Star turn for Oldham students

Brian Cox — talk to students

Brian Cox — talk to students OLDHAM youngsters will be have their head in the stars at an interactive lecture by Professor Brian Cox on Wednesday.

Students from Oldham Academy North and North Chadderton High School will be among 500 children from the North-West attending his Star Lecture at Manchester University.

The Chadderton-born pop star-turned physicist will talk about his passion for science and focus on key GCSE topics.

Pupils will also get a chance to ask questions.

Prof Cox said: “I am greatly looking forward to the Star Lecture — it is always a real delight to talk to schoolchildren who are so passionate and inquisitive about science.

“Last year’s event was one I enjoyed immensely and I am looking forward to the reception and the questions they will ask.

“I believe this is the best possible way for youngsters to learn about the universe around them.

“In fact, this is how I first became interested in space — listening to people like Patrick Moore when I was a teenager really inspired me and gave me the drive to get where I am today.”

The former Hulme Grammar School pupil studied at Manchester University where he is an academic in the school of physics and astronomy.

A member of 1990s pop band D:REAM, Prof Cox also works on the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, the scientific research centre in Geneva.

He is the star of the BBC TV series Wonders of the Universe and Wonders of the Solar System and hosted Stargazing Live at the university’s Jodrell Bank observatory — a show watched by more than 10 million viewers over three consecutive nights.

The lecture will be recorded and made available on the university’s website, allowing thousands more pupils to see it.

Julian Skyrme, head of student recruitment, said: “Enthusing the next generation about science is a key goal for the university and there is no member of our staff more suitable to do this than Professor Cox.

“Brian has a huge profile among young people and we expect him to have an inspirational effect on many who will get to hear him speak.”