A total of $5 million has been awarded across three levels of grant categories, small, medium and large, for projects to be delivered in 2012 and/or 2013 and/or 2014.
The prime objective of the program is to increase the engagement of Australians in science and it has prioritised projects that engage people who may not have had previous access to or interest in science-communication activities. Inspiring Australia is an initiative of the Australian Government.
Below is the full list of grants received in each state.
ACT
ScienceAlert: Engaging and Inspiring Young Australians on Facebook
Grant recipient: ScienceAlert Pty Ltd
Project number: UL010236, $200,000
Project summary:
Using Facebook as a delivery device, the project will supply credible, defensible and accurate science content provided by Australasian universities, science centres and agencies to over 250,000 young Australians on a daily basis.
Media contacts: Chris Cassella, chris.cassella@sciencealert.com.au, 02 61004307
Pedalling Science to the People – Science Busking Bike
Grant recipient: Australian National University, Centre for the Public Awareness of Science
Project number: US010110, $4,935
Project summary:
This program will run a series of live science shows and workshops at various locations in the ACT using, and centring on, the presenter’s transport – a modified cargo bike containing a variety of science-orientated props/materials.
Media contacts: Graham Walker, g.walker@anu.edu.au, 02 61259224
Science Engagement Camp for Young Refugee Migrants Residing in Goulburn / Opening Doors
Grant recipient: The Australian National University
Project number: US010055, $4,460
Project summary:
A two-day camp providing 30 young refugee migrants access to science engagement activities at mainstream science centres in Canberra. The program is designed to inspire its audience to pursue science at school, at tertiary level and professionally.
Media contacts: Sean Perera, Sean.Perera@anu.edu.au, 02 61251073
The New Science and Engineering Challenge
Grant recipient: The Science and Engineering Challenge, The University of Newcastle
Project number: UL010010, $450,000
Project summary:
Building on the Science and Engineering Challenge, the program is a competition between schools and provides hands-on experiences that dispel misconceptions about careers in science and engineering. The program covers NSW, VIC, ACT and TAS.
Media contacts: Megan Cunneen, Megan.Cunneen@newcastle.edu.au, 02 4985 4049
dLux iStreet Lab
Grant recipient: dLux MediaArts
Project number: UL010027, $236,000
Project summary:
The program will use a portable multimedia station (the dLux iStreet Lab) to engage and educate hard-to-reach youth in remote and regional areas about science in a hands-on situation. The program has a particular focus on ICT and associated technologies.
Media contacts: Cash Brown, cash@dlux.org.au, 02 95691458 / 0411 324 90
NISEP – Engaging Rural, Regional and Indigenous Communities in Science
Grant recipient: Macquarie University
Project number: UL010076, $350,000
Project summary:
A series of hands-on science shows conducted in regional and rural NSW, QLD and WA for communities with high Indigenous populations. Events will engage Indigenous youth and elders as ‘teachers’ to communicate science to the communities, allowing for the target audience (particularly youth) to see science as accessible and potentially as a career option. Science topics to be covered include ‘big picture’ concepts such as climate change, water rights, food security and renewable energy.
Media contacts: Joanne Jamie, joanne.jamie@mq.edu.au, 02 98508283
Ultimo Science Festival
Grant recipient: Powerhouse Museum
Project number: UL010159, $150,000
Project summary:
The annual 10-day Science Festival is held in Ultimo, Sydney and targets the general public, attracting over 15,000 people. Evaluation of the 2011 Festival showed that of those attendees who considered themselves uninterested in science, 95% left the event more engaged as a direct result of the Festival.
Funding is for three years of the Ultimo Science Festival in partnership with the University of Technology Sydney, TAFE Ultimo and Powerhouse Museum.
Media contacts: Tilly Boleyn, tilly.boleyn@phm.gov.au, 02 92170381 / 0410 684 559
VIZBI+ Visualising the future of biomedicine
Grant recipient: Garvan Institute of Medical Research
Project number: UL010176, $350,000
Project summary:
The program seeks to communicate biomedical research through images, animation and other visual means to young adults, business professionals and art lovers who may not be currently engaged with science. It will be hosted in Sydney and Melbourne with an online component to make content available nationally. The program is a collaboration between Garvan, the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute and CSIRO.
