Science In Public
Science writers, communicators, media, training, and public relations
We’re looking for a science communicator to join our team at Science in Public for 3 to 6 months with an immediate start.
We need someone who is organised, loves science and wants to help scientists get their work into the public space. Ideally you’ve got a couple of years professional work experience and can hit the ground running.
[Read more…] about Science communicator role: Short term, immediate start
Friday 28 July 2017, at the RACI Centenary Chemistry Congress, Melbourne Convention Centre
Today at the Centenary Chemistry Congress
[Read more…] about Gender in the lab: is science inclusive?; making more sustainable fertilisers
Business can help make the world a better place by driving the solutions to problems like climate change, food security and rising energy demand.
“I firmly believe that the companies who will lead the 21st century will be the ones that invent solutions to these mounting global challenges,” said Andrew Liveris, speaking last night at the RACI Centenary Chemistry Congress.
For Dow that’s meant developing a paint that removes toxic formaldehyde from the air, innovative packaging technologies that reduce food waste, and new methods of desalination that allow us to put more of the planet’s water to use.
Last year the company was awarded 754 US patents – eight times the number they were getting a decade ago.
“More and more companies are seeing that we can do well by doing good,” Andrew said.
But we also need governments to set smart regulatory and policy frameworks that enable innovation to flourish, and that’s not happening enough in Australia he said.
According to the World Economic Forum, Australia ranks 25th in the world when it comes to “business capacity for innovation”. And we’re also falling behind in our competitiveness in teaching young people maths and science.
Andrew says our quality of life will go backwards “if all we are is a farm, a hotel and a quarry”.
Cynthia Whitchurch discovered that dangerous bacteria in biofilms follow each other like ants, or 4WD drivers following tracks in the sand. Then she showed she could create microscopic tracks on medical devices to limit the spread of the bacteria that cause infection. Based on her work, new types of catheters are being developed that are less likely to become infected.
For these and other discoveries, University of Technology Sydney (UTS) scientist Associate Professor Cynthia Whitchurch has been jointly awarded the David Syme Research prize for the best original research in biology, physics, chemistry or geology, produced in Australia during the preceding two years. The prize was established in 1904 by a bequest from the publisher of The Age. It is administered by The University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Science.
[Read more…] about First female scientist to win the David Syme Research Prize in over thirty years
Sarah and Niall have a new baby boy, Ben, born 1 December 2016. He’s 3.6 kg and in a hurry to grow up.
Science in Public has no connection with Shac Communications. [Read more…] about Not us
Enabled by the Australian Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology opening 20 April 2016 at The University of Sydney
Supporting information
[Read more…] about A new era in health, construction, communications and computing research
Celebrating the power of light to transform society:
Colour and movement show how species evolve, bring a second international L’Oréal For Women in Science honour, and a $470,000 ARC grant for University of Melbourne evolutionary biologist Dr Devi Stuart-Fox.
Devi Stuart-Fox is attracted to show-offs. “I’m just really fascinated by animals with fabulous colours and ornaments.”
And ever since she was a teenager living in a bushland setting in an outer Brisbane suburb, she has also been delighted by lizards. She used to keep them as pets.
A zoological mystery that could change medicine and solar energy?
An international research initiative led by the University of Melbourne’s Dr Devi Stuart-Fox will investigate how and why animals change colour — and what it costs them.
It will also open the way for scientists to imitate lizards and develop new materials that respond to light and temperature for energy and medical applications.