A message from "Science in Public":

Backyard BioQuests, future food forums, COVID Q&A, virtual reality tours of the Universe: what will you do for Science Week?

National Science Week is coming up on 15 to 23 August.
 
While COVID-19 restrictions have limited the kinds of events that can be held, this year offers a unique opportunity to capitalise on the renewed public interest in science that has grown through our experiences with the Black Summer bushfires and the coronavirus pandemic.
 
How will you get involved?
 
Last year, 1.5 million Australians got involved in more than 2,000 registered National Science Week events around the country. More than 2,870 media stories mentioned National Science Week, with many more covering the events and science in general.

Here’s a taste of the public offering for Science Week 2020:

• Go on a virtual tour of the universe. Swinburne University astrophysicists Alan Duffy and Rebecca Allen will show Australia’s role in astronomy research and the search for dark matter.
• Map where the wild things are. Citizens with smartphones will take photos of plants, animals and fungi as part of The Great Aussie BioQuest Challenge.
• ‘Alcohol goggle’ simulations, fitness tests and other health activities will roll out to Territorians as part of HealthLAB – Menzies School of Health Research’s health education clinic on wheels.
• Australia’s largest family photo will be taken by satellites to show the role of space science as our eye in the sky. This composite photo will cover all of ACT and the population centres of the Northern Territory, organised by ANU Mt Stromlo Observatory in partnership with ACT’s Science Week organising committee.
• Plant science. The Sydney Science Trail will provide a series of online activities and video stories, organised by Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens and Australian Museum.
• Plus many online expert panel events.