By Hollie Tufnell, first year, Zoology
Still looking for a society to join? Interested in learning something new? Check out this handpicked selection of scitech-themed societies!
The University of Bristol is renowned for its scientific and technological research. In September, researchers from the University helped develop a new type of vaccination for the mosquito-borne virus Chikungunya via synthetic protein engineering. Just recently, the University led a team of international scientists who published an article in Nature describing the biotic recovery of marine ecosystems after the last mass extinction. With that in mind, it may be worth mentioning some of the science and technology societies available here at the University.
Bristol Space Exploration Society (SEDS)
"Bristol SEDS is the society for all Students who are interested in all forms of Space Exploration, are interested in a career in the Space Industry, or simply enjoy working with fellow space enthusiasts on some incredibly rewarding technical projects. As the Bristol branch of UKSEDS, we represent all students who have an interest and enthusiasm for Space. The society is open to everyone from the Uni with a diverse range of courses represented. All are welcome to join, from undergrads to seasoned PhDs. Bristol SEDS has a long history of successful and technically impressive projects. Highlights include the design and fabrication of a Lunar Rover design for a competition run by UKSEDS, and a pair of model rockets including scientific payloads. For 2019, the committee has a fantastic year planned, kicking off with Water Rocket construction and the latest edition of our long-running CanSat design competition. We also have hosted talks on space related topics, as well as collective viewings of launches such as the Falcon Heavy in 2018."
- Bristol SEDS Vice President, Luke McClure.
How to get involved:
A year’s membership for SEDS cost’s £5. They can be found on Facebook and Instagram.
The Bristol University Research Society (BURS)
“The Bristol University Research Society (BURS) was initially set up for STEM undergraduates - with an interest in research - to meet with PhD students and discuss recent publications. We have since developed into a society for all students with two goals in mind: Bridging the gap between UoB's research, staff, and students and developing UoB's community of researchers. We predominantly focus on organising lectures and panel discussions which promote interdisciplinary research. For example, our main event in 2018/19 was a panel discussion titled ‘AI & Society’ featuring Professor James Ladyman, Dr Carl Ek and Dr Miranda Mowbray - whose backgrounds range from philosophy of science to big data ethics to probabilistic machine learning.
Like any other society, BURS is a place for like-minded students to meet and pursue something together; in our case, for students who are interested in research or thinking of pursuing a career in academia”
- Bristol University Research Society President, Kheeran Naidu.
How to get involved:
Gain access to valuable seminars and reading groups for free with BURS via a year’s membership on the Student Union website. Find BURS on Facebook and Instagram.
Bristol Women in STEM
“Women in STEM is a society founded by students in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematic departments of the University. Motivated by their own experiences, Women in STEM society are passionate and enthusiastic to promote more diversity and equality in the STEM disciplines.
Women only make up 14.4% of professionals in STEM industries and that figure is mirrored in the composition of many STEM courses at the University. It can be very isolating for female and non-binary students who arrive at University to commence on a course in which they are highly underrepresented.
Women in STEM aim to support and encourage all intersections of women and non-binary people in STEM to continue their career in academia. We do this through a diverse range of events and programs including: Socials, networking events, outreach in schools, mentoring programs, talks, panels, and skills workshops.
All genders are welcome to join this society. Raising awareness amongst male peers is paramount to achieving a welcoming environment for females and non-binary students in the immediate future and in working towards equality within STEM disciplines long term. Most importantly membership is FREE! With events happening, you’d be crazy not to get involved”
- Women in STEM President, Flora Jobson.
How to get involved
Membership for Women in STEM is free. Therefore, there is no excuse not to head over to the Student Union website and grab yourself a membership. You can also connect with Women in STEM on Facebook and Instagram.
Featured image: Epigram / Bristol SEDS
Have a scitech society you love? Tell us about it!
