Hundreds of schoolchildren will enjoy the science lesson of a lifetime next month when Professor Brian Cox OBE visits the Island to offer his unique insight into the wonders of the universe. The popular BBC TV presenter and British particle physicist will give a presentation and answer students’ questions at the Villa Marina’s Royal Hall on Wednesday, July 6th. Professor Cox will be followed on stage by members of the NASA team who crewed the historic final mission of the space shuttle Discovery. It promises to be a fantastic learning experience for the Island’s secondary school students and a rare opportunity to pose questions to working astronauts as well as one of Britain’s leading physicists. Chief Minister Tony Brown MHK said: ‘To have Professor Cox and the NASA astronauts sharing the Villa Marina stage is a real coup for the Isle of Man, and an occasion that will no doubt live long in the memories of our students. ‘These people are in great demand throughout the world, so it is a privilege to welcome them to the Island. I’m sure their tremendous knowledge and infectious enthusiasm for space and science will prove truly inspirational for our young people.’ Professor Cox is best known as the presenter of highly acclaimed BBC TV programmes such as Wonders of the Universe, Wonders of the Solar System and Space Hoppers. His ability to simplify complex theories and explain them in a captivating manner has helped to bring science to a wider and younger audience. A professor at the University of Manchester, he has worked on the Large Hadron Collider at CERN and was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s 2010 Birthday Honours for services to science. Minister for Education and Children Eddie Teare MHK said: ‘Wherever he speaks, Professor Cox holds audiences spellbound and we hope he will really bring science alive for the hundreds of young people fortunate enough to get the chance to attend this event. To see him on stage with NASA astronauts who have been into space will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for students.’ The Department of Education and Children is keen to ensure that any secondary school students with an interest in space and science who have already finished their academic year (those in Years 11 and 13) have the opportunity to attend the event at the Villa Marina. They, along with students at the Isle of Man College and those who are home schooled, may apply for a place by contacting MeShell Berry on 693830 or MeShell.Berry@gov.im The visit of Professor Cox and the NASA astronauts, who are guests at the Tynwald Day ceremony on July 5th, reflects the growing importance of the Isle of Man as a centre of excellence in the space commerce and aerospace engineering sectors. The NASA trip is being coordinated by ManSat Chairman and CEO Chris Stott, the Isle of Man’s honorary representative to the space community and husband of NASA engineer Nicole Stott. Nicole and her fellow astronauts will attend a number of official engagements during their visit, meet representatives of the local space and aerospace clusters, and experience the Isle of Man’s unique culture and heritage. Ends