Museum of Science and Industry

A top Iraqi biologist will demonstrate innovative methods of growing plants during a family workshop at MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry, Manchester), as part of a programme of activities this weekend at the Museum for Refugee Week.

Dr Nouri Baker, an expert in the study of plants and plant disease, and a former lecturer at the University of Baghdad, will show how recycled cans and bottles can be used to grow plants. Dr Baker and his family fled Iraq in 2007 after his son was killed by insurgents. After a stay in Jordan he was sent to the UK as part of a UN resettlement programme and is now working as a volunteer at the University of Manchester's Faculty of Life Science.

Dr Baker said: "When one of your family is assassinated, everyone is targeted. We left our house and our possessions. We suffered a lot. A lot of my colleagues have been killed and many are refugees; some are still in Iraq. I am now happily settled here in Britain now with my family but my main problem now is that I do not have a job."

Dr Baker will conduct the workshop on Saturday morning with the University of Manchester and Refugee Action. There is also a textile workshop and a special costumed character performance of 'The Long Road from Naples', which highlights the history of the development of Manchester's Italian quarter in Ancoats.

Dr Baker was assisted by Gateway resettlements workers from the charity Refugee Action during his first 12 months in the UK.

Tim Hilton, the area manager of Refugee Action in Manchester, said: ""Refugee Week celebrates the contribution of refugees to the UK and offers the chance for British-born people and refugees to meet and get to know each other. We are delighted that MOSI is putting on such an interesting and informative event and that Dr Baker has been invited to share his skills as a biologist."

Refugee Week runs from 14-20 June. MOSI has activities on 19-20 June. Meet the Scientists - Refugee Special is held from 10.30am-12 noon and 12.10 - 1.40pm on 19 June. FREE tickets must be collected prior to the sessions from the Information Desk at MOSI. For more details look up /whats-on/refugee-week

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