COLUMN: Out and about

An incomplete and rather random guide to forthcoming events.

We may not quite be experiencing the `barbeque' summer promised by the MET office, but there are a few events to tempt science writers away from the charred sausages and warm white wine over the coming months.

Of course, I expect you're all going to the World Conference of Science Journalists (30th June to 2nd July). I'll be wandering round with a recorder, making podcasts on behalf of the Naked Scientists, so do say hello.

In case you're still around after the conference, the Summer Science Exhibition 2009 is on at the Royal Society from 30th June until 4th July. With more than 20 exhibits from scientists working at the cutting edge, this will be a great source of stories from fluorescent fish to space missions.

Writers with an interest in acoustics should bend their ears towards the inaugural meeting of the Acoustics Public Engagement Network, on Thursday 16th July at UCL on Gower Street. More details are available from Dr Steve Dorney.

Political animals in the ABSW's membership might be interested in the Association of Medical Research Charities' Public Affairs workshop, on 25th June at the British Psychological Society in London. Billed as a "crash course in parliamentary literacy", the workshop is aimed at anyone working in - or interested in - policy and public affairs. And you may even learn how to fiddle your expenses while you're at it. Find out more from the AMRC website.

That's all for now - I wouldn't want to keep you from the sausages. How do they manage to be simultaneously undercooked AND overcooked?

Kat Arney
Vice Chair, ABSW

Please send details of upcoming events to us at TSR and also let us know if you'd like to write it up after attending.