Jump to Content

Media Release

August 19 2009

UniSA celebrates the power and opportunity of 21st century science

In light of the huge environmental and sustainability challenges the whole world is confronting, some of our enduring 21st century heroes may well be scientists and mathematicians.

According to former South Australian Scientist of the Year, UniSA Laureate Professor and Director of the Ian Wark Research Institute, John Ralston, careers in science and maths will burgeon as we move to solve key challenges such as climate change.

Speaking in the lead up to Science at the Lakes, a keynote event for the University during Science Week, Laureate Professor Ralston, said events where students can become engaged with the experience of doing science – experiments and active displays – are invaluable in recruiting new people to the field.

“It is vital that we capture the imagination of the next generations and nurture tomorrow’s science leaders now,” Prof Ralston said.

“In the biographies of great scientists, you will often find there was a teacher or mentor or an event in their early years that got them excited about scientific possibilities.

“It is a little unfortunate that in Australia science tends to take a back seat in the media so we have less opportunity to understand Australian excellence and achievement in the sciences and the power of science and maths to alter human history.”

This year Science at the Lakes will host about 1500 South Australian school children in grades four to 10 from more than 25 schools across the state from Waikerie to Mt Barker.

Over the day there will be 38 workshops for students to take part in and nine interactive displays. Highlights will include the BAE Systems rocket launches, racing robots, insights into forensic science, new developments in laser optics and a special presentation from international National Science Week guest, theoretical physicist, Professor Lawrence Krauss, who will explore the physics behind the Star Trek TV series.

Professor Ralston said he hoped that the 2009 Science at the Lakes might provide just the spark for a few young people to set them on the path to discover, innovate and invent and make a positive difference in the future.

“As a scientist I know the joys of a career in science and I can recommend it highly,” Professor Ralston said.

Social bookmarking
Digg Digg It Reddit Reddit Delicious Delicious Stumble It Stumble It! NewsvineSeed Newsvine

Media contact

 

top^