Flinders University professors, researchers and graduates have starring roles in this year’s National Science Week (14-22 August), Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology. With over 1000 events across Australia, there is something for everyone this National Science Week.
Ever wondered how an X-ray works? On 20 August, the Micro-X factory at Tonsley Innovation District is hosting a special event, Seeing things differently , for school children and visitors to learn about X-rays and the high-tech equipment involved, all without breaking an arm or a leg. Company experts and Flinders University researchers including Professor Colin Raston, Professor John Long and Dr Alice Clement will explain a number of topics from the physics of X-ray production to engineering and problem solving, 3D printing, and how photography works.
On 18 August, at the South Australian Museum, the Royal Society Show Case Science aims to celebrate and promote the diverse research being undertaken in SA. Corinne Mensforth and PhD candidate Phoebe McInerney from the Flinders University palaeontology lab will present their research and what they see for the future of science in SA. There will also be the opportunity to members of the public to interact with the presenters.
Flinders University space archaeologist Dr Alice Gorman will join a Q&A panel on 20 August for the science and science fiction of space travel. How fast can a rocket go? is one of the questions for the experts, including rocket scientist Dr Patrick Neumann to consider.
On 22 August the public is invited to another special event, Taste & Explore the Future of Food with Post Dining, led by Flinders University graduates Hannah Rohrlach and Stephanie Daughtry. You’ll be given the chance to explore the possibilities for the future of food, and learn about native food from First Nations perspectives, discover the benefits of edible insects, measure the water footprint in our foods, and test your knowledge about food waste. Don’t worry if all this is making you peckish – you’ll be treated to some delicious and surprising snacks along the way.
Grab the family and have Dinner with the Dinosaurs on Sunday 29 August for a theatrical production in the Adelaide Botanic Garden that explores the concept of plant adaptation & sustainability, as experienced through the mouths and bellies of dinosaurs! Renowned singing palaeontologist Professor Flint will star in a live performance, and Flinders University palaeontologists will be on hand to provide additional information to members of the public as they explore the Garden before the performance.
Scinema is a series of special science film screenings which coincides with National Science Week. A film about the Nicolas Baudin and other French explorers’ voyages to Australia – written and produced by Flinders academics Dr Danielle Clode and Dr Christèle Maizonniaux – is available for online screenings during Scinema (after screening on SBS for Bastille Day and still available for viewing on SBS OnDemand until 13 August). The documentary is largely based on one of Dr Clode’s early books Voyages to the South Seas, first published in 2007, which won the Victorian Premier’s Award for Nonfiction and was translated into French in 2011.
Dr Clode is now finishing editing on a new book on the illustrious science career of Flinders University Strategic Professor of Palaeontology John Long.
