers who teach technology to 12- to 13-year-olds are invited to attend a day of workshops, information sessions and a fair of education materials to provide practical information to be used in the classroom.

Currently, all the planned activities are in Dutch, but if there is sufficient interest, this can be changed.

More information: www.technopolis.be

21 November 2006, 6pm: San Lazzaro di Savena (BO), Italy
Science cocktail: Women in Science and Technology

At this science cocktail, Rossella Palomba, researcher at the Italian National Research Council and ambassador for equal opportunities in science, will discuss about gender problems linked to scientific carriers.

More information: www.lascienzainpiazza.it

18 November 2006: Leuven University, Belgium
Conference: Flemish Congress for Science Teachers

The Flemish Society of Science Teachers invites Dutch-speaking science teachers to join them for a conference of workshops and lectures on teaching biology, physics and chemistry. As the number of participants is limited to 700, early registration is advisable.

More information: www.velewe.be

15 November 2006: Catalonia, Spain
School event: Science Day at School

As part of Science Week (10-19 November), one hundred scientific researchers will visit secondary schools to talk about being a scientist, share their expertise and answer questions.

More information (in Catalan): www.setmanaciencia.org

15 November 2006: Homburg, Germany
Job fair: Rund um Biowissenschaften (All about the biological sciences)

Of interest to German-speaking school students is the 'Rund um Biowissenschaften' job fair, which provides information about all careers and job opportunities in the biological sciences.

More information: www.biopher.de

7-10 November 2006, 11am and 1pm: Glasgow Science Centre, Scotland, UK
Workshop: React!

An open-ended investigative workshop using chemical reactions and teamwork to create surprising results!

More information: www.glasgowsciencecentre.org

7-10 November 2006, 10 and 11am, 12, 1 and 2pm: Glasgow Science Centre, Scotland, UK
Workshop: Chemical capers

Let your pupils see how much fun they can have studying chemistry in this interactive workshop.  Experience fire writing, outrageous ooze, ‘dynamite soap’,  ‘electric writing’ and much more.  Activity sheets and CD resources included. The session is delivered by Development to Update School Chemistry (DUSC).

More information: www.glasgowsciencecentre.org

9 November 2006: Oxford, UK
Conference: Making Science a Priority in Schools

This conference, run by The Oxford Trust, will explore how schools can encourage students to study science after the age of 16, and whether there is a valuable role for local industry and delivery organisations such as The Oxford Trust/SETPOINT in helping schools to meet new targets in this area. The goal of the conference is to bring schools, research organisations and companies together to develop some practical outcomes in the form of innovative programmes that can be piloted with Oxfordshire schools.

Contact: Bridget Holligan (bridget.holligan@oxtrust.org.uk)

8 November 2006, 4.15-6-30pm: Glasgow Science Centre, Scotland, UK
Workshop: Chemical Capers

Presented in association with Development to Update School Chemistry, this workshop is aimed mainly at supporting physicists and biologists but also new (and not so young) chemists. It allows teachers a chance to see some novel demonstrations and try some unusual experiments including fire writing, outrageous ooze, 'dynamite soap' and piezo rockets. Pupil activity sheets and take-home CD resources included. Cost: £10 plus VAT.

More information: www.glasgowsciencecentre.org

26 October - 7 November 2006: Genoa, Italy
Science festival: Genoa Science Festival

For the Genoa Science Festival, the whole city – the squares and the historical buildings, the harbour and the theatres – will be the stage for over 250 events, to discover the most fascinating and innovative scientific research and its connections with our daily life. The festival offers a wide range of conferences, interdisciplinary meetings and round tables with international scholars, interactive exhibitions, play-and-learn laboratories, musical, theatrical and cinema performances and shows.

Highlights for the teaching community include:

• Wonders: an international project to exchange scientific dissemination activities between Italy and Norway, organised by the European Science Events Association (EUSEA). Experience the depths of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, test simple and playful laboratory experiments for children, and listen to musical extracts of Ibsen's works.
• The Rays of Light: aimed at teenager and younger children, but also teachers and science communicators, this exhibition is mixture of a laboratory and a scientific museum to investigate phenomena associated with light and various materials.
• Factory of Numbers: an exhibition asking 'What are numbers?', 'How many kinds of numbers are there?' 'Who invented them?', and 'Why?'.
• The Wonders of Science: an exhibition to take the visitor on a journey of discovery through matter and materials, exploring their structures, properties and behaviours.
• Matefitness: a maths laboratory to 'train the brain', experience games, experiments and interactive activities at various levels - and above all, have fun.

