National Science Week shines spotlight on sunshine state scientists

Queenslanders are being encouraged to put on their lab coat and help celebrate the achievements of scientists in keeping the sunshine state safe during COVID-19 as the country marks National Science Week.

It comes off the back of survey results from the 3M State of Science Index showing nine in 10 Australians have very strong trust levels in science, reflecting the pivotal role of science has played in helping Queensland manage the health impacts of COVID-19.

Science Minister Meaghan Scanlon encouraged all Queenslanders to take part in National Science Week with online and COVID-safe events being held across the state.

“It’s Queensland’s science and health experts like Dr Jeanette Young who have helped to drive the state’s health response, in turn allowing the Palaszczuk Government to deliver a COVID-19 economic recovery plan,” Minister Scanlon said.

“New survey results show that 19 in 20 Australians back more investment in science.

“That’s why we’re investing $20 million as part of our flagship Queensland Jobs fund to ramp up the development and manufacture of vaccines, and close to $8 million to support for ongoing scientific research into disaster management, water quality modelling and sediment management.

“The survey results also showed that during the pandemic, two in three parents thought that scientists and medical professionals are inspiring a new generation to pursue a science-based career.

“These National Science Week events will help encourage more students to participate in STEM subjects, with plenty of opportunities get involved in projects and events."

Queensland Chief Scientist Professor Hugh Possingham said a great way to get involved was to join a citizen science activity.

“You don’t need to be a scientist, you just need to volunteer your time and enjoy collecting information for scientific projects,” Professor Possingham said.

“Take a photo of flora and fauna in your back yard to help map Queensland’s biodiversity for research and conversation or identify owl calls to assist scientists better understand their distribution, density and behaviour.

“As Queenslanders, we all love and want to protect our Great Barrier Reef, so why not become a virtual reef diver and classify coral images to help scientists improve the health of the Reef.

“If you’re in regional Queensland you might like to attend Boyne Island Environmental Education Centre’s three-day science festival in Gladstone from August 16-18 or Science after Dark: A Night at the Library at the Atherton Library on August 20.”

For more information on National Science Week and the events: https://www.scienceweek.net.au/

ENDS

Media contact: Francis Dela Cruz - 0420 592 078