News

939genp37, congratulations! During every event we ask the scientists and moderators to nominate their top student — one who’s made the most of the event, shown enthusiasm and asked some really great questions. 939genp37 from Colaiste Pobail Setanta was nominated by the scientists for “asking good questions and for following up contact afterwards”, which included “is there a way to trick our brain into changing our DNA structure, or how some cells work?” and “is there a way to change the human DNA structure, if there is a problem with a person?” As the student winner, 939genp37 will receive a certificate and a gift voucher. Well done to 939genp37, and to everyone who took part. There were so many interesting questions, and comments, but there could only be one winner in each zone. PS: YOU now have the power to say which scientists and engineers take part next time — click … Continue reading →

Students! Did you do your profile survey? Check your email for a chance to win a £20 voucher and tell us what you think now! What an amazing experience this has been! To be chosen as the winner of the Genes Zone has been the perfect end to the most exciting two weeks! I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who have played a role. First, thank you to all of the students in the Genes Zones, who play the most important role in this event. Thanks to all of the hilarious moderators and organisers at I’m a Scientist Ireland who ran everything like a well-oiled machine and who are clearly the pros at science outreach. I would also like to thank the Wellcome Trust and Science Foundation Ireland for funding this amazing event. Thank you to the teachers in each of the Genes Zone schools. I’m … Continue reading →

Fiana Ní Ghrálaigh Congratulations! The students chose Fiana Ní Ghrálaigh as the Genes Zone winner! It’s been a fantastic two weeks and we want to say a huge THANK YOU to all scientists who took part.

Log in between 12 and 3pm today, for another chance to talk to the scientists in the Genes Zone.

The open live chat is a chance for you to ask your final questions, and for the scientists still in the running to win your VOTEs! To take part, just log in and head to the CHAT page from 12pm.

At 3pm, we’ll announce the winner live in the chat! Continue reading →

Oliver Feeney The votes were counted and recounted, but the result is in – Oliver, it’s game over for you! Which means our three finalists are Remsha Afzal, Lisa Dwane and Fiana Ní Ghrálaigh. They’ll be battling it out tomorrow to win your VOTE for the €500 prize money. What would they do with the money if they won? Remsha would: help organise a ‘Lab safari’ where students from all over Ireland could come and experience the world of research! Lisa would: donate the money to the Science Gallery in Trinity College Dublin. Fiana would: buy fun equipment to bring with us to our demonstrations and engagement events to help me to explain the work that we do. Who do you want to see crowned winner? Every VOTE counts!

Kieran Meade

Sorry Kieran, you’re out of the running for the prize! Kieran can keep answering questions and joining in the live chats, but they won’t be going home with the €500.

Who will be evicted tomorrow? It’s up to you!

VOTE every day for your favourite scientist and keep them in the competition to win the prize money. Continue reading →

Log in between 7 and 8pm for another chance to talk to the scientists in the Genes Zone!

Continue asking your brilliant questions in this special after-school live chat. Just log in and head to the CHAT page from 7pm!

Why not introduce your friends and family to the scientists you’ve been talking with in school? You can even ask them to pose their own question about immune cells, antibiotics, animal poo and more… Continue reading →

David O Neill

The students have spoken. David will still be able to answer questions and take part in live chats, but can’t win that prize money of €500.

There will be a new scientist being evicted each day this week, so make sure to VOTE every day for your favourite and keep them in the competition. Continue reading →

I’m a Scientist, Get me out of here! is back this November. Between the 5th and the 16th, students at 11 schools will be putting their questions to 6 scientists in the Genes Zone. For the latest news and announcements about the event find us on Twitter, @imascientist, and follow the hashtag, #IASIE. The Genes Zone is supported by Wellcome. Remsha Afzal | PhD Student, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland I do loads of lab experiments to understand the workings of a very special type of immune cell, called the macrophage, so we can use it to treat a horrible disease called ‘multiple sclerosis’, where a person’s own immune cells are going crazy! Oliver Feeney | Lecturer, National University of Ireland (Galway). My work explores the ethical, legal, social and political impact that new genetic technologies might have in the future, such as genome-editing and human enhancement. Lisa Dwane | Postdoctoral, … Continue reading →