More information: www.festivalscienza.it

3-4 November 2006: EMBL Heidelberg, Germany
Conference: 7th EMBL/EMBO joint conference: Genes, Brain/Mind and Behaviour

This conference will consider the current – and future – uses of new neurological knowledge and technologies. What are the consequences when biochemical solutions to behavioural problems such as depression, addiction, or eating disorders take precedence over attempts to repair the social environment or defective inter-personal relations? How do we avert the risk of psychopharmacology being abused for neurochemical enhancement?

Although new knowledge coming out of the neurosciences has an enormous potential benefit, treating or manipulating the mind also has important social, legal and bioethical implications. These are some of the main issues that will form the basis of this conference.

More information: www.embl.de/aboutus/sciencesociety/conferences/2006/scope06.html
Contact: Halldor Stefansson (halldor.stefansson@embl.de) or Andrew Moore (andrew.moore@embo.org)

2 November 2006: Glasgow Science Centre, Scotland, UK
Workshop: Materials from Earth

This course, developed and presented by Scottish Earth Science Education Forum and Earth Science Education Unit, consists of morning and afternoon workshops. Both workshops include teacher resource packs, a free rock kit and maps. Cost: £10 half-day / £18 full-day (incl. lunch) + VAT.

• Morning: 'Science Through the Window' investigates the science of atmosphere, soil, weather, erosion and landscape, and considers the gases of the atmosphere, some of their uses and looks at soil formation, weathering and erosion.
• Afternoon: 'Scotland's Journey, The Story of the Earth's Rocks and Internal Structure' consists of activities for learning about the internal structure of the Earth and the formation of the three main rock types.

More information: www.glasgowsciencecentre.org

1 November 2006 4:15pm - 6:30pm: Glasgow Science Centre, Scotland, UK
Training course: Earth in Space

Boost your confidence in this often difficult-to-teach subject: Earth in space. Experience the night sky with expert astronomers in the ScottishPower Planetarium; visualise what it's like to work and live in space in a 3D IMAX film, Space Station 3D. Cost: £10 plus VAT.

More information: www.glasgowsciencecentre.org

18 October 2006, 6pm: Techniquest, Cardiff Bay, Wales, UK
Public discussion: The Stem Cell Debate

Could stem cells be a 'wonder cure'? Why are embryos used as a source of stem cells? What impact could stem cell research and therapies have on our society?

In this public discussion, experts will discuss the potential uses of stem cells, the possible medical concerns, the ethics surrounding in stem cell
research and the possible impact that stem cell research could have on our society. Speakers: Prof Sir Martin Evans (Cardiff University), Dr Nick Allen (Cardiff University) and Dr Christine Hauskeller, (ESRC Centre for Genomics in Society, University of Exeter).

The event is free, but registration is necessary.

Contact: Claudine Anderson (AndersonCN@cardiff.ac.uk)

16 October 2006: Birmingham, UK
Training course: Motivating the Disaffected in Science

This new course views learning from the pupil's perspective and seeks engaging solutions to motivate and inspire adolescents to succeed in science. Pop culture, movies and games can all be applied in new teaching and learning approaches. This course will share outcomes from classroom-trialled activities and recent research findings to provide participants with immediate ideas for the classroom.

More information: www.slcs.ac.uk/wm
Contact: enquiries@slcwm.keele.ac.uk

12-14 October 2006: Europa Park Rust, near Freiburg, Germany
Science festival: Science Days

Young would-be-scientists are invited to join exciting experiments, workshops, hands-on activities and science shows. Over 100 scientific organisations (from research, industry and education) present a range of activities to communicate science in a fun and playful way.

Cost: 5€. The events on Thursday and Friday (12-13 October) are particularly aimed at school students. School classes are advised to book in advance.

More information: www.science-days.de

9 October 2006: University Louis Pasteur, Strasbourg, France
School event: Kids University

200 Alsatian pupils and their teachers are invited to become students for the day at the Kids University, initiated by the League of European Research Universities (LERU). Children take part in a conference, practical work, a museum visit and have contact with researchers, introducing them to scientific research through the theme of the climate.

