What happened during the 2024 UOW Science Showcase
The UOW Science Week team conducted a range of events and activities across numerous campuses and - of course - at UOW Science Space. All events held are listed below.
- Science Showcase - UOW Shoalhaven
- Women in Physics Annual Lecture
- Live ABC Illawarra Radio Broadcasts – UOW Wollongong
- Allan Sefton Memorial Lecture – UOW Wollongong
- Indigenous Science Celebration Under the Stars
- The Dark Side Of The Moon Planetarium Event
Science Showcase
Saturday, 10 August, 2024 - 10:00am - 3:00pm
UOW Shoalhaven, George Evans Rd, West Nowra
Visitors explored the University of Wollongong Shoalhaven campus which was transformed into a hub of science activities. This was a free event and everyone was welcome.
There was something for everyone, of all ages and interests.
Activities included:
- Fly a virtual aircraft on the NAPS flight simulators
- The Fire and Ice Spectacular show @ 11am or 1.30pm or build and launch a rocket (all day)
- Getting up close to the locals with the Dragon Training mobile zoo reptiles (10.30am to 2.30pm)
- Robotics displays by Project Bucephalus where visitors could build a robot.
- Tours the on-site observatory, looking at the sun with a solar telescope, and learning about astronomy (talks at 10.30, 11.30 and 12.30)
- Visits to the Industry 4.0 Hub makerspace where guests could build anything out of the materials there
- Anatomy models provided an insider view of the different parts of the body
- Visitors could have their blood pressure measured, see their muscles via ultrasound, and see how dummy patients and simulations are used in medicine and nursing
Women in Physics Annual Lecture
Monday, 12 August, 2024
UOW Science Space was proud to host the 2024 Women in Physics Lecture
The Australian Institute of Physics (AIP) was thrilled to announce that Professor Susan Coppersmith FAA FAIP, a distinguished theoretical physicist from UNSW Sydney, would be touring Australia as the AIP’s 2024 Women in Physics Lecturer.
Guest enjoyed an engaging lecture where Professor Coppersmith took them 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.
This was a wonderful opportunity to delve into the wonders of physics. Attended by current researchers, students, and others curious about the world around them, this lecture was an enlightening and inspiring experience.
Live ABC Illawarra Radio Broadcasts
Wednesday, 14 August, 2024 8:30 am – 11:00 am
There was a live broadcast of ABC Illawarra Morning show from the University of Wollongong for Science Showcase UOW.
This was held on Wollongong campus, at the main duck pond lawn and outside the library. ABC Illawarra broadcast the Morning show with Nick Rheinberger with special guest Lindsay McDougall.
The morning included:
- 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.
Across Monday, 12 August – Friday, 16 August on Drive, Lindsay played pre-recordings, including his visit to an anatomy class for medical students, and labs studying snake venom, pill testing, and lasers used to help space missions.
He interviewed a UOW scientist each day on topics form nutrition to psychology, science education to supratidal forests.
2024 Allan Sefton Memorial Lecture: The Energy Transition – what’s its status and what role can geoscientist play?
Presenter was Dr Peter Moore
DATE: Wednesday, 14 August, 2024
TIME: 5:30pm - 6:30pm
LOCATION: Lecture Theatre 3, Building 20, University of Wollongong & Online via Webex
In this lecture, Dr Moore presented a business perspective on the status of the energy transition and discussed the opportunities and challenges, both for Australia and the world, with a particular emphasis on the role that geoscience and geoscientists can play.
Indigenous Science Celebration Under the Stars
This event was held on Thursday, 15 August, 2024
Location: UOW Science Space, Puckeys Avenue, Innovation Campus, Wollongong
An unforgettable evening was held to celebrate Indigenous Science during National Science Week. The audience was invited to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Australia’s First Nations people as we explored the wonders of Indigenous knowledge and scientific discoveries. The evening commenced with a Welcome to Country by Dr. Jodi Edwards, a proud Yuin, Dharawal woman. She shared some learned knowledges of Aboriginal uses of star stories. And discussed Marine Science Studies from a cultural perspectives.
After a short interval, guests enjoyed a special screening of the planetarium feature, “The Earth Above,” which weaved together traditional and scientific knowledges to reveal the epic story of Australia’s past 140,000 years. The evening concluded with canapés and drinks, providing an opportunity for guests to mingle with fellow science enthusiasts and explore the exhibits at UOW Science Space.
Supported by The Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage
The Dark Side Of The Moon Planetarium Event
Held Friday, 16 August, 2024
Location: UOW Science Space, Puckeys Avenue, Innovation Campus, Wollongong
Tickets: SOLD OUT (See additional dates)
This sold-out event provided an extraordinary convergence of sights and sounds as UOW Science Space presented a mesmerizing event: the fusion of visuals and music featuring Pink Floyd’s iconic album, “The Dark Side of the Moon.” The audience experienced a breathtaking audio-visual journey like no other, with captivating visuals of our cosmic universe seamlessly blended with the timeless melodies of Pink Floyd.
The dome cinema provided the atmosphere to feel the exhilaration as the cosmic visuals unfolded on screen, creating a sense of wonder and awe. The audience enjoyed the ethereal music of each iconic track from “The Dark Side of the Moon” as it resonated through the space, enveloping them in an atmosphere of transcendence.
This cinema experience allowed the audience to immerse themselves in the interplay of light, colour, and sound, as the visuals danced across the dome, synchronising perfectly with the evocative music. It was a true fusion of art and science and an immersive experience that ignited the senses and sparked imagination.
This event is frequently showcased at UOW Science Space. Take a look at upcoming dates.