Media contacts: Sarah Wood, Sarah.Wood@csiro.au, 0423 350 515
Ology – Science-Inspired Rock Performance
Grant recipient: CSIRO
Project number: UL010243, $180,000
Project summary:
This program will promote Australian scientific research and innovation across multiple topics and disciplines to youth and general public audiences in each capital city, as well as suburban and regional areas. The delivery is by means of live events incorporating original, science-inspired rock/pop music, live science demonstrations and audience interaction. An online component will also be included to further the reach of the program.
Media contacts: Darren Vogrig, darren.vogrig@csiro.au, 02 94908481
The National Science Challenge
Grant recipient: University of Sydney
Project number: UM010001, $45,000
Project summary:
An online science challenge aimed primarily at year nine science students. The challenge runs for several weeks and provides problems from a range of technical disciplines that are automatically marked online. Online delivery of the Science Challenge enables limitless scalability, Australia-wide access, and instant expert feedback for participants.
Media contacts: Tara Murphy, tara@physics.usyd.edu.au, 02 93513041 / 0402 183 685
Far Out Science
Grant recipient: University of New England
Project number: UM010044, $45,000
Project summary:
Far Out Science comprises two events available to communities across New South Wales. The ‘Science in the Bush’ event brings students and families to the UNE Armidale campus to participate in hands-on science activities over three days. In ‘Consumer Science’, scientists from UNE will visit local shopping centres to offer people fun and simple hands-on science experiments.
Media contacts: Dr Erica Smith, esmith32@une.edu.au, 02 6773 5130
Science Centre and Panetarium Outreach Program
Grant recipient: University of Wollongong (Science Centre and Planetarium)
Project number: UM010051, $45,000
Project summary:
A tour presenting astronomy science shows using a portable dome theatre and presenters. It will visit regional NSW, using venues such as school and town halls. The target audience includes members of the public, school children and teachers in regional areas.
Media contacts: Glen Moore, gkm@uow.edu.au, 02 42865000
UNSW Medicine – Dean’s Lecture Series
Grant recipient: University of New South Wales
Project number: UM010052, $30,000
Project summary:
The annual UNSW Medicine ‘Dean’s Lecture Series’ involves a panel of highly acclaimed experts debating topical issues in health and science. The free public event provides local, state and national communities with a unique opportunity to hear from some of the leading names in health today, broadening their understanding of current issues, innovations and developments. The project will expand its reach by holding satellite events at rural UNSW campuses across New South Wales.
Media contacts: Matthew Miles, m.miles@unsw.edu.au, 02 93858061 / 0412 888 598
East Coast Humpback Whale Watch Catalogue
Grant recipient: Southern Cross University
Project number: UM010066, $42,970
Project summary:
The program will create a website to track humpback whale migration, sourcing photographic and geographic data from whale-watching tourists and tourist operators. The site will allow contributors to follow the migration and behaviour of the whale/s for which they have provided data, at the same time as the site accrues valuable data on whale migration etc.
Media contacts: Brigid Veale, brigid.veale@scu.edu.au, 61 (439) 680748 / 02 6659 3006
Fact or Fiction Roadshow
Grant recipient: ANSTO – Australian Nuclear Science & Technology Organisation
Project number: UM010105, $45,000
Project summary:
The program will host 12 cinema-style events across Australia in 2013, using clips of science-fiction movies to engage attendees on questions of science and technology. A critique of the science-related cinematic content will be delivered by qualified ANSTO scientists.
Media contacts: Rodney Jason Dowler, rod.dowler@ansto.gov.au, 02 97173934 / 0447 297 342
The Dream of the Thylacine
Grant recipient: Erth Visual & Physical Inc
Project number: UM010199, $44,880
Project summary:
A live show for children and families based on the thylacine. The shows will use animated life-sized custom-made puppets, detailed narration incorporating myth and fact, projected images and live footage. It focuses on themes such as biology, ecology, environmental science and the social sciences. The show will feature at the 2013 international arts festival Ten Days On The Island, at the Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery (TMAG) in Hobart and the Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery (QVMAG) in Launceston. The show will then undergo national and international touring in museums where thylacine exhibits are housed and/or research is carried out.