More information: http://science-ouverte.u-strasbg.fr/KUSweb

4-6 October 2006: EMBL Heidelberg, Germany
Training course: ELLS LearningLAB: Challenging Molecules

The European Learning Laboratory for the Life Sciences (ELLS) is an education facility to bring secondary school teachers into the research lab for a unique hands-on encounter with state-of-the-art molecular biology techniques. ELLS also gives scientists a chance to work with teachers, helping to bridge the widening gap between research and schools.

The 3-day course is designed to enable the participant teachers to:

• Learn why and how scientists study specific molecules with state-of-the-art techniques
• Perform experiments side by side with scientists to learn the 'tricks of the trade'
• Get familiar with teaching kits and educational games that present modern concepts and techniques of molecular biology in a proactive approach.

The programme includes:

• Seminars by top EMBL scientists
• Hands-on experiments on DNA and protein technologies
• High-tech demonstrations (crystal structure analysis, real time imaging, electron microscopy)
• Interactive educational activities.

The course is open to 15 European high-school science teachers and is run in English. The course, including course materials and catering, is free of charge; participants are expected to meet their own travel and accommodation costs. The registration deadline is 22 September 2006.

More information: www.embl.de/ells
Contact: ells@embl.de

4 October 2006: Keele, UK
Training course: Learning Skills in Science

This training course aims to:

• Enhance learning skills for science among secondary school students
• Provide teachers with resources that can be easily integrated into a variety of scientific subjects
• Design flexible teaching and learning tasks suitable for different levels of students and a variety of learning styles.

More information: www.slcs.ac.uk/wm
Contact: enquiries@slcwm.keele.ac.uk

1 October 2006: Germany
Competition: Deadline for German Science on Stage applications

The Science on Stage programme offers European science teachers the chance to exchange successful and innovative teaching methods and materials. The deadline for German teachers to submit applications to take part in this European science teaching festival (2-7 April 2007 in Grenoble, France) is 1 October 2006.

More information: www.science-on-stage.de
Contact: info@science-on-stage.de

10 May - 30 September 2006: worldwide
Competition: Plus New Writers Award - bring mathematics to life

Plus magazine is launching the Plus New Writers Award to find the people who can bring mathematics to life. Published online and free of charge, Plus is an award-winning magazine about mathematics which is aimed at the general public. Its articles by top mathematicians and science writers provide a window into the world of mathematics with all its beauty and applications, and cover fields as diverse as art, medicine, cosmology and sport.

The competition is open to new writers of any age and from any background who can explain a mathematical topic or application they think the public needs to know about. There are two categories of entrants: secondary school students and the general public. The winning entries will be read by an international audience of over 100 000 in the December issue of Plus, and the prize pool includes an iPod. The closing date is 30 September 2006.

More information: http://plus.maths.org/competition

22-24 September 2006: Wolfsburg, Germany
Conference: Teaching Science in Europe

At the European 'Teaching Science in Europe' conference, Science on Stage Deutschland e.V. (SonSD) will present a publication with teaching materials, elaborated by teachers from 15 different countries. European science teachers are invited from Friday 22 September at 6.30pm until Sunday 24 September 2006 at 3pm to the science centre phaeno in Wolfsburg, Germany (1 hour from Berlin and Hannover).

The conference is also the kick-off-meeting for the continuation of our process and we would welcome your participation. The new working groups will deal with the following topics:

• Science in kindergarten and primary school
• Self-evaluation of teachers
• Interdisciplinary teaching (scientific and non-scientific subjects)

The registration deadline is 22 August 2006. For European participants, the costs of the conference, accommodation and food will be covered by Science on Stage Deutschland e.V.

More information: www.science-on-stage.de
Contact and registration: conference@science-on-stage.de

15 May - 15 September 2006: worldwide
Have your say: bioethics public consultation

The Nuffield Council on Bioethics, UK, has launched a consultation on the ethical dilemmas related to public health, such as the difficulties in balancing individual choice and community benefit. It is interested in the views of young people, so please encourage your students to have their say.

