The Shell Questacon Science Circus was celebrated at Parliament House last night with the renewal of the three-way partnership between Shell, The Australian National University (ANU) and Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre.
The Shell Questacon Science Circus is the world’s longest-running science outreach program. The Science Circus is an award winning example of government, industry and academia working together to excite and inspire Australians in science. Last night’s renewal takes the iconic program into an historic 34th consecutive year.
“The success of the Science Circus is underpinned by this remarkable partnership that demonstrates what can be achieved through a shared commitment to science engagement,” said Dr Bobby Cerini, acting Questacon Deputy Director and General Manager Science and Learning.
Established in 1985, the Science Circus has reached more than 2.4 million Australians in their own communities. Over 500 regional towns and 90 remote Indigenous communities have experienced in-school science shows, teacher professional development workshops and hands-on science exhibitions.
“Over the past 33 years, the Science Circus has covered the length and breadth of Australia, visiting communities to make science accessible, and providing an opportunity for families to explore and enjoy science together,” said Dr Cerini.
At the core of the Science Circus is a shared drive to inspire young people to value and engage in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). In 2019 the partnership will also see exciting new developments introduced to the program.
Zoe Yujnovich, Country Chair, Shell Australia said, “This partnership means the Science Circus will continue to inspire young Australians and their families about science, and the endless opportunities where a career in science may take them.”
The program is delivered by a team of up to 16 enthusiastic science graduates who are studying a Master of Science Communication Outreach at The Australian National University.
“In addition to reaching out to audiences across Australia, the program has also trained a generation of science communicators who have innovated and taken best practice in science communication around the world. The postgraduate education program that sits along the Science Circus is second to none,” said Professor Joan Leach, Director of the Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science at ANU.
The renewed partnership means that the Shell Questacon Science Circus will continue to engage and inspire Australians in science across regional and remote Australia in 2019. The Science Circus is scheduled to visit communities in Central West New South Wales and North West Slopes in New South Wales, North Queensland, and the Northern Territory.
Media contact: Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre 02 6270 2917 or communications@questacon.edu.au