Media contacts: Anna Young, anna@erth.com.au, 02 8571 9133 / 0415 367 547
Science Fair and Border Stargaze
Grant recipient: Astronomical Society Albury/Wodonga Inc (ASAW)
Project number: UM010205, $45,000
Project summary:
An existing annual seven-day science fair involving science stalls, activities, workshops, demonstrations, presentations, meet a scientist/s etc. Activities will include static and working displays in addition to sidewalk astronomy where passers-by are invited to view the Moon and other spectacular night sky objects through a range of telescopes. The project will also provide events specifically tailored for people with special needs. 2011 Nobel Laureate Dr Brian Schmidt will provide the keynote address.
Media contacts: David Chandler, borderstargaze@iprimus.com.au, 0421 816 007
Science Across Generations
Grant recipient: Scienza Viva
Project number: US010027, $4,842
Project summary:
This program will engage parents and carers of primary-school children in science activities with their children, demonstrating practical and inexpensive means of everyday science education and engagement. Workshops will be held in areas identified as having low indices of socio-educational advantage in regional NSW.
Media contacts: Effie Howe, effiehowe@scienzaviva.com.au, 02 98743691 / 0408 460 948
Solas is an interactive light and sound installation powered by clean energy.
Grant recipient: David Ryan
Project number: US010061, $5,000
Project summary:
An interactive, pedal-powered light-and-sound installation will be showcased at non-science events, e.g. local music events, in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains. The program will engage audiences on the science surrounding clean energy and sustainability. Audience members will be able to interact with the installation through pedalling the bike-generator or operating the sound system.
Media contacts: David Ryan, didjryan@hotmail.com, 0438 468 174
ACCELERATOR: A collaborative public program where art and science collide.
Grant recipient: Culture at Work
Project number: US010078, $5,000
Project summary:
Ten presentations will be developed and presented jointly by scientists and artists, covering science topics such as climate science, physics, neuroscience and cancer research and microscopy. These will be presented to the community of Jackson’s Landing in Pyrmont with some additional post-presentation events to allow audience members to directly interact with scientists.
Media contacts: Sherryl Ryan, sherrylryan@cultureatwork.com.au, 02 95188813 / 0401 884 716
Sharing knowledge: Indigenous engagement in climate science
Grant recipient: The University of New South Wales
Project number: US010109, $4,700
Project summary:
Two on-Country workshops will be run in an Indigenous community near Alice Springs. These workshops will focus on both scientific projections of climate change and Indigenous understandings of environmental change. The outcomes of these workshops will be available as a resource through an online blog.
Media contacts: Claire O’Neill, claire.oneill@unsw.edu.au, 0405 612 351
Inspiring Australia – General public learning for involvement in marine science
Grant recipient: University of Sydney
Project number: US010136, $5,000
Project summary:
A series of seminars, which can be tailored in terms of depth and detail according to audience, designed to generate community interest in marine science and associated local activities. The program is a partnership of the University of Sydney and the Marine Education Society of Australia (MESA). On completion of the program, the seminar resources will be given to local marine education groups to continue using in their community engagement.
Media contacts: Christine Preston, christine.preston@sydney.edu.au, 02 93516282 / 0414 719 034
Engaging remote Indigenous communities in climate-change science
Grant recipient: CSIRO Ecosystemm Sciences
Project number: UL010214, $150,000
Project summary:
The program will engage Aboriginal Tiwi Islander communities on the issue of climate change, its potential impact and possible adaptation strategies. Impacts to be discussed include changes in sea levels and their impact livelihoods, housing, health and food resources. The program builds on an existing partnership between CSIRO and the Tiwi Land Council.
