UCC lab is like 'MasterChef' for science to attract TikTok generation 

The €400,000 science studio enables filming and recording of live science experiments, broadcasting of remote classes, and staging of virtual reality science lessons

Greeshma Alakkandy, Keith Hurney, Fredriciz Myagudi, Edel Whelton, Kenneth Cooke, and Emma O’Sullivan Carroll in UCC’s new science studio. Picture: Daragh McSweeney/Provision

It is like the MasterChef set but for science — University College Cork (UCC) has opened a new science studio to help to connect with the TikTok generation, the first studio of its kind in the country.

The new €400,000, fully functioning science lab features several 4K definition smart cameras mounted in the ceiling and soundproofed walls to enable the filming and recording of live science experiments, the broadcasting of remote classes, and the staging of virtual reality science lessons.

It also features a flexible workstation in the centre of the lab and wheelchair-accessible bench space.

The new education resource in UCC’s Kane Building will be available to students from primary to third level, for teachers and lovers of science in general.

The lab will provide outreach opportunities to primary and secondary school teachers, as well as educating UCC’s Stem students.

UCC’s research students will also be encouraged to use the studio to create bespoke 60- to 90-second videos of their research, to showcase the university’s research fields and to inspire an interest in science in the TikTok generation.

The brainchild of Eric Moore of UCC’s College of Science, Engineering, and Food Science, the science studio project was supported under a special funding programme in the Higher Education Authority’s (HEA) Human Capital Initiative.

“Think MasterChef for science,” said Mr Moore.

“Instead of baking cakes or cooking delicious dinners we can now do live experiments ranging from chemistry, biology, food science, and engineering.

“The facility will have smart cameras integrated throughout the room, in the fumehood, biosafety cabinet, laminar flow hood, and ceilings.

“This means the audience will have several camera view options available to them, offering an interactive experience.”

'Inclusive' education

UCC president John O’Halloran thanked the HEA for supporting the first of its kind facility in Ireland which he said will help to revolutionise how students are taught Stem subjects at UCC.

“Projects like this can advance the inclusion agenda in our universities, helping to widen participation in Stem and prepare our graduates to be industry-ready,” said Prof O’Halloran.

UCC’s College of Science, Engineering, and Food Science head Sarah Culloty said the new science studio offers an inclusive and accessible educational environment for their students in the heart of UCC’s campus.

“It provides exciting opportunities for innovation in teaching and learning, while also enhancing our research offering,” said Prof Culloty.

HEA head of skills and engagement Vivienne Patterson said it is always very rewarding to see how the authority’s investment is being put to such good use.

“The HEA is delighted to see another ‘first’ in the form of UCC’s science studio and we wish Dr Eric Moore and all the staff and students the best in the new facility,” said Ms Patterson.

“The virtual nature of this development means it will be hugely beneficial beyond its walls, and will be a welcome addition to our work of increasing supply of enterprise-focused skills and talent.”