Open Tech Calendar

Skeptics on the Fringe Presents:

Maria Gauci - Chemophobia: should we all be running scared?

With the invigorated awareness around climate & environmental issues, we have become a population of ‘naturophiliacs’ – lovers of the natural. With ‘natural’, ‘organic’ and ‘chemical –free’ products being publicised and sold ubiquitously, are these natural products really all that they are hyped up to be? Are chemicals so bad? Can we really live in a ‘chemical-free’ world? Is natural another word for safe? Are synthetic chemicals artificial? Are all artificial chemicals dangerous?

All these questions will be addressed and discussed in the ‘Chemophobia – should we all be running scared?’ talk by Maria Gauci.
Maria will challenge the notions of what is ‘natural’ and ‘artificial’ and with hands-on experiences and make you question all that you previously thought about chemistry and ‘chemicals’– no lab coats required!

Maria describes herself as a staunch chemist with a background in, and a deep fascination for, the world of pharmaceuticals. She is dedicated to disseminate knowledge and awareness of the importance of these so called ‘chemicals’ and ‘drugs’ and the vital role that they play in our daily lives.

Her first degree was a Bachelor’s degree in Biology & Chemistry at the University of Malta, after which she read for a Masters in Drug Design & Biomedical Science at Edinburgh Napier University. She has worked in industrial and academic labs, dealing with all manner of different compounds and molecules with their own special abilities. Her long term aspiration is to make the world of chemistry much more approachable and accessible and show everyone that “we are not all breaking badly!"

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Similar events on the Fringe normally cost around £10 but all our Fringe events are free and non-ticketed. Entry is first-come-first-served basis and we will ask for a donation to help cover our costs. Your support is very welcome. Venue is strictly over-18 and access is via a narrow staircase. If you need help getting access, please let us know in advance (email [masked]) and we will try to help.