Media release from the Australian Capital Territory National Science Week coordinating committee
Discover more about local Canberra women in STEM, go on a science treasure hunt, hear about how video games and science connect, and experience the effects of climate change on our reefs through glass work and music. All this and more are part of National Science Week in the ACT.
This year National Science Week (15-23 August) is going online and featuring a variety of events that you can take part in from the comfort of your own home. The week features over 30 different events.
“There are events for all ages and interests including at home science pub trivia, an online film screening, making rockets at home and hearing awe inspiring stories from local STEM role models” says ACT National Science Week Committee co-chair Michelle Kothe.
“It is great to see the amazing variety of events that are happening across the region and how well all these events have pivoted to an online format”.
The week kicks off on Saturday August 15 with an online workshop on how to improve your composting with science run by Capital Scraps Composting and for the young ones there is Destination Moon & Beyond, an online event exploring the science of space. On Sunday August 23 the week concludes with Deadly Science showcasing the weird and wacky world of the animal kingdom. In between there really is something for everyone including adults only events with Sex Ed., Part 2 [The Remix] presented by Phish and Phreak productions, and Shirty Science up late, learn about how science and shirt design collide.
There are also events showcasing the wonderful women in STEM through an online panel on Wednesday August 19, a broadcast of a special episode of ‘Science, you had me at Hello’ on Friday August 21 and through the week you can hear about amazing Canberra women in STEM with Canberra Women of Science and Art and Women’s Science Adventures.
The main event this year will give everyone the chance to take part in an out of this world event; a selfie from space. The Satellite Selfie event will see a satellite fly over Canberra and the surrounding area and take a snapshot of everyone out and about. People can create large artworks or messages that will be seen in the photo.
National Science Week is Australia’s annual opportunity to meet scientists, discuss the hot topics, do science and celebrate its cultural and economic impact on society—from art to astrophysics, chemistry to climate change, and forensics to future food.
National Science Week 2020 will run from 15-23 August. Event details can be found at www.scienceweek.net.au.
A full list of events happening in Canberra can be found online at
https://inspiringtheact.org.au/national-science-week/
We have 5 Canberra scientists, the Faces of Science Week, available for interview, please contact Jillian to arrange.
| Name | Science field | Organisation |
| Dr Bianca Capra | Aerospace engineering | UNSW |
| Dr Brad Tucker | Astronomy | ANU |
| Dr Bryan Lessard | Entomology | CSIRO |
| Dr Stephanie McLennan | Geology and Antarctica | Geoscience Australia |
| Dr Jennie Mallela | Marine ecology | ANU |