Students meet research

The Scientific Journey

An invitation to experience research beyond the classroom.

A community event at Western

The supplied PIR history records discussions in 2003 between Ron Calhoun, Western President Dr. Paul Davenport and Dr. Bill Bridger about recognizing Dr. Bessie Borwein’s contribution. Ron proposed an annual community day with a strong focus on youth involvement, called The Scientific Journey.

The event was co-sponsored by Western and PIR. Dr. Ted Hewitt helped advance it, and the Bessie Borwein Teacher of the Year Award became part of the occasion.

Meeting the people behind discovery

Students attended presentations by researchers at participating institutions. Visiting a university or research setting gave the talks a context that classroom materials alone could not provide.

The program offered opportunities to ask questions about research, hear how scientists approached their work and consider future studies.

A related tradition of student writing

The history also describes an essay contest called “The Scientific Journey—Pathway To Discovery”. Regional prizes were named for Andrew MacFarlane in London, June Callwood in Toronto and Wilbert Keon in Ottawa. Student recognition became part of PIR’s gala events.