The annual celebrations for Australia’s largest festival, National Science Week, which will feature more than 700 events all around Australia, are just around the corner.
The festival will run from 16 - 24 August and will feature a calendar packed with touring displays, hands-on presentations, speeches, forums and a national tour of international science personalities.
“From humble beginnings, National Science Week has grown significantly. I’m proud to say that these days, according to Newspoll surveys, half of the Australia’s population is aware of National Science Week," Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research said.
This year’s festival is expected to attract over 700,000 event participants across Australia, with another 160,000 taking part in school activities.
“National Science Week is not restricted to those in the science and research communities. Science is a vital part of our everyday lives, it is interesting, challenging and of direct relevance to everyone.
"The number of events are too many to mention but details of the exciting opportunities to take part are available on the National Science Week website at www.scienceweek.info.au.
“I would encourage everyone to get involved in Science Week 2008,” Senator Carr said.
National Science Week, now in its 11th year, is designed to recognise the importance of science in everyday life, commend achievements in the field and encourage interest in the industry.
This year National Science Week will welcome prominent science personalities, renowned US skeptic Dr Michael Shermer and big cat conservationist Dr Luke Hunter.
Dr Shermer and Dr Hunter will visit every State and Territory giving public presentations, participating in panels and debates and promoting science throughout Australia.
Most events are free and open to the public, taking place at museums, schools, pubs, universities, public lecture theatres, libraries and even zoos, catering for a host of different audiences from children to adults and science amateurs to professionals.
National Science Week is supported by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Australian Science Teachers Association and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, as well as commercial partner, Australian Geographic.
Media contacts:
Patrick Pantano, Minister's Office, 0417 181 936
Leigh Exelby, National Science Week, 0422 396 111