A consultation paper provides background information and asks questions in the context of five case studies: infectious diseases, obesity, smoking, alcohol, and the supplementation of food and water. For example:

• Are there cases where the vaccination of children against the wishes of their parents could be justified?
• Would measures such as forced quarantine, which helped to control the outbreak of SARS in Asia, be acceptable in countries such as the UK?
• What are the roles and obligations of parents, schools, school-food providers and the government in tackling childhood obesity?
• Should people who smoke or drink excessively be entitled to fewer resources from the public healthcare system, or should they be asked for increased contributions?
• Fortification of foodstuffs such as flour and margarine has been accepted for some time. Why does the fluoridation of water meet with such resistance?

You might decide to pick one topic for a lesson – the consultation paper includes lots of information to use with a class. Your students' views will certainly be heard, as all responses will be considered by the Nuffield Council. The deadline for responses is 15 September 2006.

More information: www.nuffieldbioethics.org

Until 15 September: European Union
Development Youth Prize

Sixteen- to 18-year-old school students in the European Union are invited to apply for the Development Youth Prize by entering a piece of artwork (photo, poster or multimedia presentation) accompanied by a short message or caption. The topic of the 2006 competition is Africa, and applications should apply to one or more of the following themes: education, health or environment. The text may be in any of the official EU languages, but a version should be included in either English, French or German. All entries must be associated with a school or recognised youth organisation.

More information: www.dyp2006.org

4-9 September 2006: Braga, Portugal
3rd International Conference on Hands-on Science

The 3rd International Conference and Symposium on Hands-on Science offers those involved in science education an opportunity to exchange experience on syllabus and policy matters, social factors and the learning of science, and other issues related to science education, concentrating on the increased use of hands-on experiments in the classroom.

The contact seminar, ‘Building bridges: Towards an Improved Science Education’, will promote the discussion and preparation of new Comenius 1 and Comenius 2 school projects.

More information: www.hsci.info/hsci2006/index.html
Contact: sasa.divjak@fri.uni-lj.si

8 September 2006: Universität Kassel, Germany
Englischsprachiger Biologieunterricht an deutschen Schulen (English-language biology lessons in German schools)

Biology teachers who teach in English are invited to a free workshop organised by the Verband deutscher Biologen and the Hessian Vereinigung für bilinguale Schulen. English-language teaching materials will be developed in small working groups and presented to all participants. Teachers from outside Germany are warmly welcome.

More information: www.vdbiol.de
Contact: Matthias Bohn (mbohnde@aol.com)

6-29 August 2006: XLAB, University of Göttingen, Germany
4th International Science Camp

The 4th International Science Camp for high-school students and first-year university students from all over the world offers courses in biology, chemistry and physics. The courses are taught by scientists from the University and other research organisations in Göttingen. At weekends and in the evenings, XLAB will arrange a cultural and social programme led by experienced teachers. The two-week camp costs 1500 €, all inclusive.

More information: www.xlab-goettingen.de

20-25 August 2006: University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
GIREP Conference

GIREP conferences aim to bring together physicists, physics educators and physics teachers from all levels of education around issues in physics education and physics education research. The biannual conferences have grown out to major events with over 300 participants from all continents except Antarctica.

The theme of this year’s conference is 'modelling in physics and physics education' and guides the morning lecture sessions and some workshops. The parallel paper, poster, symposium, and workshop sessions may focus on other themes in physics education such as physics curriculum, laboratory, equipment, teacher education and professional development, assessment, and use of ICT in physics education, and teaching physics for engineering or medicine.

More information: www.girep2006.nl
Contact: Ton Ellermeijer (ellermei@science.uva.nl) or Ed van den Berg (eberg@science.uva.nl)

16 July - 5 August 2006: Tremesek, Czech Republic
Astronomical Youth Camp 2006

Every year the International Astronomical Youth Camps brings together from all over Europe 60 young participants with a strong interest in astronomy. Typically more than 20 countries are represented in the camp.

Over three weeks, the participants work on their own astronomical project, with a team of young scientists to help and guide them. The theme of the project depends entirely on the participants own interests. And at night there is plenty of time to enjoy the night sky and practice and share observational skills with the other participants. Activities such as games and sports are organised as a part of the non-astronomical programme.

Since this is an international camp, the language of communication is English. Anyone between 16 and 24 years old able to communicate in English can apply. The participation fee (including accommodation with all meals) is 450€; a limited number of grants are available.