Media contacts: Barbie McKaige, Barbara.Mckaige@csiro.au,
Harvesting Traditional Knoweldge
Grant recipient: ANKAAA
Project number: UL010228, $150,000
Project summary:
This project involves four 2½-day workshops held over three years across the Kimberley, Darwin/Katherine, the Tiwi Islands, and Arnhem Land which focuses on building skills and understanding in environmental and cultural conservation, with a particular focus on traditional Indigenous conservation practices.
Media contacts: Christina Davidson, ceo@ankaaa.org.au, 08 89816134
Sustainable Science Trail
Grant recipient: Arid Lands Environment Centre
Project number: UM010082, $45,000
Project summary:
Sustainable Science Trail combines the design, development and erection of up to 10 interpretative signs at sites associated with science and sustainability around Alice Springs. The signs will be directly connected to a website through QR codes. Participants on the trail will use a web-based trail map which can be accessed on a smart phone, or a hard copy trail map to learn more about the area. The program will primarily target family groups with school-aged children, with the intention of capitalising on common family tourism routes, routines and attractions and offering an enhancement of the average visitor experience. The program will be launched at the 2013 desertSMART EcoFair during National Science Week.
Media contacts: James Cocking, info@alec.org.au, 08 89522497 / 0423511931
Indigenous Rangers Promote Science in their Communities
Grant recipient: Tangentyere Council
Project number: UM010201, $44,930
Project summary:
The project will develop the skills of at least two Central Land Council Indigenous community ranger groups to discuss and promote local natural science issues and activities, most of which they are directly involved in. The community ranger groups will then provide presentations and field trips to a range of local community groups/gatherings, including elders, youth groups and schools.
Media contacts: Meg Mooney, meg.mooney@tangentyere.org.au, 08 89507172 / 0400 942 539
Apurtelhe-ileme (bringing together) science and Indigenous ecological knowledge
Grant recipient: Akeyulerre Incorporate
Project number: UL010119, $100,000
Project summary:
The program seeks to engage Aboriginal youth in horticultural science activities as part of the practical application of Indigenous Ecological Knowledge (IEK) in furthering the resources of an existing traditional medicine enterprise.
Media contacts: Sam Hussey, aherre-intenhe@akeyulerre.org.au, 08 89522339
Robogals on Tour
Grant recipient: Robogals Inc.
Project number: UM010033, $20,000
Project summary:
A tour of hands-on robotic workshops travelling through remote areas of Queensland. These tours introduce communities to a type of science and technology they would not normally get to experience and foster student’s thinking about the possibilities available to them in tertiary education.
Media contacts: Aaron Lederhose, aaron@robogals.org.au, 0427 721 659
Locating Science: Mapping Ecological Themes in Australian Film and Literature
Grant recipient: University of Queensland
Project number: UM010081, $35,000
Project summary:
The project aims to “locate” ecological issues in the narrative landscapes of acclaimed Australian books and films that foreground eco-cultural themes. Using the enduring appeal of storytelling, it is proposed to engage people’s interest in such landscapes and foster debate regarding the environmental concerns Australia faces. The project will work with and reframe understandings of the environmental science drawn from cultural texts. It aims to engage members of the public for whom film and literature can open a window onto eco-cultural issues in the desert regions, tropical zones, coastal ecosystems, and Indigenous communities where Australian narratives take place.
Media contacts: Jane Stadler, j.stadler@uq.edu.au, 07 33653136
Sea Turtle Co-Management Travelling Roadshow
Grant recipient: Sea Turtle Foundation
Project number: UM010206, $26,000
Project summary:
A road show in which scientists and Indigenous representatives host educational talks about sea turtle biology, facilitate community meetings about how to address threats to sea turtles, and involve community members in sea turtle and marine debris monitoring in their own communities. The project will target school-age children, the general community, and in particular, young hunters.
Media contacts: Julie Traweek, julie.traweek@seaturtlefoundation.org, 07 47212699 / 0422 653 270 / 0431 259 129
Parasites in Power
Grant recipient: Australian Society for Parasitology Inc.
Project number: UM010210, $30,000
Project summary:
A series of free public outreach events run over 3 years to be held in Launceston, Perth and Canberra. Workshops and programs will explore what parasites are, how they can be managed and the work of parasitologists, with the aim of inspiring an interest in parasitology and a career in science.
