Queensland’s Science Week begins in Cairns

Next week is National Science Week, and the official launch of Queensland’s celebrations will be held in Cairns.

Everyone is invited to join Queensland’s Chief Scientist Dr Geoff Garrett, who will launch the state’s celebrations of National Science Week by performing an experiment onstage at The Tanks Arts Centre in Edge Hill on Saturday (15 August).

This is the first time Queensland’s launch of National Science Week has been held outside Brisbane.

“Cairns has embraced National Science Week with an entertaining program of science-inspired events for the whole community,” Dr Garrett said.

“It’s great to see parents and children involved with science and developing a greater understanding of the contribution it makes to solving issues in our everyday lives.”

Professor Robyn McGuiggan, head of James Cook University’s Cairns campus, said living in far north Queensland inspired the scientist in us all.

“You can’t help but be curious about the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and the complexities of rainforest ecology,” she said.

“We’re proud to be launching Queensland’s celebrations of National Science Week in Cairns, where science not only helps us understand and care for our natural environment, but also helps drive the local economy. It inspires us all to learn more to ensure that life in the tropics keeps getting better.”

Robert Pyne, the Member for Cairns, will be attending the launch as the representative of the Minister for Science and Innovation, Leeanne Enoch.

The launch will include local performers, artists and musicians as well as James Cook University researchers.

Local scientists will present their work on topics including: sharks, lava tubes and venomous marine creatures; the rocks and volcanoes of the far north; what happens when bees are sick; how coral responds to climate change; and how midges help to produce more chocolate.

“You can also learn about some of the parasites that might be living on you or in you, and check them out under microscopes,” organiser Lisa Jones said.

A collaboration between local parasitologists and artists has resulted in a performance that uses visual arts, traditional dance and multimedia to reveal the parasites that can threaten our quality of life in the tropics.

The event will feature artists Bernard Lee Singleton, Tai Inoue and Dave Masters, with music by The Zennith Boyz, an aerial silks performance by Lou Kiiver of Aerial Dynamics, and a fire twirling and drumming show.

The Queensland Launch of National Science Week will be held at Tank 3, The Tanks Arts Centre, Collins Avenue, Edge Hill from 3.00pm to approximately 6.00pm on Saturday 15 August.

Admission is free and all are welcome. If possible, please register online at alumni.jcu.edu.au/jcunationalscienceweek

Issued: August 13, 2015

Media enquiries: Linden Woodward, 07 4232 1007, linden.woodward@jcu.edu.au