More information: www.iayc.org/next_camp.php
Contact: info@iayc.org

20 April - 30 July 2006: Genoa, Italy
MateFitness: Arena of Mathematics

The first Arena of Mathematics allows students and the public of all the ages to discover to how useful and amusing mathematics is and how important in daily life. Visitors can get involved through games, experiments and many other interactive activities.

More information: www.matefitness.it

17 July 2006 11:30-13:00: Forum am Deutschen Museum, Munich, Germany
Webcast: Take a trip to the frontiers of science!

Are Europeans feeling more and more disconnected with science and technology? This interactive webcast will directly connect an audience of students in Munich with young scientists working at the cutting edge of research. The scientists are working on some of the most exciting large-scale experiments and they are able to outline the cutting edge research they are doing in terms that are suitable for our target audience (from particle physics to fusion research, space exploration to molecular biology, astronomy to probing the very heart of matter).

Students will have the opportunity to discuss with researchers what some of their daily tasks are, how they got to work at one of the world largest research organisations and what made them choose a scientific career thus enabling them to catch an exciting glimpse of science in practice. The event will be held in German and entry is free.

More information: www.esof2006.org

15-21 July 2006: Munich, Germany
German national science week (Wissenschaftssommer)

For this week, almost everything in Munich will revolve around science. Laboratories and institutes will be open to the public during the Lange Nacht der Wissenschaften (The Long Night of Sciences), exhibitions will display intersections between science and art, while current issues and research discoveries will be discussed in symposia, talk-shows and cultural events.

This year, the Wissenschaftssommer and ESOF 06 will happen at the same time in Munich – a perfect excuse to visit the Bavarian capital.

More information: www.wissenschaft-im-dialog.de
Contact: info@w-i-d.de

15-19 July 2006: Forum am Deutschen Museum and the Deutsches Museum, Munich, Germany
Euroscience Open Forum (ESOF) 2006

ESOF brings together all groups involved in scientific endeavour, including researchers, policy-makers, representatives of industrial research and development, science journalists and the general public. It fosters debate about science and society, presents science and the humanities at the cutting edge and stimulates scientific awareness. The programme will include hands-on experiments.

This year, ESOF and the German national science week (Wissenschaftssommer) will be happening at the same time in Munich – a perfect excuse to visit the Bavarian capital.

More information: www.esof2006.org
Contact: siemin.beyersdorf@w-i-d.de

11-14 July 2006: Natural History Museum, London, UK
Student Summit 2006: Climate Change

Climate change is the big issue hitting the headlines. But how do you separate fact from fiction? This special four-day Student Summit will tease out the truth and debate the possible solutions with a line-up of impressive speakers.

Let your students get involved in the debate and represent their peers in this crucial forum. Let them put questions to heavyweights such as the government’s chief scientific advisor Sir David King, co-founder of Forum for the Future and eminent writer Jonathon Porritt, Minister of State (Climate Change and Environment) Elliot Morley, and Deputy Mayor of London, Nicky Gavron. Climate change is happening now, so its time to get talking.

More information: www.nhm.ac.uk/education/activities/school-activities/student-summit

7 July 2006: Natural History Museum, London, UK
Cutting-edge Plant Science for Post-16: using DNA fingerprinting and PCR to study conservation and biodiversity

This is an opportunity to take part in a workshop designed to support the delivery of the plant science and ecology component of the UK post-16 biology curriculum.

You will have the opportunity to to try out practical investigations incorporating modern molecular biology techniques that are designed for practical classroom use. These investigations will be carried out using the context of evolution and conservation. There will be an opportunity to access the learning resources of the Natural History Museum and interact with world-class scientists actively engaged in plant science research.

The course is led by Science and Plants for Schools, lasts one day and costs £100.

More information: www.sciencelearningcentres.org.uk/london/
Contact: e.newall@nhm.ac.uk

5 July 2006: Friends House, London, UK
AS Science for Public Understanding Teachers Conference

This day, organised by The Nuffield Foundation, is primarily for teachers of AS Science for Public Understanding but may be of wider interest.

There will be a chance to explore resources for Science for Public Understanding and hear about this summer's examination papers, as well as see and comment on the Nuffield Foundation's proposal for an A level in Science for Public Understanding. There will also be the opportunity to meet other Science for Public Understanding teachers and share ideas and experience informally.

