Wednesday 18 August 2021
Highlights from day five of National Science Week
343 events and exhibitions, 178 online activities, and dozens of great stories and talent.
Researchers, experts, and other interesting people available for interview around the country.
- VIC: Seeking dark matter underground
- TAS: Experimenting with beer
- NSW: The threat of Aussie volcanoes
- NSW: Children’s climate change fears
- VIC: Cutting through science jargon
- VIC: What’s killing our frogs?
Read on for more on these, including event contact details.
Also today:
National Science Week 2021 runs from 14 to 22 August. Media kit at www.scienceinpublic.com.au. Or visit the National Science Week website for more events and activities: www.scienceweek.net.au.
For general Science Week media enquiries:
Tanya Ha: tanya@scienceinpublic.com.au or 0404 083 863
Niall Byrne: niall@scienceinpublic.com.au or 0417 131 977
More about the event highlights
Searching underground for dark matter – online (VIC)
Billions of particles of dark matter are passing through us and through our planet.
We can’t detect them, but we know they’re there, providing some of the gravity that holds our galaxy together.
Talk to the researchers trying to detect it, using a laboratory at the bottom of a gold mine.
Wednesday 18 August. Event details: www.scienceweek.net.au/event/mid-afternoon-masterclass-lighting-the-dark-universe/
Media enquiries: Daryl Holland, daryl.holland@unimelb.edu.au or 0434 952 009.
Are Australia’s volcanoes about to erupt? – online (NSW)
Australia’s fiery volcanic past has left behind an expanse of volcanoes stretching more than 4000 kilometres down the country’s eastern margin.
How prepared is Australia for a volcanic eruption?
Where will it be?
What are the warning signs?
Volcanologist and science communicator Heather Handley is available for interview.
Wednesday 18 August. Event details: www.scienceweek.net.au/event/australias-next-volcanic-eruption-with-volcanologist-heather-handley/
Media enquiries: Heather Handley, heather.handley@mq.edu.au or 02 9850 4403.
Kids struck by climate grief – online (NSW)
Climate change can overwhelm adults. So, imagine how many questions children have.
Author Jonica Newby has tips on what to tell anxious children.
She shares a range of coping mechanisms on how to deal with “climate grief”, drawing on her own experience.
Her book Beyond climate grief is filled with advice.
Jonica Newby is available for media interviews.
Wednesday 18 August. Event details: www.scienceweek.net.au/event/beyond-climate-grief-with-jonica-newby/
Media enquiries: Caitlin Lawless, caitlin.lawless@newsouthbooks.com.au or 02 8936 1400
Four breweries, four brews, two thirsty scientists – online and Hobart (TAS)
Four breweries, four brews and two thirsty scientists.
ExBEERimental Science is a beer tasting event sampling the science behind brewing and beer.
Four Australian independent breweries will craft an experimental beer to be explored in depth during the live-tasting panel event.
Each of these beers will feature in the exBEERimental 4-pack, which science and beer nerds from across Australia can pre-order to enjoy at home while watching the live stream of the event.
This event is organised by Science Made Beerable, the brainchild of plant scientist Kelsey Picard and ornithologist (bird scientist) Matthew Fielding.
Wednesday 18 August. Event details: www.scienceweek.net.au/event/exbeerimental-science/hobart/
Media enquiries: Matthew Fielding, beerablescience@gmail.com
Kelsey Picard and Matthew Fielding are available for media interviews.
The race to save our frogs – online (VIC)
There are fewer than 500 Baw Baw Frogs left in the Central Highlands of Victoria.
Climate change, bushfires and the infectious disease Chytrid Fungus are devastating species here and across the world.
It’s a race against time to save our local frog species. Hear from:
- Dr Sally Sherwen, Director of Wildlife Conservation and Science at Zoos Victoria
- Dr Deon Gilbert, Threatened Species Biologist Zoos Victoria.
- Nick Clemann, Program Leader, Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Department of Environment and Primary Industries
- Dr Matt West Research Fellow (Amphibian Ecology), University of Melbourne
- Adam Lee, Specialist Keeper – Amphibian Bushfire Recovery Programs at Zoos Victoria.
Wednesday 18 August. Event details: www.zoo.org.au/melbourne/whats-on/events/amphibians-situation-critical-insights-from-the-leaders-in-the-field-saving-victoria-s-frogs/
Media Enquiries: Laura Munns lmunns@zoo.org.au
Jargon free science – online (VIC)
Why is it so tricky to understand scientists and researchers?
How can we improve our grasp of complex thoughts, discoveries and ideas?
Jen Martin is available for interview on learning how to communicate with researchers.
Wednesday 18 August. Event details: www.scienceweek.net.au/event/shut-up-and-write-about-science/
Media enquiries: Daryl Holland, daryl.holland@unimelb.edu.au or 0434 952 009.
More about National Science Week
National Science Week 2021 runs from 14 to 22 August. First held in 1997, National Science Week has become one of Australia’s largest festivals. Last year about 1.1 million people participated in more than 1200 events, despite a global pandemic.
In 2021 there will be online events, virtual tours and experiences, DIY science and home-based activities held all around Australia. And there are some in-person events planned in line with local pandemic restrictions. Media kit at www.scienceinpublic.com.au; public event listings at www.scienceweek.net.au.