 After last year's huge success, S-Cubed is back again with its long-awaited annual Boat Party!!!
Boat leaves from St. Paul's Bay on the 6th of August and will start heading to Comino at 7pm. Boat will return to St. Paul's Bay at 11pm. Tickets are 20 euro and include free flowing wine and beer, while spirits and food may also be bought from the bar. For tickets contact: Dean Grech- 79905008 Luke Borg Barthet- 99041431 or any S-Cubed executive member! Tickets are extremely limited so get booking ASAP and get ready to get SHIPWRECKED!!
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 As science students we are committed to instill a love for science amongst youngsters and the general public. Thus we shall kick off this term with the 'Science Summer Spectacle', a day of experiments for people of all ages. Join us on the 29th July at Piazza Tigne and get in touch with the scientist in you!
 S-Cubed, in collaboration with the organisers of Science in the City and STEAM, is organising a workshop on the 30th of July between 10am and 1pm, at the University of Malta (exact location shall be confirmed soon). The aim of this workshop is to prepare volunteers for Science in the City, in order to be able to explain demonstrations to the general public.
Representatives from STEAM will be starting the session by giving a few pointers on how to handle interaction with members of the public. After a short break in which refreshments will be given, feedback shall also be given to participants. This event is open to volunteers from any student organisation or individuals participating in Science in the City. Participation in this event and in Science in the City is recognised by the DegreePlus office, and a DegreePlus certificate shall also be given against a fee of 5 euro. So if you're interested in helping out, or you would just like to sharpen your public speaking skills, come and join us! STEAM and Science in the City are supported by the following organisations: ASCS, Betapsi, Ghsl, IAESTE, ICTSA, IEEEE, Insite, KSU, MADS, MHSA, MMSA, UESA, USPA, UOM Racing, and Y4TE.  Have you just received your results and are at cross roads not knowing what's next? S-Cubed and the Faculty of Science are here to help. Join us on the 19th July at the Maths and Physics building at 11.00 am to get to know what courses are offered within the Faculty of Science and what careers await you after that!
 This 8th of August, S-Cubed shall be having its own boat party!
We shall leave the dock at 7pm from St. Paul's Bay and sail to Comino, where you may swim. We shall return back ashore at 11pm. Tickets cost 20 euro, and this includes free flowing wine and beer, but spirits and food may also be bought from the bar. The line-up for the event includes DJ MiKe and Metronome. For tickets contact: Dean Grech 79905008 Luke Tabone 79936323 or any S-Cubed executive member! There are a limited number of tickets that are available, so book your tickets now before they run out! So prepare your swimming gear and get ready to get shipwrecked!  Have you ever wished upon a shooting star?
If not, don’t worry! The Perseid Meteor Shower will be at a peak on Tuesday 11th August and S-Cubed will be there to experience this yearly event. Join us for a relaxing night under the stars and some good company. You’re also invited to bring your guitar or any other instrument and lighten up the atmosphere with your musical talent. We also suggest you bring your own booze and snacks. Transport shall be organised from the University of Malta to Dingli and from Dingli Cliffs to your home. Transport from University leaves at 8:45pm. Transport costs 6.50 euro per person, two-way. Those who shall be having their own transport should meet us at 9:30pm at St. Mary Magdalene Chapel, Dingli.  Have you ever wanted to explore the underwater world, but never learned to dive?
We have gotten you a special price of 25 euro, from DiveMed Malta! On 25th July we shall meet at Zonqor Point at 1pm to take our first plunge. All equipment will be provided, and no knowledge of diving is required. 
The Science Students’ Society proudly presents its first edition of the Annual Science Conference to be held on the 30th of April 2015. This conference aims to instigate discussions regarding an ongoing issue that is being faced by Science students. S-Cubed believes that so as to make education more effective, undergraduates should experience authentic research early in their academic carrier. Therefore, the student organisation is encouraging discussions regarding this aspect, illustrating the importance of such, together with possible negative implications and solutions to them.
A clear example of “Empowering Undergraduates through Research”, Dr. Bethany M. Usher is the director of ‘Students as Scholars’ at the George Mason University, Virginia. Through her work, the University receives numerous and wide opportunities for undergraduate research and research-orientated classes for all students, together with Research and Scholarship intensive courses. Dr. Usher emphasizes that her life was shaped on opportunities she had when she was an undergraduate student. She says that “students should be part of the new knowledge” which is being produced in the University. The Amsterdam Treaty (1997) describes Research and Technological Development (RTD) as an “essential element in the functioning of industrialized countries, such as EU Member States” and that employment and competitiveness depends greatly on RTD. Hence, the collective well-being of the citizens of these countries depend on the relevance and quality of RTD. Keeping in mind that high level of research is complex and increasingly costly, these discussions can be healthy for a holistic policy which incorporates also undergraduates, and their preparation for their contribution to RTD. To present such a holistic policy, S-Cubed will be forming an ‘ad hoc’ policy team which will be working on a draft policy (Apply here:goo.gl/alnwhT). Their position will then be supported with the ideas presented after discussions in a Policy Forum, which will be open to all Science students. The final policy document will then be presented to relevant sectors during the first edition of the Annual Science Conference, in such a way that the ideas of the science student can be implemented. Save the date! Further details will be out soon. 
It has been frequently debated that “research should be given more importance than stipends, [this] was supported by Ing. John Betts, Dean of Engineering, who has urged a reform of the stipend system.”
In 2013, Dr. Clyde Puli in a debate in University said that “stipends give incentives to students to continue their education, and therefore they must be safeguarded. Although he believes in research, stipends absolutely cannot be cut to fund research.” In light of these differing arguments, S-Cubed - Science Students' Societytogether with Insite Malta bring you Research vs Stipends, an opportunity to debate and discuss whether funds allocated for stipends should be reallocated to funding research. Present on the board of speakers, there will be parliamentary secretary, Hon. Chris Agius who is responsible for research and innovation, Prof. Charles V. Sammut, the Dean of the Faculty of Science and Julian Bonello, a postgraduate student. The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Andrew Azzopardi, Senior Lecturer at the UoM and Radio Producer on Radju Malta. The discussion will be in Maltese. Date: 11th March Time: 12:00 Venue: Across the UoM library (near Sir Temi Zammit Hall) 
On the 18th of March, S-Cubed will host its second sub-committee workshop to further motivate and promote student activism within the organisation. The first workshop saw our members familiarizing themselves with S-Cubed's internal structure as well as being given the opportunity to present their ideas for new and innovative projects. This time round the scope of this event is to give the members a more hands on experience, allowing them to plan out all the necessary logistics of such projects.
This event is aimed for our sub-committee members within our various Offices. If you want to register as an active member, please send an email to studentrelations@scubed.org.mt It is highly encouraged for students who wish to be part of the Executive Board next term to attend this event as it will provide you with a chance to familiarise yourself with the day-to-day planning of the organization. Thanks goes to St. James Cavalier who shall be hosting this event in one of their studio rooms! |
