The world’s most powerful lasers and the mysterious secrets of the universe are just two of the fascinating topics on offer this week at Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre.
EuroScience at Questacon, an annual celebration of the past, present and future of European science and technology, was launched today and will run until Friday, 15 July.
Questacon Director Professor Graham Durant AM said the innovative and exciting programme would appeal to all ages and would highlight Europe’s significant contribution to science in a theatrical and entertaining way.
“European science and scientists have played and are playing a critical role in developing understanding and knowledge of our world from the smallest scale to the edge of the universe.
“Over the week we’ll showcase some of the historical heroes of European science alongside the cutting edge of scientific research into lasers and gravitational waves,” Professor Durant said.
EuroScience at Questacon has been presented for the past three years in collaboration with the Delegation of the European Union to Australia and The Australian National University (ANU) Centre for European Studies.
The EU's Ambassador to Australia, Sem Fabrizi, said the programme highlights the work of European scientists past and present in a fun and family-friendly experience.
"The EU hopes EuroScience inspires younger Australians to pursue careers in research or innovation. They may even participate in future European science programmes such as the EU's $A120b Horizon2020 initiative which runs from 2014-2020," said Ambassador Fabrizi.
Today’s launch event featured eminent speakers including Australia’s Chief Scientist Dr Alan Finkel and ANU Vice Chancellor Professor Brian Schmidt AC who highlighted the importance of ongoing scientific collaboration between Australia and Europe.
“At ANU last year more than 2,800 scientific publications resulted from ANU and EU collaborations.
“There is much to be gained from pooling Australian and European expertise across so many areas. I expect research partnerships between Australia and European researchers to go from strength to strength.” said Professor Schmidt.
EuroScience at Questacon presentations range from a dramatisation of Marie Curie’s notebooks to a look at the construction of the most powerful lasers in the world. EuroScience at Questacon will also include hands-on family fun with the science of rockets and balloons.
In addition, Q Lab will be hosting special guests from ANU showcasing current European–Australian collaborative scientific research.
The full EuroScience at Questacon programme is available at www.questacon.edu.au.
Media contact:
Department of Industry, Innovation and Science 02 6213 6308 or media@industry.gov.au
