August 5, 2024

Science Week 2024 at UOW

Program of activities and events to showcase the diversity of science happening across UOW campuses

Science will come alive at the University of Wollongong (UOW) next week as experts in across all disciplines of science share their love of science at the Wollongong, Innovation and Shoalhaven campuses. From the use of flies in forensic science to lasers in space, mangroves to metabolic disease, robotics to reptiles, there is something for everyone.

From 10-18 August around Australia, National Science Week celebrates science and technology and acknowledges the contributions of Australian scientists to the world of knowledge.

UOW will be hosting several free events to showcase the diversity of science happening at campuses and host talks from prominent leaders.

Associate Professor Theresa Larkin from the Graduate School of Medicine leads UOW’s National Science Week celebrations.

“We’re bringing together scientists across multiple disciplines and different stages of their study or careers to share fun science content that is suitable for people of all ages and from all walks of life,” Associate Professor Larkin said.

“I’m passionate about science and making it accessible to everyone.  This is the perfect opportunity for the community to experience the diversity of science at UOW across various events, from radio broadcasts to presentations, science shows to simulations.”

Science Showcase at Shoalhaven

Saturday 10 August, UOW Campus Shoalhaven, West Nowra

• Fire & Ice Extravaganza science shows, presented by the Science Space (flames, liquid nitrogen and more)
• Dragon Training mobile zoo reptile display (lace monitor, crocodile, snake, turtle, frogs, and other smaller lizards)
• Project Bucephalus Lego robotics building and competition
• Shoalhaven Astronomers presentations, tours of the observatory, sun views with the solarscope
• Graduate School of Medicine and School of Nursing tours, activities, health checks, simulations
• Fly a virtual aircraft on the NAPS flight simulators
• Visit the Industry 4.0 Hub makerspace and build anything out of the materials there

Women in Physics Annual Lecture

Monday, 12 August, UOW Science Space

Professor Susan Coppersmith FAA FAIP, a distinguished theoretical physicist from UNSW Sydney, will be touring the country as the Australian Institute of Physics’ 2024 Women in Physics Lecturer. Professor Coppersmith will take audiences on a journey through the fascinating world of theoretical physics. Her research spans an incredible variety of systems, from the humble grains of sand to the cutting-edge quantum dots that are paving the way for future quantum computers.

Doors open at 5pm | Lecture commences at 6pm | Tickets $5 (includes a beverage)

Register: https://sciencespace.com.au/attraction/women-in-physics-lecture-2024

Live ABC Illawarra Radio Broadcasts

Wednesday, 14 August, 8.30 am – 11:30am, outside the UOW Library

ABC Illawarra will broadcast Mornings with Nick Rheinberger.

On campus, at the main duck pond lawn and then in the outside the library, ABC Illawarra will broadcast the Mornings show with Nick Rheinberger and special guest Lindsay McDougall.

• Broadcast of pre-recordings with UOW scientists in their labs, including a visit by Nick to the thermal physiology lab, and a lab of flies and forensics.
• Live interviews all morning of topics from DNA to nanoparticles, brain cancer to coral reefs, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, to herbicides

Monday 12th – Friday 16th listen to 97.3 ABC Illawarra Drive with Lindsay McDougall.

• Every afternoon, Lindsay will play pre-recordings, including his visit to an anatomy class for medical students, and to labs studying snake venom, pill testing, and lasers used to help space missions.
• He will interview a UOW scientist each day on topics of nutrition to psychology, science education to supratidal forests.
• Friday afternoon will be science trivia.

2024 Allan Sefton Memorial Lecture: The Energy Transition – what’s its status and what role can geoscientist play?

Presenter: Dr Peter Moore

Wednesday, 14 August, 5:30pm - 6:30pm, Lecture Theatre 3, Building 20, UOW & Online via Webex

In this lecture, Dr Moore will present a business perspective of the status of the energy transition and discuss the opportunities and challenges, both for Australia and the world, with a particular emphasis on the role that geoscience and geoscientists can play.

Register: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1258901

Indigenous Science Celebration Under the Stars

Thursday 15 August, UOW Science Space

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Australia’s First Nations people and explore the wonders of Indigenous knowledge and scientific discoveries. The evening will commence with a Welcome to Country by Dr. Jodi Edwards, a proud Yuin, Dharawal woman. She will then share some learned knowledge of Aboriginal star stories and share some Marine Science Studies from cultural perspectives.

Tickets: https://sciencespace.com.au/attraction/national-science-week-indigenous-science-celebration-under-the-stars/

Future Science Talks: Comedy Edition in Wollongong

Wednesday 21 August, UOW Science Space

Future Science Talks: Comedy Edition is debuting in Wollongong, after sold out shows across Australia, with five local scientists who have partnered with comedians to infuse humour and laughs into scientific talks. At this show, you’ll be hearing from Wollongong's best and brightest science professionals, combining science and comedy.

Tickets: https://sciencespace.com.au/attraction/future-science-talks-comedy-edition-in-wollongong/