Event: Ministers taking questions on Science and Innovation, 28 January 2009

10 Downing Street's Twitter account reports that:

How can science & innovation build a better Britain? Ministers taking your questions for panel debate Weds. Tweet q's to @sciencesowhat

To send in your questions, use (or sign up for) a free Twitter account and post a message beginning with @sciencesowhat followed by your question, eg:

@sciencesowhat My question?

Twitter messages must be no more than 140 characters long, including the "@sciencesowhat". And while you are there, remember that the R&D Society has a Twitter account - be sure to follow us for latest news.

Opportunity: I'm a Scientist, Get me out of Here!

I’m a Scientist, Get me out of Here! is an online event for GCSE and A Level students, which gets young people talking to real scientists, learning about How Science Works (HSW) and science careers.

During the event, five scientists in each group compete for prize money to publicise their work. They put up information on the I’m a Scientist website and talk to school students online – answering questions and having live chats. The young people then vote for who they think should get the money.

Following a successful pilot project, I'm a Scientist... will run again in March and June 2009. They are looking for scientists to take part, talking to school students and developing their communication skills. Scientists are welcome to register their interest on the project website, which has full details of the role and requirements of the participating scientists.

Opportunity: NERC Peer Review College, c/d 9 January 2009

NERC, the UK Government funding adgency for the natural and environmental sciences, is inviting nominations for membership to its affiliate Peer Review College to help review funding proposals. ‘Affiliate’ membership will be of interest to those individuals who use the results of research, commission or oversee research activities or undertake policy-making, business or regulatory activities. Affiliate members provide an important user perspective on the value and benefits of knowledge exchange (KE) activities, the aim of which is to encourage collaboration and interaction between research organisations and those who make use of research outcomes. Affiliate members will also have a key role in assessing the newly introduced KE plans for responsive mode applications. The closing date for nominations is 9 January 2009. Further information on the Peer Review College, and a nomination form, is on the NERC website.

Opportunity: Expert Group for Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), c/d 5 January 2009

New members are sought to join an Expert Group for Women in STEM which reports to the Government's Department for Innovation, Universities and skills (DIUS). The Group advises the Government on developments and strategy for women in STEM. The Group advises, participates and initiates activities to achieve a supportive workplace across all STEM employment areas (industry, government, NGOs academia and education).

Applications are welcomed from those in the STEM field and the wider science community with an interest in gender and diversity issues. Membership to the group is unpaid, although reasonable travel expenses for attending meetings will be reimbursed. The closing date for applications is Monday 5 January 2009. See the full advertisement for how to apply.