Physics in footy and Indigenous astronomy activities amongst National Science Week Grant recipients

National Science Week

Media release from Senator the Hon Zed Seselja, Assistant Minister for Science, Jobs and Innovation

Hospitals, art galleries and sports stadiums are amongst the more unusual locations set to come alive with science during this year’s National Science Week, thanks to over $600,000 in Australian Government grants announced today.

The 2018 National Science Week Grants will provide funding for science engagement activities, events, and competitions to take place during Australia’s largest celebration of science this August.

Assistant Minister for Science, Jobs and Innovation Zed Seselja today congratulated the 45 grant recipients, welcoming the diversity of projects to be funded.

“This year’s grants recipients have exhibited tremendous creativity in developing such an exciting range of activities to engage people of all walks of life and in all corners of Australia with science,” Senator Seselja said.

“NASA scientists are headed to Australia to celebrate the end of Kepler and Cassini, in a series of events where audiences can hear about what we learnt from the Cassini spacecraft’s 13 years with Saturn and the hundreds of planets discovered by the Kepler Space Telescope.

“The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery will host a two-night pop-up science bar featuring talks by prominent scientists, live music, an underground Antarctic bar, and even an interactive forensic science murder mystery!

“Palaeontology will meet music and theatre in a storytelling experience that travels to the locations where the prehistoric stories have been revealed, and science will take over from sport during the half-time entertainment at a GWS Giants game at Spotless Stadium in Sydney.

“I’m delighted to see many activities incorporating Indigenous STEM knowledge, and others that encourage girls and young women to get involved in science, technology, entrepreneurship and innovation. It was great to see some local ACT based activities amongst the successful applicants.

“The Turnbull Government is committed to paving the way for a future where all Australians embrace and benefit from science and innovation. The activities that have received funding as part of National Science Week play an important role in engaging Australians from all corners of our country with science.

“I encourage all Australians, regardless of age, background or location, to explore the fascinating facets of science on offer, from robots and virtual reality to explorers and fossils.

More details on National Science Week, including a full list of this year’s National Science Week Grants recipients, are available at http://www.scienceweek.net.au/2018-national-grant-recipients/

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