Fireworks at the footy; dancing science; and asking ‘should science be sexy?’

13 August, 2015

Queensland kicks off National Science Week

Today, national launch with Ian Macfarlane in Toowomba and 120 other schools

Tonight, 14 August 2015, 7.45pm, Science of fireworks with Brisbane Broncos at the footy

15 August 2015, official State launch at 4.30pm, Tanks Arts Centre Cairns, 46 Collins Ave, Edge Hill – with Chief Scientist, science activities, fire twirlers and parasites!

Queenslanders will be celebrating science in the tropics, discovering the chemistry of cocktails, being Sea World citizen scientists for a day and combining science with dance.

There are more than 240 National Science Week events across the state. These are just a handful of the highlights:

…and there’s more on each below.

It all kicks off on Friday night with fireworks at the footy. The Suncorp Stadium will host a look at the science of fireworks ahead of the Brisbane Broncos game, with a host of pop-up science activities in the Plaza before the match. Event details.

And on Saturday night, National Science Week in Queensland will be officially launched in Cairns by Queensland Chief Scientist, Dr Geoff Garrett. There’ll be hands-on science fun and activities with James Cook University researchers, a revealing look at parasites, a dazzling aerial silks performance, fire twirlers and drummers. Launch event details.

EKKA has kicked off for 2015. In between rides and show bags, visitors can see Street Science, Griffith University’s Laboratory Olympics and Drug Discovery, play with slime, make sherbert, mix chemical and do other science themed activities.

Astrophysicist, presenter of Cosmos and ‘world-recognised badass’ Neil deGrasse Tyson will be in Brisbane for one night only on Sunday 16 August. Event details.

Award-winning educator and state National Science Week organising committee chair Andrew Peach and Queensland Chief Scientist Dr Geoff Garrett will be available for interviews and photo opportunities at the launch.

Contact: Andrew Peach, email apeac10@eq.edu.au or 0467 727 811; or Lisa Jones, email lisa.jones1@jcu.edu.au, 07 4232 1311 or 0405 620 747

National Science Week general media enquiries:

Tanya Ha – tanya@scienceinpublic.com.au or call 0404 083 863

My Research Rules: scientists fight about whose work is weirdest

It’s flora and fauna versus stem cell science versus the universe, as eight experts argue that their discipline is the weirdest and most wonderful.

The Science Nation is holding a debate tournament that sees prominent researchers—including mathematician Dr Ben Burton, stem cell scientist Associate Professor Christine Wells and ecologist Professor Jenny Martin—competing to convince the audience that they do the weirdest, wackiest, craziest research in the world.

The event is 90 minutes of science and laughs, with extra rounds of improvised, audience-inspired topics.

Event details: www.scienceweek.net.au/the-great-debate-my-research-rules

Organiser and host Andrew Stephenson is available for interviews.

Contact: thesciencenation@gmail.com or 0421 400 688

Discover the chemistry of cocktails

What is the secret to making a perfectly balanced cocktail? How can knowing the science behind hangovers help to prevent them?

Discover the science behind your favourite cocktails at Cobb+Co Museum with renowned cocktail scientist and mircobiologist Andrew Cameron.

Learn about fermentation and taste-test the different forms of distillation. Learn how to design and balance the perfect cocktail, and drink the results! Saturday 15 August Event details

The secrets of success for women in science – South Bank

Leading female scientists will take part in a Q & A panel discussion, talking about their pathways to careers in science and their advice for young women and girls considering a career in science. They will also discuss the challenges for women scientists wishing to get into more senior positions.

Panellists include Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry and Science the Hon. Karen Andrews, Mathilde Desselle of Women in Technology, Professor Carolyn Mountford from the Translational Research Institute and Professor Suzanne Miller from the Queensland Museum Network. Sunday 16 August Event details

Media enquiries: Mathilde Desselle, email: lifesciences.chapter@wit.org.au, 07 3346 2746 or 0413 744 081

Science and comedy collide for climate change – Edge Hill

Four scientists and a comedian will join forces at the Tank Arts Centre to talk climate change – what is happening to our planet and how will it affect our environment, ecology, and society.

Comedian Rod Quantock joins James Cook University’s Distinguished Research Professor and Australian Laureate Bill Laurance, Professor Steve Turton, Associate Professor Susan Laurance and Professor Stewart Lockie to find out what does our future holds as our climate changes. Sunday 16 August Event details

Become a citizen scientist for a day at Sea World – Main Beach

Sea World is opening it’s doors to citizen marine scientists, with ocean-themed talks, demonstrations in the Tropical Reef Tank, animal demonstrations and scavenger hunts.

Marine science experts will offer hands on activities for the community to learn more about reef science, coastal management and conservation. Sunday 16 August Event details

Should Science be Sexy: How can we inspire future scientists? – South Brisbane

What is sexy science; how can we get young people into science; and can we keep the science industry sustainable?

ABC Radio National’s Paul Barclay will be asking the big questions of science in a panel discussion at the Queensland Museum.

Panel members include global change expert Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, ABC Radio National’s science presenter Wendy Zukerman, Queensland Museum’s Dr John Hooper, Venom Doc Professor Bryan Grieg Fry, and presenter/producer of 4ZZZ’s science program Reece Jackson. Thursday 20 August Event details

Professor Bryan Grieg Fry is available for interviews. His new book ‘Venom Doc’ will also be launched as part of National Science Week on Saturday 22 August. Event details

Contact: Bryan Grieg Fry on bgfry@uq.edu.au or 0400 193 182

Science meets dance meets Robotronica – Kelvin Grove

Artists, practitioners, researchers and scientists from across Australia and the world will get their groove on in a mash up of science and dance.

The DANscienCE Festival explores what dance and science have in common, and celebrate the science behind the moving body.

DANscienCE will also join forces with Queensland University of Technology’s Robotronica festival to showcase some of the world’s most spectacular robotics and interactive design. There’ll be robotic demonstrations, workshops, games and discussions. Friday 21 – Saturday 22 August Event details

National Science Week: background

From a croc dissection in Darwin down to photographs of Aurora Australis in Tassie, National Science Week 2015 is everywhere—with everything from science festivals, music and comedy shows, expert panel discussions, interactive hands-on displays, open days and online activities.

Australia’s eighteenth National Science Week will be one of Australia’s largest festivals, with 1,500 plus registered events expected to reach over a million people.

The festival is proudly supported by the Australian Government; partners CSIRO, Australian Science Teachers Association and the ABC; and sponsors NewScientist, Cosmos, Popular Science and PrimaryConnections.

National Science Week 2015 will run from 15-23 August. Event details can be found at www.scienceweek.net.au.