National Science Week kicks off with a bang
Whether it’s inspiring a sense of wonder about the species in our oceans, hearing from women leading in STEM or exploring science through improvisation, music and art, there’ll be an event for everyone to enjoy this National Science Week.
Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Alister Henskens kicked off National Science Week in NSW (13-21 August) at the Calyx in the grounds of the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, which co-hosts Australia’s largest science event, the Sydney Science Trail, with the Australian Museum.
“This week is all about giving the community, families, students and teachers a hands-on science experience with a diverse range of talks, panels and shows presented by science communicators and scientific researchers,” Mr Henskens said.
“This statewide festival of science is set to inspire our bright young minds and encourage an interest in STEM, which offers unrivalled career opportunities to make a difference to our society and the planet.”
NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte said science and technology play an important, often underappreciated role in our society.
“From developing new medicines and technologies, to understanding biodiversity, the great events and activities featured throughout the week show everyone just how much we use science in our everyday life,” Professor Durrant-Whyte said.
National Science Week in NSW is an initiative of Inspiring Australia, aimed at promoting partnerships and collaborations across the science sector and building on the myriad science engagement activities across the country.
Inspiring Australia NSW Manager Meredith Hall said there is a strong line-up of activities right across the state.
“We all want to bring people together to learn and be inspired by science, and doing that in person after two years of disruption will make our engagement efforts more meaningful,” Ms Hall said.
Chief Executive of the Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust and the Australian Institute of Botanical Science Denise Ora said the Sydney Science Trail will help students and families discover not only how science is translated into real-world outcomes, but also how remarkable and life-changing a career in science can be.
“The Sydney Science Trail kicks off at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney today, with other exciting events at the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan and the Australian Museum, providing the community an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of careers in science and to inspire Australia’s next generation,” Ms Ora said.
Director and CEO of the Australian Museum Kim McKay AO said the Sydney Science Trail is the perfect opportunity for visitors to be inspired and celebrate National Science Week at Australia’s first scientific institutions.
“We’re thrilled to welcome visitors back to the popular Sydney Science Trail community day at the Australian Museum on Saturday 20 August, allowing visitors to engage firsthand with our scientists and learn what they are working on to make our futures brighter,” Ms McKay said.
The NSW Government is investing $832.7 million in scientific research, innovation and technological development in 2022-23.
For more information about National Science Week, visit the website.
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