Au, the latest student science magazine, has been launched at the University of Aberdeen and aims to "reach out into the community", according to co-editor Gina Maffey.

Created by the Science Journalism Society, Au magazine combines a focus on high-quality research from the University of Aberdeen with a light-hearted take on science in society.

"There was so much fascinating science going on in Aberdeen and although the press office covered it well, the students were not well informed," says the editor of Au, Heather Doran.

A team of five PhD students and one undergraduate have distributed 2,000 free pilot issues of the magazine to university departments and outlets across the city of Aberdeen, such as Waterstone's bookshops.

Features range from the 'Patently Absurd', an article about weird inventions, to a discussion on whether there could ever be life on Mars.  

The Au website, with a downloadable version of the magazine, went live on Wednesday 11 May 2011 and has enjoyed positive feedback on social networking websites, particularly positive comments on the quality of design and content.

To maintain high standards in future issues of the magazine, the Science Journalism Society aims to train students in the skills of science writing with workshops run by established science journalists – perhaps members of ABSW.

Following the launch of several student science magazines over the last decade, including, BlueSci, from Cambridge University, I, Science from Imperial College London, EuSci from Edinburgh University, and Bang! from Oxford University, Au magazine hopes to emulate their success.

Former editor of I, Science, Mun Keat Looi, says student magazines are a platform for the UK's future science writers:

"The UK has some fantastic student publications, and the number of student reporters and writers choosing to tackle science subjects is rising all the time. Yet the number of specialist science publications in which they can hone their craft remains low. That Aberdeen students have recognised this gap and taken the initiative is fantastic news."

The ability for student science magazines to train talented science communicators is dependent on long-term sustainability. The magazines are reliant on the commitment of volunteers and securing sponsorship or advertising revenues.

Heather Doran secured funding for the first issue from the University of Aberdeen Principal's Excellence Fund and the University of Aberdeen Public Engagement with Science Unit. Future free issues are to be funded through advertising from local science companies. 

 

Rachel Mundy is a freelance science writer and was the first managing editor of BlueSci magazine

 
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