'Masterchef for science': New science studio opens at UCC

A €400,000 science studio, equipped with 4k smart cameras, will enable University College Cork to host shows and virtual reality demonstrations.

“Think Masterchef for science,” said Dr Eric Moore of the College of Science, Engineering and Food Science as the new facility opened.

Dr Moore led the development of the project, which was funded under Pillar 3 of the Higher Education Authority’s Human Capital Initiative.

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

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

Based in UCC’s Kane Building, the science studio is a laboratory equipped with the latest audio-visual technology, including 4K-definition cameras embedded in the ceilings and walls of the soundproofed room.

The smart-device-driven studio will be able to create premium video content for the TikTok generation and the space will provide outreach opportunities to primary and secondary school teachers, as well as being part of the education of UCC’s STEM students.

UCC president, Professor John O’Halloran, thanked the HEA for their support in developing the studio, which is the first of its kind in Ireland. He said it will “revolutionise how students are taught science in 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,” he said.

The head of the College of Science, Engineering and Food Science, Dr Sarah Culloty, said the facility offered an inclusive educational environment in the heart of the campus.

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

HEA head of skills and engagement Dr Vivienne Patterson said it was always rewarding to see “how innovative and collaborative” the Human Capital Initiative Pillar 3 projects are.