PROFESSOR Brian Cox OBE will visit the Isle of Man next month to offer his unique insight into the wonders of the universe to Island students.
The British particle physicist and popular BBC TV presenter has helped bring science to a wider and younger audience thanks to his ability to simplify complex theories.
During his visit to the Island Professor Cox will present to secondary school children at the Royal Hall in the Villa Marina on Wednesday, July 6.
He will also hold a question and answer session before being joined on stage by members of the NASA team who crewed the historic final mission of the space shuttle Discovery.
Chief Minister Tony Brown MHK said: "To have Professor Cox and the NASA astronauts sharing the Villa Marina stage is a real coup for the Isle of Man and an occasion that will no doubt live long in the memories of our students.
"These people are in great demand throughout the world so it is a privilege to welcome them to the Island. I'm sure their tremendous knowledge and infectious enthusiasm for space and science will prove truly inspirational for our young people."
Professor Cox is a professor at the University of Manchester and has worked on the Large Hadron Collider at CERN (The European Organisation for Nuclear Research). He was awarded an OBE in the Queen's 2010 Birthday Honours for services to science.
Eddie Teare MHK, Minister for the Department of Education and Children, said: "Wherever he speaks Professor Cox holds audiences spellbound and we hope he will really bring science alive for the hundreds of young people fortunate enough to get the chance to attend this event.
"To see him on stage with NASA astronauts who have been into space will be a once in a lifetime experience for students."
Secondary school students with an interest in space and science who have already finished their academic year (those in Years 11 and 13) have the opportunity to attend the event at the Villa Marina. They, along with students at the Isle of Man College and those who are home schooled, may apply for a place by contacting MeShell Berry on 693830 or MeShell.Berry@gov.im