Media contacts: Lisa Jones, lisa.jones1@jcu.edu.au, 07 40421311 / 0405620747 / 0477904853
Talking Water
Grant recipient: University of Queensland
Project number: US010043, $4,971
Project summary:
A one-day interactive event focusing on water science to be held in Queensland featuring talks from experts and hands-on workshops. A major focus will be exploring the role media plays in the communicating water science to consumers. A panel discussion from the event will be broadcast nationally on the ABC Radio National’s Big Ideas program.
Media contacts: Gay Hawkins, g.hawkins@uq.edu.au, 07 33467416
Liddell Education’s “Science on the Road”
Grant recipient: Liddell Education
Project number: US010098, $5,000
Project summary:
A science show/workshop hosted at community-based vacation care programs in Queensland. The program will target students aged 6 to 14. The science content will be delivered on-stage and through hands-on experiences combined web 2.0 interactive activities and promoted by digital media.
Media contacts: Steven Liddell, liddelleducation@gmail.com, 0410 550 481
Hidden National Treasure: Promoting the World’s First Animals
Grant recipient: Straight Up
Project number: UL010123, $90,000
Project summary:
The program seeks to engage both local and wider communities in paleontological science through providing a training course to enable Central Flinders Region locals to participate in the recovery and study of Edicaran fossils. The program will also engage local communities on the fossils with a view to developing tourism opportunities for the area, further expanding the reach of Edicaran palaeontology.
Media contacts: Damia Ettakadoumi, damia@straight-up.com.au, 0408 683 088
The Science of Ageing – Exploration of life stages birth to old age
Grant recipient: RiAus – Royal Institution of Australia
Project number: UM010046, $43,100
Project summary:
A theatre production focusing on ageing that is adaptable for audiences, followed by a Q&A session on the same topic. The performance will visit three towns in regional South Australia. There will also be activities in community centres, local libraries and schools in towns surrounding these regional centres. The Q&A session will be broadcast live on the internet, allowing viewers to interact in the discussions via web, phone, email and text.
Media contacts: Francene Connor, fconnor@riaus.org.au, 08 7120 8615
3D Modelling of Koonalda Indigenous Art and Mining
Grant recipient: South Australilan Museum
Project number: UM010095, $40,000
Project summary:
This program will engage the local Indigenous community to work with researchers towards the virtual recording of the heritage-listed Koonalda Cave and its associated Indigenous artwork. This project offers a means for Indigenous communities to engage with innovative science; to share knowledge with other Indigenous people and the general public; and to secure long term and effective site protection.
Media contacts: Keryn Walshe, keryn.walshe@samuseum.sa.gov.au, 08 82077402
SciWorld Sundays – free family science fairs in regional South Australia
Grant recipient: SciWorld
Project number: UM010134, $45,000
Project summary:
An existing Whyalla event, funding for the project will expand this series of free family science fairs run in regional SA designed to expose participants to, and encourage careers in, science. The events are expected to attract an estimated 2,500 people and involve shows, workshops facilitated by a science communicator, self-guided hands-on activities, science role-play, industry displays, career and educational institution information.
Media contacts: Lisa Horsley, lisa.horsley@unisa.edu.au, 08 83023046 / 0402 318 433
Understanding the wombat by engaging the local agricultural community
Grant recipient: Royal Zoological Society of SA – Conservation Ark
Project number: US010025, $4,750
Project summary:
A series of workshops and site visits to coordinate with landowners, Government and conservation groups to determine strategies for effective management of southern hairy-nosed wombat in agricultural settings, while promoting co-existence and ensuring long-term conservation of the species.
Media contacts: Morgaine Wallace, mwallace@zoossa.com.au, 08 8230 1293 / 0408 929 347
Megafauna Makeover – fossil preparation and conservation
Grant recipient: South Australian Museum
Project number: US010100, $5,000
Project summary:
A workshop engaging young offenders from Magill Training Centre, as well as local volunteers, in the collection, conservation and preparation of megafaunal fossils for a planned expansion of the South Australian Museum megafauna display.
