Ireland’s first ‘Science Studio’ opens in University College Cork today offering a new educational resource for students, teachers and lovers of science.
Science students from primary school pupils to post-graduates will have the opportunity to watch lab work remotely and participate in virtual reality demonstrations, as the €400,000 studio opens in UCC during Science Week.
“Think ‘Masterchef for Science’,” states Dr Eric Moore of UCC’s College of Science, Engineering, and Food Science.
“Instead of baking cakes or cooking delicious dinners we can now do live experiments ranging from Chemistry, Biology, Food Science and Engineering.
“The facility will have smart cameras integrated throughout the room, in the fumehood, biosafety cabinet, laminar flow hood, and ceilings. This means the audience will have several camera view options available to them, thus offering an interactive experience,” he said.
Based in UCC’s Kane Building, the Science Studio is a fully functioning science laboratory, and is equipped with the latest audio-visual technology including 4K definition cameras embedded in the ceilings and walls of the sound proofed room. The smart device-driven Science Studio will have the capability to create premium video content for the TikTok generation and t is envisaged that the space will provide outreach opportunities to Primary and Secondary School teachers, as well as educating UCC’s STEM students.
The development of the studio was supported by Pillar 3 of the Higher Education Authority’s Human Capital Initiative, and was led by Dr Eric Moore.
Among the features of the studio are:
- Fully functional smart recording capability through the studio using multiple 4K resolution cameras
- Reduced background noise with soundproofing measures in place
- A flexible workstation in centre of the laboratory
- A wheelchair accessible bench space
The Science Studio will be a transformative space that will enable UCC staff, researchers and students to film live experiments, helping to broaden participation in STEM, while showcasing the university’s research in new and innovative ways.
