Local talent, international guests and asking: “can science save humanity?”

Media releases, National Science Week

National Science Week launches in the ACT

Some of the best scientists on – and off – the planet will set the stage for National Science Week in the ACT, with the official launch at the National Library of Australia next Thursday 13 August.

Showcasing talent from local school students, artists and scientists, the launch will feature Nobel Laureate Professor Brian Schmidt AC, and Director General of the National Library of Australia Ms Anne-Marie Schwirtlich AM.

The diversity of talent and expertise at the launch is a fitting preview of the broad and interesting program of events on offer in the ACT region during Australia’s biggest festival.

National Science Week 2015 begins with a family favourite, Science in ACTion, which returns for schools on Friday 14 August and opens to the public on Saturday 15 August, in the Former Transport Depot (Old Bus Depot) in Kingston.

This community event will feature some famous intergalactic guests, a huge inflatable plant cell and the opportunity to see some of the cutting edge science, technology, engineering and maths being done in and around the ACT.

Fresh from his appearance on ABC TV’s Q & A program, internationally renowned astrophysicist and broadcaster Dr Neil deGrasse Tyson will take to the stage at Llewellyn Hall on Sunday 23 August.

Also on Sunday 23 August, the Shine Dome at the Academy of Science will host a discussion about the role of science in our lives, featuring panelists including Major General Michael Jeffery AC, Professor Clive Hamilton AM, Professor Will Steffen and Professor Hilary Bambrick.

Now in its 18th year, National Science Week is the largest annual celebration of science in Australia, offering more than 1,000 events nationally and reaching an audience of over a million people.

National Science Week is proudly supported by the Australian Government, CSIRO, Australian Science Teachers Association, the ABC, PrimaryConnections, Cosmos magazine, New Scientist and Popular Science. In the ACT, National Science Week is proudly supported by the ACT Government.

Contact:

Ingrid McCarthy, Inspiring Australia Program Manager ACT, 0407 070 769

Dr Merryn McKinnon, Chair – ACT National Science Week Committee, 0420 839 528

Media are welcome to attend the launch, to be followed by entertainment and refreshments. Event holders are available for interview. Photo opportunities.

WHAT: The ACT launch of National Science Week 2015

WHEN: 18:00 – 19:30, (Official proceedings 18:00 – 18:55), Thursday 13 August 2015

WHERE: National Library of Australia, Parkes Pl, Canberra