Media contacts: Mr. Crispin Savage, Crispin.Savage@samuseum.sa.gov.au, 08 8207 7431 / 0434 603 175
Night Skies on the Eyre Peninsula
Grant recipient: SkyWatch Astronomy Education
Project number: US010133, $5,000
Project summary:
The project will bring the resources of SkyWatch Astronomy Education to the Eyre Peninsula to provide high-interest astronomy engagement programs, open to all members of the community. The programs will include provision and staffing of a portable, fully functional planetarium and 360 degree movie theatre, as well as computerised telescopes to deliver night-sky observing experiences.
Media contacts: Dean Davidson, dean@skywatch.com.au, 08 82986523
Eyes-on-the-water:inspiring Australians through participation in science
Grant recipient: University of Tasmania
Project number: UL010007, $300,000
Project summary:
The program involves further development of the existing REDMAP website to engage the fishing and marine communities around Australia in monitoring and recording data on the geographical redistribution of marine species and populations as a consequence of changing climate conditions.
Media contacts: Gretta Pecl, Gretta.Pecl@utas.edu.au, 03 6227 7243 / 0408 626 792
Plant Hunter … Treasure Hunter!
Grant recipient: Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
Project number: UM010194, $44,960
Project summary:
A collaborative project led by the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens (RTBG) to raise community awareness of the importance of plants and biodiversity. The community ‘Plant Hunters’ will be encouraged to learn about botany through the on-site materials and online interactive elements which allow participants to further engage with the RTBG on Tasmanian habitats.
Media contacts: Marcus Ragus, Marcus.Ragus@rtbg.tas.gov.au, 03 62363086/0488 257 263
Aboriginal Discovery Science at Risdon Cove
Grant recipient: Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre
Project number: US010073, $5,000
Project summary:
The program seeks to engage Aboriginal youth and the wider Risdon Cove community in a scientific and cultural appreciation of local geographical features, as relayed through video and podcasts by Aboriginal elders.
Media contacts: June Sculthorpe, june.s@tacinc.com.au, 03 6234 0700
Exploring, understanding and appreciating Tasmanian marine natural values
Grant recipient:
Project number: UM010120, $45,000
Project summary:
This project will increase awareness of Tasmania’s unique marine environments with a state-wide program of activity designed to impart knowledge of local marine research via tours of Tasmanian marine environments. The program will facilitate collaboration/coordination of marine science communication activities across Tasmania. Special tours will be held for secondary school students with a focus on careers in marine research. Tours will be complemented by display materials.
Media contacts: Wayne Goninon, wayne.goninon@utas.edu.au, 0408 388 881
Field Guide Apps to Australian Fauna – by Museums, for the Community
Grant recipient: Museum Victoria
Project number: UL010110, $390,000
Project summary:
Field guides of Australian fauna will be made accessible via Apple and Android smart phone applications or online at the Atlas of Living Australia website. The content will include: images, sounds and distribution information for iconic and recognisable animal species in each State and Territory. The guides will be free.
Media contacts: Emily Wrigglesworth, ewriggle@museum.vic.gov.au,
Regioneering Road Show
Grant recipient: Engineers Without Borders Australia LTD
Project number: UL010229, $260,000
Project summary:
An annual four-week education outreach tour through regional and remote Australia. The Road Show will involve travel across three states and deliver science education outreach activities in more than 30 rural locations. The Regioneering Road Show has the primary goal of engaging the community, and particularly, young Australians in engineering, technology and its underlying science.
Media contacts: Julian O’Shea, j.oshea@ewb.org.au, 03 93291166 / 0400 260 565
Fresh Science
Grant recipient: ScienceNOW
Project number: UL010247, $210,000
Project summary:
Fresh Science is a competitive media training and awareness program for early-career researchers. The program aims to develop young scientists to communicate and engage with the public and relate stories of their work. The program is designed to break down the barriers between the world of the media and the world of research and is considered a practical means of bridging the gap between science and the media.
