Videos from 2007 Lecture Series
To celebrate Science Week 2007 Discover Science & Engineering in association with Women in Technology and Science (WITS) and the Royal Irish Academy brought together some leading scientists during Science Week.
The lecture series was free to the general public and was aimed at improving the level of understanding of the role that science and engineering play in our everyday lives.
A number of inventors, technologists and scientists from various walks of life explored the science behind everyday items, from soccer boots to cosmetics, as well as discussing popular topics such as space travel and forensics in order to bring science to life in an interesting way.
Video Trailer
Watch a three-minute trailer of the Lecture Series for a flavour
of the exciting topics discussed during the week.
A link to the full video of each lecture is provided below.
The Science Behind the Football Boot
Craig Johnston – Inventor of the Adidas Predator and ex Liverpool soccer player
As a midfielder for Liverpool FC in the 1980s, Craig Johnston analysed how the design of the team’s boots could be improved to enhance the players’ control of the ball. After retiring from professional football, he became head of innovation at Adidas and developed the Predator, now the world’s best selling boot worn by David Beckham and Jonny Wilkinson.
Science and Space Travel
Joe Edwards Jr – Former NASA astronaut
Joe Edwards Jr was selected as a NASA pilot astronaut in 1994, in the 15th group of astronauts. He piloted the last American crewmember to the Russian Mir space station and flew the closest flying maneuvers ever attempted around an orbiting space station in the history of manned space flight in the orbiter Endeavour. Joe is also a graduate of the Navy Fighter Weapons School (Topgun) and a former Chairman of the Board of the National Science Center, a science, mathematics and engineering educational organisation created by the U.S. Congress.
The Science of Beauty
Industry Panel Discussion
- Dr Raniero De Stasio, Scientific Director, L´Oréal UK
- Dr Chris Gummer, Sense about Science
- Ms Vanessa Hyde, Quality Assurance Director, Shandon Clinic
This event brings together some leading scientists in the field of cosmetic science to reveal the effort that goes into developing cosmetic products. Not many people realise how much science underpins the cosmetics industry and the many different types of scientists who work on creating innovative and beneficial products.
To discover more about the science behind the cosmetic products you use every day, join us for our lecture and panel discussion with industry experts on the Science of Beauty.
Dr Raniero De Stasio is scientific director of L´Oréal UK. In 1985, he graduated in biology from the University of Rome and then went on to receive a doctorate (PhD) in microbiology and virology from Indiana University. He has worked in the cosmetics sector since 1989 with particular interest in the regulatory, safety and technical aspects of the industry.
After 21 years as a senior technologist with Procter & Gamble research and development, Dr Chris Gummer established his own consultancy. He is regularly consulted on a wide range of areas (including dermatology, detergents, pet care and nutrition) due to his extensive experience with some of the world's leading consumer brands.
Vanessa Hyde is quality assurance manager at Shandon Clinic with years of experience in testing medicines and beauty products. The Shandon Clinic is an independent clinical research organisation based in Cork. After foundation as a clinical pharmacology unit in 1990, they have a broad range of expertise in pharmacokinetics, including bioequivalence testing; single-centre out-patient studies; skin sensitivity and soft tissue studies.
Science of Forensic Investigation
Dr Sheila Willis – Director of the Forensic Science Laboratory
Dr. Sheila Willis is Director of the Forensic Science Laboratory, a position she has held since 2002. Prior to that, she was Deputy Director and Head of the Chemistry Section. She completed her undergraduate degree in UCD where she also carried out her PhD research on organometallic chemistry under the supervision of Professor A.R. Manning. She was recently chair of the European Academy of Forensic Science and has been active in the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes since its inception.
