Call out for researchers to be a part of National Science Week.

young child looking though microscope

Each year for National Science Week Inspiring Australia NSW facilitates participation of scientists in presentations in libraries and for other organisations.

After two years of COVID we are finally back to live events, which is very exciting for everyone involved in National Science Week. We know there are audiences out there who want to hear from and interact with real scientists who work in government, universities or research institutions.

Why get involved?


We know Australia is experiencing a STEM skills shortage. The problem begins at school, with Australia lagging in maths and science on many international benchmarks.

Each time researchers discuss their work with non-scientists they provide role models for young people and their advisers. A memorable interaction with a scientist or engineer can hugely influence a young person’s career choice.

More broadly, when more members of the public understand what researchers do, they may be more inclined to support public funding of research and care when investment is reduced.

We believe these events are an opportunity for you, real scientists, to talk directly to the wider community about the amazing research you do. If you are a PhD student or early career researcher, this is a great way to practice your public presentation skills.

What are the opportunities this year?


National Science Week Speed Meet a Scientist
Woollahra Library at Double Bay
Saturday 13 August
Advertised event time: 2 to 3.30pm
Audience: Families and children
Commitment: Arrive 1.30pm for briefing then start at 2pm. Participate in 5-minute discussions with audience as they rotate around the room

National Science Week Science in the Scrub
Lizard Log, Western Sydney Parklands
Sunday 14 August
Advertised event time: 11am to 3pm
Audience: Families and children
Commitment:
Stalls: Arrive 10.30am to work on stall chatting to families to explain your research or topic. Suggest having something hands-on or visual for people to engage with.
Meet a scientist tent: Be available in the tent for total of 90 minutes (between 11 and 3pm) for 5-minute discussions with audience as they rotate through the tent

Sydney Science Festival Family Science Day
City of Parramatta Square and Western Sydney University (Parramatta city campus)
Saturday 20 August
Advertised event time: 10am to 4pm
Audience: Families and children
Theme: Looking for topics and research that address revival, including regeneration, resilience and recovery.
Commitment
Meet a scientist stall: Arrive 10am to work on stall chatting to families to explain your research or topic. Suggest having something hands-on or visual for people to engage with.
Presentations: 30 minutes for a 15-minute presentation, with slides, and audience Q & A in one of the seminar rooms.

National Science Week Science in the Swamp
Centennial Parklands

Sunday 21 August
Advertised event time: 11am to 3pm
Audience: Families and children
Commitment
Stalls: Arrive 10.30am to work on stall chatting to families to explain your research or topic. Suggest having something hands-on or visual for people to engage with.
Meet a Scientist tent: Be available in the tent for total of 90 minutes (between 11 and 3pm) for 5-minute discussions with audience as they rotate through the tent.

Interested?


If you are interested and available for any of these activities, please fill out our short EOI form which asks for your contact details, your broad topic and which opportunity could work for you. We’ll get back to you very quickly.

If you are not available for any of these opportunities, but would like to be involved in some way, please choose Other! on the form and we’ll contact you if any other opportunities arise in the lead up to National Science Week.

EOI closes on 9pm on Sunday 17 July.

Please contact IA NSW by email if you have any questions inspiringnsw@sydney.edu.au

Image courtesy of The Royal Botanic Garden.