Media contacts: Niall Byrne, niall@scienceinpublic.com.au, 03 93981416
Climate change animations
Grant recipient: CSIRO
Project number: UM010085, $39,000
Project summary:
A series of animations will be developed to communicate complex climate change science and issues to regional, rural and youth communities across Australia. Concepts and scripts will be developed through face-to-face engagement with users to maximise relevance, accessibility and interest. The animations will be marketed and made available online, within the existing marketing/educational campaigns of contributing agencies etc.
Media contacts: Imogen Jubb, i.jubb@bom.gov.au, 03 96694486
Insight Radical: revealing science through art
Grant recipient: ARC Centre of Excellence for Free Radical Chemistry and Biotechnology, The University of Melbourne
Project number: UM010111, $44,980
Project summary:
The project will use art as a basis for science engagement with the arts community and arts-engaged public. Insight Radical will educate the public on the nature and impact of free radicals on health, their contribution to disease, as well as their role in material degradation. The Insight Radical project will be delivered in part through public art exhibitions, online resources, hands-on public workshops, talks combining science and art for regional communities, and a science-and-art camp for youth and families of remote communities.
Media contacts: Renee Beale, renee@freeradical.org.au, 0404 804 384
Not just one thing – art, science & schizophrenia
Grant recipient: CRC for Mental Health
Project number: US010031, $4,303
Project summary:
Story-telling events will provide a history of schizophrenia, exploring the illness through art, science and personal perspectives. The events will use selected works from the Dax Centre’s collection of artwork created by people with experience of mental illness and expertise from scientists at the Cooperative Research Centre for Mental Health.
Media contacts: Melanie Carew, melanie@mentalhealthcrc.com, 03 8344 1645 / 0411 286 081
Poo Power
Grant recipient: GreenNation
Project number: US010065, $45,000
Project summary:
A series of anaerobic methane digesters will be built and installed in Melbourne. These will process dog waste as provided by members of the community, demonstrating how waste products can be processed to produce biogases and explaining the potential use of such by-products in generating renewable energy. The displays will also engage audiences on the issue of ‘what is waste’, and the potential opportunities posed by reassessing waste management practices.
Media contacts: Duncan Chew, duncan@greennation.com.au, 0418 513 240
Dimensional – a fusion of maths, circus and teenagers
Grant recipient: Teacup Tumble
Project number: US010097, $4,960
Project summary:
Teenagers from the Bendigo region will, with guidance, develop a theatre performance piece based on geometry. They will use theatre, circus and story-telling elements to convey a personal, artistic interpretation of mathematical experience. The piece will be performed at schools and to the general public at the Bendigo Discovery Centre.
Media contacts: Kate Barnard, teacuptumble@gmail.com, 0408 205 325
It’s Not Circus, It’s Science
Grant recipient: Teacup Tumble
Project number: US010108, $5,000
Project summary:
A series of shows to be held over three days as part of the Warrnambool Fun4Kids Festival. The show will explore concepts of physics and neuroscience through the use of circus skills such as acrobatics, whip cracking and equilibristics (balancing on objects).
Media contacts: Kate Barnard, teacuptumble@gmail.com, 0408 205 325
Read4Nature – Science in our Picture Books
Grant recipient: Jeanie Clark
Project number: US010131, $5,000
Project summary:
A series of library-based workshops will target adult readers will be run in seven town libraries in the lower Wimmera area. The workshops will assist people of varying literacy levels who read to children, teaching them how to discover and share knowledge of environmental science that is found in story books. Events will be run during National Science Week, where participants from the workshops share stories and science with children at the local libraries.
Media contacts: Jeanie Clark, enviroed4all@skymesh.com.au, 03 53941178 / 0428 460 492
Fireballs in the Sky (FITS)
Grant recipient: Curtin University
Project number: UL010092, $145,000
Project summary:
A citizen-science initiative in regional and rural WA focusing on improving audiences’ understanding of planetary science research. The program will focus on meteorite activity, with participants across regional communities working with researchers to document meteorites and sharing the information through an online database.
