Media release – The Hon Colin Barnett, Premier; Minister for State Development; Science
14 Aug 2015
- National Science Week 2015 (August 15-23) to be officially launched at the third annual Perth Science Festival at the Perth cultural precinct
- Hundreds of events held throughout WA by a range of individuals and organisations
Premier and Science Minister Colin Barnett has invited the West Australian community to ignite their curiosity for science by getting involved in National Science Week 2015, which will be launched at the Perth Science Festival this weekend.
Mr Barnett said National Science Week provided an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of scientists to our knowledge base, and communicate the benefits of science to the broader community.
“National Science Week is a time when the State’s community groups, corporations, tertiary and State institutions can all show the remarkable contributions in science made by leading scientists and everyday citizens,” he said.
Throughout National Science Week, hundreds of activities will connect the community with science all over the State – from one-off events like the ChemCentre Open Day to regional festivities in Gingin, the Mid-West and the South-West.
The Perth Science Festival, to be held at the Perth Cultural Centre is a key event on the local science calendar. Special guest speakers include Nat Geo Wild’s Ben Britton and microbiologist and bioluminescence enthusiast Siouxsie Wiles, who will be joined by returning guests, Gardening Australia host Costa Georgiadis and Dr Chris Smith (aka ‘The Naked Scientist’).
Building on the success of last year’s science festival, this free community event will this year be run over two days with more than 50 participating stallholders and performers.
This year, the Perth Science Festival will also hold an 18+ event, Gastronomical, on Saturday (August 15) evening and explore the connections between science, art and music in an engaging program.
Other National Science Week activities this year include the 2015 Premier’s Science Awards, which recognise exceptional scientific research and engagement accomplishments. The Premier will announce the winners at a ceremony to be held on Thursday, August 20 at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research.
Fact File
- National Science Week is an Australian Government initiative which seeks to increase community interest and participation in science
- The State Government supports National Science Week, including through participation on the WA Coordinating Committee chaired by Scitech. The committee has representatives from Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University, The University of Western Australia, Central Institute of Technology, Western Australian Museum, ChemCentre, Engineers Australia, Water Corporation and the Office of Science
- For more information, visit http://www.scienceweek.net.au