More information: www.scpub.org/news/spu-teachers-conference-in-july,929,NS.html

3-8 July 2006: Santa Cruz de La Palma, Spain
10th EAAE Summer School

The European Association for Astronomy Education is the first all-European network for teachers interested in astronomy. The EAAE organises a summer school each year to offer teachers access to specific research, new educational materials and methods, and the chance to exchange experiences.

This summer school is open to all teachers who work in primary and secondary schools in European countries, and will be held close to Santa Cruz de la Palma on the Canary Islands, Spain. The preliminary theme of this summer school is ‘Astronomy in Canary Islands: practical activities for schools’. During the week, around a hundred European teachers will attend general lectures, working groups, workshops and observational sessions.

More information: www.eaae-astro.org
Contact: ros@mat.upc.es

3-8 July 2006: Alicante, Spain
Astronomy Summer School

This 10th astronomy summer school, sponsored by Caja de Ahorros del
Mediterráneo, and organised by the Centre for Environmental Education, CEFIRE (teacher training centre) and the ISSUE project, offers teachers the
opportunity to improve their knowledge of astronomy.

For the first time, the school will be opened to teachers from other European countries: 5 teachers from all Europe can join the programme. See the Xplora portal for details of joining.

More information (in Spanish): http://intercentres.cult.gva.es/cefire/03402231/astronomia.htm

3-6 July 2006: Royal Society, London, UK
Summer Science Exhibition

The Summer Science Exhibition offers a fantastic opportunity to discover the best of the UK's science and technology research. With exhibits from all over the UK visitors will get the chance to meet and talk to the researchers themselves who are behind the work on show.

More information: www.royalsoc.ac.uk/exhibition.asp?id=3504

30 June 2006: Natural History Museum, London, UK
Inspirational Plant Science for Post-16: using plants to solve crimes

This is an opportunity to take part in a workshop designed to support the delivery of the plant science and microbiology component of UK post-16 biology curriculum.

The workshop will illustrate how to teach students good microscope skills in a fun way. You will undertake a forensic scenario using pollen samples from a crime scene and from various suspects. There will also be an opportunity to access the learning resources of the Natural History Museum and interact with world-class scientists actively engaged in plant science research.

The course is delivered by Science and Plants for Schools, lasts half a day and costs £50.

More information: www.sciencelearningcentres.org.uk/london/
Contact: e.newall@nhm.ac.uk

26-28 June 2006: Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
ELLS LearningLAB

The European Learning Laboratory for the Life Sciences (ELLS) is an education facility to bring secondary school teachers into the research lab for a unique hands-on encounter with state-of-the-art molecular biology techniques. ELLS also gives scientists a chance to work with teachers, helping to bridge the widening gap between research and schools.

The course will cover the following hot topics: sequencing of the human genome and applications in biomedicine; stem-cell technology and applications; new and re-emerging pathogens (resistance to antibiotics and antiviral drugs; a need for new antimicrobial drugs). Teachers are invited to join this Greek-language workshop.

More information: www.embl.de/ells
Contact: ells@embl.de

15-18 June 2006: CERN, Geneva, Switzerland
Xplora Science Teachers' Conference

This conference will focus on open source and ICT in science education, science teaching approaches, the role of science centres in education and more. Several European science centres and science/ICT organisations will present their activities for enhancing and promoting science teaching at schools. Workshops will cover practical activities for science teachers.

Science teachers from all around Europe are welcome. The deadline for registration is 31 May 2006 and the conference fee is 160€, including accommodation. Xplora will select some teachers to attend the conference for free.

More information: www.xplora.org
Contact: karl.sarnow@eun.org or laura.massoli@eun.org

12-14 June 2006: EMBL Heidelberg, Germany
ELLS LearningLAB

The European Learning Laboratory for the Life Sciences (ELLS) is an education facility to bring secondary school teachers into the research lab for a unique hands-on encounter with state-of-the-art molecular biology techniques. ELLS also gives scientists a chance to work with teachers, helping to bridge the widening gap between research and schools. Teachers are invited to join this workshop (theme to be arranged; the working language will be English).

