FAQ
What is the Meet the Scientist series?
Meet the Scientist is a free online webinar series introducing children to fascinating scientific questions through interactive sessions led by experts, aiming to spark curiosity and inspire an interest in science.
Who is this series for?
The series is designed specifically for 4th to 6th class primary school children in Ireland. Teachers and students alike are encouraged to join and explore a range of intriguing topics in health and science.
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When and where does it take place?
The series runs weekly from November to March, with live webinars every Wednesday at 12 PM, and replays available every Friday at 1:30 PM. Registration is required to access both the live sessions and replays, which can be done via our website.
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How long is each session?
Each session lasts approximately 30 minutes, including time for questions.
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What kinds of topics are covered?
Each session tackles a different scientific question, often with a focus on health or everyday scientific phenomena that are relevant to children. Examples include 'How does our brain communicate with our body?' and 'Why is blood so important for our body?'
How do I register my class for a session?
Registration can be completed directly on this website. Once registered, you’ll receive an email with details on accessing the sessions.
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Is there a cost to participate?
No, the Meet the Scientist webinars are entirely free for all primary schools in Ireland.
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Do I need to prepare my class before each webinar?
Preparation is not required.
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Will there be recordings available if my class misses a session?
Yes! If you miss the live webinar on Wednesday, you can join the replay every Friday at 1:30 PM. Replays can be accessed through the registration link provided on the website.
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Can children ask questions during the session?
Yes! Children are encouraged to ask questions during the Q&A segment, making it an interactive experience.
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Is accessibility support available?
Yes, enclosed captions in English are available at the bottom right of the webinar screen. Please let us know if you require any specific accessibility support when you register.
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Will the same scientist present each time?
No, each session features a different expert in their field, bringing a unique perspective and fresh content each week.
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Who organises Meet the Scientist?
The series is developed by Staff at the Centre for Health Research Methodology, at the University of Galway in collaboration with a steering group of Teachers, Principals, and education experts.
FAQ on Tecnical Support
Do I need to register for each webinar separately?
Yes, each webinar requires separate registration. Please visit our 2024-2025 series page for the full list of webinars and their registration links.
What should I do if I lose the Zoom link?
If you lose the Zoom link, please check the email address you registered with for any previous webinar invitation emails. If you are still unable to locate the link, contact our support team at meetthescientist@universityofgalway.ie .
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Can I join using a different email address than the one I registered with?
For security and access control, please use the same email address that you registered with to join the session. If you need to change the registered email address, please cancel your registration and register again with the desired email address.
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What should I do if Zoom keeps asking me to re-register for a webinar?
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Update Zoom: Ensure your Zoom app is updated to the latest version, as outdated apps can cause registration issues.
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Cancel and Re-register: Use the cancellation link provided in your registration confirmation email to cancel your existing registration. Then, re-register for the webinar using the same link.
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What should I do if I’m unable to access the webinar due to a passcode issue?
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Update Zoom: Ensure your Zoom app is updated to the latest version, as outdated apps can cause registration issues.
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Log out of Zoom and log back in using your registered email address.
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Use the direct webinar link provided in the confirmation email.
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Double-check you are logging in on the correct date and time for the webinar.
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How do I enable captions?
To enable enclosed captions, click the “CC” button on the bottom right of the webinar screen.
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What should I do if I experience audio or video issues during the session?
If you’re experiencing audio or video issues, try refreshing your connection by leaving and rejoining the webinar. Ensure your internet connection is stable and check your computer’s audio and video settings.
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Why can’t I see or hear the presenter?
If the presenter's audio or video isn’t coming through, first check your internet connection. Make sure your speakers are connected and that the volume is turned up. If the issue persists, try rejoining the webinar.
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Do I need to download anything to join the session?
Our webinars are hosted on Zoom, so it’s best to download the Zoom app in advance for the smoothest experience. However, you can also join via your web browser if downloading the app isn’t possible.
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What happens if I join late?
If you join late, you can still access the webinar, though you may miss some initial content. The session will proceed as scheduled, so consider joining the replay on Friday if you want to see the full presentation.
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Will my class appear on screen?
No, attendees’ videos are not visible during the session. No need to have your webcam on as the host will not be able to see you. Only the presenter and any authorised speakers are shown on screen.
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Can we share pictures of our class watching the Meet the Scientist webinar?
Yes! If your school would like to share a photo of your class watching the webinar, and you are happy for it to be featured on our social media, please send it to us at meetthescientist@universityofgalway.ie. We love to see classes enjoying the sessions and sharing their excitement for science!
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How do I submit questions during the webinar?
To submit questions, use the Q&A feature at the bottom of the Zoom screen. You can type questions for the presenter here.
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Can I record the session myself?
Recording by participants is permitted. However, a replay of the session will be available on Friday at 1:30 PM, so you can rewatch it then.
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What should I do if I get disconnected?
If you get disconnected, simply rejoin using the original Zoom link provided in your registration email. Most issues can be resolved by rejoining.
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What if my screen freezes during the session?
If your screen freezes, try refreshing your connection by leaving and rejoining the webinar. Make sure other devices or applications aren’t using too much of your internet bandwidth.
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How do I contact support if I have trouble accessing the session?
If you encounter any issues accessing the session, please contact us at meetthescientist@universityofgalway.ie, and our team will assist you.
