Meet the Moderators
Suzanne Radford is the award-winning host of Dubai Today. The show brings listeners people, places and personal stories from the heart of the city, tackling relationship issues, talking psychology, exploring diversity and sharing cross cultural stories with the city’s experts.
John MacDonald is the erudite host of Talking of Books which is a weekly review show that showcases some of Dubai’s most intrepid readers. From new releases to chats with local and international authors, this is a must-listen for any bibliophile.
Will Jones has always been intrigued by science in general and outer space in particular. He is a certified secondary school instructor in English, Mathematics and Science subjects. He has two Masters degrees and is now the Academic Dean for SBS Swiss Business School, an an amateur astronomer and an avid science fiction fan.
Meet the Panellists
Panel Discussions Details
Science, Wonder, and Awe
Moderator: John MacDonald (Host, Talking of Books, Dubai Eye Radio)
Panel: Kevin Russell (Executive Director, Serious Wonder) Rohan Roberts (Director, SciFest Dubai) , Majid Al Qassimi (Founder, The MENA Scientist), Adam Griffin (Occupational Therapist)
Description: Technology is growing at an exponential rate. Everything around is a product of science and the scientific method. Join the panelists as they discuss what makes science amazing and why it’s important to be scientifically literate in the 21st century age of information.
Date and Time: Sunday 4th October, 12:30pm - 1:45pm
Astronomy and the Marvels of Space
Moderator: Will Jones (Academic Dean, SBS Swiss Business School)
Panel: Nidhal Guessoum (Prof. of Astrophysics, American University of Sharjah), Hasan Al Hariri (Founder, Dubai Astronomy Group), Keith Colby (Astronomer, Right Eye Astronomy), Saeed Al Gergawi (UAE Mars Mission)
Description: Space is the final frontier. There are more stars in the universe than there are grains of sand in all the deserts and beaches of our planet. Astronomy has been described as a humbling and character-building experience. Join the panelists as they discuss the wonders and marvels of the universe and what makes Astronomy such an exciting field of study.
Date and Time: Friday 9th October, 4:00pm-4:45pm
Science Fiction Science Fact
Moderator: Will Jones (Academic Dean, SBS Swiss Business School)
Panel: Aspen Aman (Media Consultant), Heidi Frost (Organiser, Dubai Writers’ Group), Julian Wilcock (Consultant, Innoventures Education), Noura Al Nouman (Science Fiction Author)
Description: Science fiction often explores the potential consequences of scientific and other innovations, and has been called a "literature of ideas." Join the panelists as they discuss their favourite Science Fiction authors, why they like to read science fiction, and talk about the impact of science fiction on science fact.
Date and Time: Friday 9th October, 5:00pm-5:45pm
STEM Education STEAM Education
Moderator: Suzanne Radford (Host, Dubai Today, Dubai Eye Radio)
Panel: Chris McDermott (Principal, GEMS Education), Samantha Steed (Principal, Innoventures Education), Ean Alleyne, (Education Manager, Taleem Education), James Mullan (Founder, Which School Advisor)
Description: We’re all familiar with the acronym STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics. Persuasive research seems to indicate that one way of ensuring this is to integrate skills, strategies, and activities from the Arts into the teaching of STEM subjects. The idea is to move from STEM to STEAM. Join the panelists as they discuss the future of education and the importance of encouraging creativity, critical thinking, innovation, and entrepreneurship through STEAM education.
Date and Time: Friday 9th October, 6:00pm-6:45pm