UNSW turns Sydney into giant open-air lab for National Science Week
[FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE] From slime and Australian wildlife to flying drones, forensic bones and the question of who owns the Moon, UNSW scientists are taking over Sydney’s parklands for two huge free science festivals this August.
UNSW Sydney is bringing more than 30 hands-on experiments, demonstrations and encounters to Science in the Swamp at Centennial Park on Sunday 16 August and Science in the Scrub at Western Sydney Parklands on Sunday 23 August.
AI expert and UNSW researcher Dr James Dunn is available for interview and demonstrations exploring facial recognition and human–AI interaction.
The free National Science Week events are expected to attract up to 20,000 people, giving families the chance to meet working scientists and get hands-on with the research happening across UNSW.
Visitors can investigate animal skulls like a forensic scientist, make and experiment with slime, discover materials with “superpowers”, test whether they can trust their own brains and explore the strange physics of magnetic levitation.
They can pit Minecraft against chemistry, learn what human bones can reveal about us, experiment with the science of cells and molecules and tackle a science scavenger hunt across the park.
UNSW engineers will also roll in the Makerbus, a mobile workshop packed with lasers, 3D printers and technology, while budding engineers can learn to code, create and fly.
And for those with bigger questions, UNSW researchers will tackle everything from the future of waste to who owns the Moon.
Professor Sven Rogge, Dean of UNSW Science, said the events were about giving people the chance to experience science rather than simply hear about it.
“These events are a chance to bring science out into the community, showcase the diversity of science happening at UNSW and encourage young people from all backgrounds to see a place for themselves in the future of science, innovation and discovery,” says Professor Rogge.
UNSW scientists and demonstrations are available for filming and interviews at both events, including hands-on experiments, wildlife and forensic science, physics demonstrations, engineering technology and activities for children. Possible interviews include scientists studying physics, designing super-materials, and exploring the microscopic building blocks of life.
Science in the Scrub
Sunday 23 August, 10am–3pm
Lizard Log, Western Sydney Parklands
Science in the Swamp and Science in the Scrub are presented by Greater Sydney Parklands, with UNSW Sydney’s Science Village appearing at both events as part of National Science Week.
For more information and to set up interviews please contact:
Tom Melville
UNSW Science
0432 912 060
[email protected]
-ENDS-
Contact details:
Tom Melville
UNSW Science
0432 912 060
[email protected]
