The most interactive RDS Science Live series was launched this week at the RDS Concert Hall, Ballsbridge, Dublin.

Until November 19, the 2007 Science Live series, which is designed to devise interesting ways of bringing 'science to life,' will include 20 hands-on, fun-filled demonstration lectures for primary and secondary school students and their teachers.

Last year, Science Live demonstration lectures travelled to 13 counties around the country and two locations in the UK and were enjoyed by over 12,000 students. This year thirteen bursaries totalling ¤15,216 were awarded to inspire science educators to find creative ways to encourage young people to see science as exciting and fun. As a result, students from all over the country are getting ready to undertake everything from becoming mini forensic detectives to building their very own weather measuring instruments!

Now in its eighth year the RDS Science Live programme has continued to develop and improve and will this year officially contribute toward Step 4 of the Discover Primary Science 'Award of Science Excellence' scheme.

Taking science out of the classroom and into everyday life is just one way that the RDS hopes to encourage a lifelong enthusiasm for science amongst students so that they may eventually consider a career in science, technology or engineering. The development of these unique demonstration lectures is only made possible through the generous bursaries awarded annually by the Society with the support of the Discover Science and Engineering programme.

The RDS, founded in 1731, continues to fulfill its commitment to advancing agriculture, arts, industry and science. The coordination of the annual RDS Science Live series is part of the RDS Foundation's Science programme and encourage young people to see science as provoking, challenging and fun.