MyScience.ie

The RDS is now looking for potential applicants to apply for for this year’s RDS Science Work Placement. The placement is open to applications from current students/graduates of the MSc Science Communication in DCU or any other suitably qualified individuals. The work placement will see the student work on the RDS Science Writers’ Competition and RDS Science Events.

The annual RDS Young Science Writers’ Competition was first launched in 1992 to promote science communication amongst secondary school students and to encourage them to conduct their own piece of research and report on it. All compositions will be in either short story or science report format. This year’s Competition has just been launched with the closing date for final submissions being Friday, April 23, 2010. Winners will be announced in September. The placement student will be primarily concerned with the initial evaluation and assessment of approximately 300 science compositions. This will involve:

• Creating and establishing a database of entries;
• Reading and assessing all entries;
• Developing and maintaining an evaluation document on each entry in order to facilitate
  selection and short listing;
• Web-based research on the content of many of the essays to verify facts and figures that may be contained in the compositions;
• Liaison with the Science Executive and or judging panel.

In addition to the above main task, there will be an opportunity for the placement student to become involved in the running of RDS Science Foundation events that will take place during their placement. These events, organised in association with The Irish Times, are evening lectures geared towards a general audience. The topics covered include immunology and science communication.

If interested, please submit a cover letter and CV to Michele@rds.ie or post to Michele Collins, Royal Dublin Society, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. Closing Date: Wednesday, 7 April 2010. Further information about the RDS can be found by clicking here.