Two researchers who use the world’s deadliest animal to spark pupils’ interest in biology have won the University’s annual award for outstanding science communication. Drs Aidan O’Donnell and Petra Schneider, both of the School of Biological Sciences, have been awarded the Tam Dalyell Prize for Excellence in Engaging the Public with Science.They were recognised for developing a science engagement programme based on their research using mosquitoes, which are responsible for more deaths than any other animal worldwide.The resources let school pupils experience being a scientist and can also help improve teachers’ confidence in teaching STEM subjects.They are aimed principally at rural schools with limited access to universities or scientists, providing hands-on activities supported by professional learning for teachers and resource boxes. Parasite experts Drs Aidan O’Donnell and Petra Schneider are members of Professor Sarah Reece’s lab in the Institute of Ecology and Evolution.The team carries out research to uncover the strategies that different parasites – including those that cause malaria – have evolved to cope with the challenges and opportunities of their lifestyle. I'm always excited to talk about our science, but the enjoyment that teachers and pupils alike show when getting the opportunity to do hands-on experiments is the best! Dr Petra Schneider Institute of Ecology and Evolution Former rector The Tam Dalyell Prize was first awarded in 2008. It is named in honour of Dr Tam Dalyell, the politician and enthusiastic science communicator who wrote a weekly New Scientist column for 36 years.Dr Dalyell, who died in 2007, was Rector of the University from 2003 to 2006. We are so proud to receive the Tam Dalyell prize in recognition of our public engagement work. Visiting schools has been so much fun and the instant feedback you get from students has been a great motivator to continue on with a career in science. Our job is actually pretty cool (and a bit mad). Dr Aidan O'Donnell Institute of Ecology and Evolution Related Links Tam Dalyell Prize - Free Prize Lecture - Sunday 6th April 2025Petra SchneiderAidan O'Donnell Publication date 03 Apr, 2025
