Museum of Science and Industry

A scientist who is manufacturing the smell of space in his laboratory, visited a school in Salford today as part of an education programme in schools throughout Greater Manchester, ahead of the Manchester Science Festival.

Steve Pearce, a chemist who runs Omega Ingredients near Ipswich, is currently working to simulate the smell of space in his laboratory, to help train NASA astronauts for their journey into space. According to astronauts, the smell of space resembles hot metal or fried steak, and Steve’s work aims to recreate this smell in a laboratory.

Steve conducted a hands-on demonstration of his work to students at Moorside High School. He creates a wide range of smells through a variety of methods such as distillation and extraction of natural, organic ingredients.

Steve Pearce said: “In my job I’m working with many different materials and I have to remember the different smells they create. It’s about getting the right components together and mixing them to the right concentration. NASA wanted us to help try and recreate the smell of space that astronauts remember when they are outside in their spacesuits. We’ve gathered the comments from astronauts and we’re trying to recreate the smell they describe through mixing materials we think will produce that smell.”

Steve added: “I think it’s vital that children learn about science as on a very basic level it helps them to understand the world around them. At a higher level it teaches disciplines and life skills such as planning, record keeping and organisation skills, as well as creativity and imagination, which are all important aspects of my work as a chemist.”

Laura Drane, Manchester Science Festival Director said: “We’re delighted that such high profile scientists have been able to attend this year’s education programme. At present there simply aren’t enough young people studying science to supply the demand for North West science and industry. By giving children the chance to get hands on with science at school and realise the vital role it plays in our society, we hope to be able to inspire them to consider it as a career later.”

The education programme, which finished today, is a series of one-day science events held in 10 secondary schools throughout Greater Manchester, with a chance for students to meet a variety of high-profile scientists and learn about their work. It aims to help inspire students in science and help teachers find new ways to teach it, such as use of science podcasts in lessons. As well as activity-based events the programme includes free education resources for teachers, with a collection of experiments which are free to download at www.prometheanworld.com/uk.

Students have had the chance to meet leading experts in fields such as climate change, jet engines, imagery for X-Rays and Cat-Scans and clinical biochemistry. The education programme is organised by the Greater Manchester Science Network Group and is linked to the upcoming Manchester Science Festival, which runs from 25 October to 2 November. The Festival, which is led by MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry) includes a packed programme of over 100 science and technology-related events in venues across the city.

The Manchester Science Festival is supported by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA). The Festival is now in its second year.

For more information about the Manchester Science Festival please look up www.manchestersciencefestival.com

For more information about Steve Pearce please look up www.omegaingredients.co.uk

For media information or photos please contact Sarah Roe Tel: 0161 606 0176 m: 07847 372647.

Back to news