Science Week: not just for fun
AS WE GRAPPLE with the magnitude of the problems that beset our world and how best we should respond as individuals, scientists are beavering away, mostly unseen, seeking lasting solutions. Whether it be to address issues of climate change, sustainability, food security, health or a host of other human concerns, scientific research and the innovation it leads to are constantly propelling us forward. It might appear, to outsiders, to be a rarefied world of super-smart people in white coats working in sanitised laboratories, but each August science comes out to play and turns that impression on its head. National Science Week, which celebrates its 20th birthday this year, takes place around the country from 12–20 August with some 1000 events. These take place in schools, universities, libraries and institutions such as Questacon, in Canberra, and the Australian Museum, in Sydney, and attract vast audiences. More than 1 million people take part in related events across the nation during Science Week and there’s bound to be something happening near you. Even if you can’t get to an event, there are many citizen science projects you can participate in online without leaving home. See our Science Week highlights story (page 18) and get involved.We are also delighted to hear from Alan Finkel, Australia’s Chief Scientist (Parting Shot, page 130), on the importance of encouraging our kids, or grandkids, to study science subjects at school.We fully support his view on building this vital capability for the future.
Each year, at Australian Geographic’s Gala Awards, we honour some of those actively helping to safeguard our planet. Thank you for your recent nominations and we look forward to celebrating Aussie innovation in conservation on 1 November at the Sydney Sofitel with you. Our generous awards partner APT has also joined us to showcase some of Australia’s most inspiring women adventurers on 31 August at the Museum of Sydney, when Jade Hameister, our 2016 Young Adventurer of the Year, and Sandy Robson, our 2015 Nancy Bird Walton sponsorship recipient, will share their amazing adventurous lives with us. See opposite for how to book.