More information: www.embl.de/ells
Contact: ells@embl.de

19 May 2006: Oberhausen, Germany
 ‘Innovative Technologies Move Europe’ closing presentation

In September 2005, Lenord and Bauer and Science on Stage Deutschland e.V. started the European project ‘Innovative Technologies Move Europe’. Teachers and pupils from Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and the Czech Republic work in teams to create innovative projects. The final projects will be presented in English at the closing session in Oberhausen, Germany. No registration is necessary.

More information: www.science-on-stage.de
Contact: info@science-on-stage.de

17 May 2006: Communication Centre of the German Cancer Research Centre, Heidelberg, Germany
2nd Symposium for Pupils of the Initiative Youth and Science

The Initiative Youth and Science cooperates with industry, research institutions, universities and schools to establish a network of out-of-school activities for young, talented pupils. This symposium offers school students the chance to present activities in the life sciences and technology, to get in touch with scientists and to learn about nanotechnology in a series of presentations.

More information: www.explo-heidelberg.de/aktion/lernlabor/Schuelerforum2.htm
Contact: wendt@explo-heidelberg.de

11-13 May 2006: EMBL Heidelberg, Germany
From School to University: EMBO’s 5th international workshop on secondary school biology education

This workshop focuses on the critical transition from secondary school to university. It will include scientific talks and an exhibition of education resources, as well as hands-on practical experiments organised by the European Learning Laboratory for the Life Sciences. Based on the presentations and discussions, a report will be produced for circulation to policy-makers throughout Europe.

Practising biology teachers, academic scientists, policy-makers, ministry representatives and those involved in designing curricula, creating initiatives for modernising teaching and developing resources for the classroom are welcome.

More information: www.embo.org/scisoc/education.html
Contact: scisoc@embo.org

5-7 May 2006: Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Science Festival: Science for All, Happiness for Everyone

The Science Festival has the following objectives:

• Recognising the creativity of students and teachers
• Sharing good practice in science teaching
• Integrating science into the community
• Public access to scientific activities developed in schools

More information: www.scienceonstage.net and www.isjcj.ro
Contact: festivalul2006@yahoo.co.uk

SkyWatch 2006 Astronomy contest

Teachers and students are invited to design lesson plans using unique astronomical archives from the DSpace Library and to implement them in the classroom. The 10 best projects will be invited to present at the Xplora Science Teachers' Conference at CERN from 15-18 June 2006. Travel costs and accommodation for the winners will be covered. Deadline for submissions (first phase): 28 April 2006

More information: www.discoveryspace.net/skywatch2006
Contact: sotiriou@qplan.gr

26 April 2006: Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
GMO as Natural Evolution of Agricultural Productivity

CusMiBio, the Centro Università di Milano Scuola per la diffusione delle bioscienze, invite high-school teachers and students to join a discussion on agricultural productivity and modern technologies for generating genetically modified organisms. The discussion will take place at 3pm in room 403, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan. Invited speaker: Prof. Maurizio Cocucci, University of Milan.

More information: www.cusmibio.unimi.it
Contact: anna.cartisano@istruzione.it or cinisa@tiscali.it

3-4 April 2006: Manchester Conference Centre, UK
Science for all: is Public Engagement Engaging the Public?

Delegates are invited from all sectors, disciplines and communities to join the Engaging Science Conference, organised by the Wellcome Trust. Those interested in public engagement practice, the arts, science, communications, social inclusion, education, public debate or policy will have the opportunity to meet and consider how we can reach out to all sectors of society.

More information: www.wellcome.ac.uk/node6235.html
Contact: conferences@wellcome.ac.uk

3-4 April 2006: EMBL Grenoble, France
ELLS LearningLAB: Explorer les molecules: de la structure a la fonction

The European Learning Laboratory for the Life Sciences (ELLS) is an education facility to bring secondary school teachers into the research lab for a unique hands-on encounter with state-of-the-art molecular biology techniques. ELLS also gives scientists a chance to work with teachers, helping to bridge the widening gap between research and schools. Teachers are invited to join this workshop on the structure and function of biological molecules (in French).

More information: www.embl.de/ells
Contact: ells@embl.de

---

If you organise events or competitions that would be of interest to European science teachers and you would like to see them mentioned in Science in School, please email details, including date, location, title, abstract, price, language, registration deadline, website and contact email address to editor@scienceinschool.org.