October 31, 2014

Too much Dr Who, and too little Dr Karl: Sorting science facts from science fiction

With more than three-quarters of Australians believing scientists have discovered life on other planets, and more than half thinking “Back to the Future” style hoverboards have been invented, it’s time to set the record straight.

UOW will host a special event on Thursday 6 November to help sort science fact from science fiction.

A number of Australia’s leading scientists from the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), which runs Australia’s only nuclear research reactor at Lucas Heights in the South of Sydney, will talk lightsabers, invisibility and driverless cars at a free public event suitable for curious minds aged 8 and up.

Rod Dowler, from ANSTO’s Discovery Centre said while 74 per cent of Australians are interested in finding out the latest scientific achievements and breakthroughs, we’re often going to the wrong sources.

“I think it’s fair to say some Australians watch a little too much Dr Who and a too little Dr Karl,” Mr Dowler said.

“ANSTO’s Fact or Fiction events are highly entertaining and educational, and use pop-culture to interest kids in science.”

“Science areas that are explored include everything from Teleporting to Time Travel, Invisibility, Immortality, Light Sabres, Intelligent Metals, Terraforming Climates and Telekinesis,” Mr Dowler said. 

Fact or Fiction is a 90 minute show where the audience watch clips of classic sci-fi hits before individually voting, with hand held devices, on whether the technology featured is actual science fact or pure science fiction.

Once the audience voting has been locked in, an ANSTO scientist will critique the science featured in the film and provide the answer.  

UOW scientists Dr Anthony Dosseto and Melinda Waterman will also speak at the event. Dr Dosetto is a geochronologist, who recently made world-wide headlines after he helped date what has turned out to be some of the oldest rock art paintings in the world. Ms Waterman is finishing up her PhD thesis on the natural sunscreens in Antarctic moss.

Event details:
Fact or Fiction in Wollongong – General Public Event
Thursday 6 November, 7-8.30pm
University Hall, UOW
Bookings: factorfictionwollongong.eventbrite.com.au 

Media contact: Dr Melissa Thompson, +61 2 4221 3512, +61 435 654 326 or melissa@uow.edu.au.