Media contacts: Pip Lapelms, pip.lapelms@curtin.edu.au,
Promoting the role of Chemistry in day-to-day life
Grant recipient: Royal Australian Chemical Institute Inc. (RACI)
Project number: UL010121, $190,000
Project summary:
This project will expand the Royal Australian Chemical Institute’s national touring chemistry exhibition program. The six exhibitions are designed to increase the public awareness of the role of chemistry in an everyday context. The project will allow the tours to travel further, being hosted by local libraries in regional areas.
Media contacts: Roger Stapleford, roger.stapleford@raci.org.au, 03 93282033 / 0449 138 449
Tastes Like Science: Molecular Gastronomy and the Science of Foods Workshop
Grant recipient: University of Western Australia
Project number: UM010050, $44,919
Project summary:
A series of food-based workshops targeting the adult general public will be held in venues such as restaurants. The focus on food and cooking will allow participants to engage with a number of scientific disciplines, from chemistry to physics, in a fashion which relates the science to an everyday topic of interest.
Media contacts: Michael Sinclair-Jones, UWA Public Affairs, michael.sinclair-jones@uwa.edu.au, 08 6488 3229 / 0400 700 783
From fire-stick farming to the friendly frontier: landscape change at Albany, WA
Grant recipient: The University of Western Australia
Project number: UM010101, $30,340
Project summary:
A UWA archaeology field-school program for students involving Noongar community representatives, archaeologists, and scientists in allied fields of geochronology and palaeontology. It is aimed to outline how landscapes and human activities have changed over time at Albany’s oldest archaeological site, Kalgan Hall.
Media contacts: Michael Sinclair-Jones, UWA Public Affairs, michael.sinclair-jones@uwa.edu.au, 08 6488 3229 / 0400 700 783
Science Rocks on the Road
Grant recipient: Goldields Education Mining Industry Alliance (GEMIA) Inc
Project number: UM010119, $30,000
Project summary:
An outreach program that utilises a trailer equipped with resources for hands-on demonstrations and activities. The program has been developed by mining volunteers across all science fields with assistance from educators and travels to communities in the Goldfields – Esperance and neighbouring regions delivering targetable education to communities.
Media contacts: Darren Cooke, dacooke@barrick.com, 08 90263655
Perth Zoo mobile outreach Living with Wildlife Program for newly arrived refugees
Grant recipient: Perth Zoo
Project number: US010029, $5,000
Project summary:
An outreach program delivering wildlife education, including a focus on conservation, to newly-arrived refugee families and children. The program will provide its audience with an understanding and appreciation of native wildlife, the need for conservation, as well as the skills and knowledge to respond appropriately to native species and a chance to meet some Australian animals.
Media contacts: Deb Read, debbie.read@perthzoo.wa.gov.au,
(08) 94740383 / 0438 950 643
Rocket Girl Rocket Shows
Grant recipient: Rocket Girl
Project number: US010071, $5,000
Project summary:
A live show illustrating the science behind rocket flight to students and families. The show uses rockets to give short explanations of ‘Air Pressure’, ‘Explosions’, ‘Newton’s third Law of Motion’, and ‘Conservation of momentum’.
Media contacts: Clare Louise Stace, clare@rocketgirl.com.au, 0410 331 221
Carbon opportunities in Indigenous Communities
Grant recipient: Murdoch University
Project number: US010118, $5,000
Project summary:
The program will work with three Indigenous communities in Western Australia to research and model the connections between carbon management programs and development of livelihood assets. This is achieved through four workshops in each of the communities. These ascertain the current environmental profiles and best carbon management options for the areas. The communities will become increasingly informed about the energy and carbon cycles so that they may make more educated decisions about their future.
Media contacts: Hayley Mayne, H.Mayne@Murdoch.edu.au, 08 9360 2474
Ancient Science
Grant recipient: WA Gould League Inc
Project number: US010141, $5,000
Project summary:
Workshops delivering a range of hands-on biological and environmental science learning experiences will be conducted on the banks of Herdsman Lake for Aboriginal participants and people who work with Aboriginal communities. These workshops will include Dreaming-time stories and cultural history lessons from local Aboriginal Elders and will bring common understanding between ancient and modern thinking.