The Festival of Bright Ideas 2019 (aka FoBI) hits Hobart on August 9th &10th! A celebration of all things science, this is a not-to-be-missed event for all ages, with over 40 exhibitors showcasing why Tasmania is a hub for science & innovation, plus demonstrations on the big stage & workshops! This episode we caught up with three special guests that will be on hand at FoBI 2019, including Engineers Australia, and MONA’s 24 Carrot Garden Project. Dr. David Pointing from Engineers Australia discusses the key role of science outreach events such as FoBI for challenging perceptions of STEM and in particualr engineering, inspiring communities & the core role of innovation. We also shine a light on MONA’s 24 Carrot Garden Project, a fantastic initiaitive that integrates school curricula in a hands-on kitchen garden environment. Project manager for the 24 Carrot Garden program Reuben Parker-Greer provided an exciting background and aims for the program, with Billy Rankin from Windermere Primary School working directly with students & seeing incredibly positive outcomes first-hand. Make sure you check out https://festivalofbrightideas.com.au/ for all program details for the public day on Saturday 10th August, and to book tickets!
Month: July 2019
Episode 22: Discovery is at our core: Prof. Elizabeth Blackburn
We have an absolute treat for you this week as we interviewed Hobart born, Nobel Laureate, Prof. Elizabeth Blackburn. Prof. Blackburn is the first Australian Woman and only Tasmanian to receive the Nobel Prize and we interviewed her about her ground-breaking work, the impact of her work for human health, the role Tasmania played in her love for science and her experience as a woman in STEM.
This episode is part of our special feature for Tasmanian’s National Science Week campaign. Science Street Party on Saturday 3rd August from 4-8pm in Good Grief Studios focuses on celebrating the work of Tasmanian scientists by installing a street art piece with a mural of Elizabeth Blackburn. Come along to meet local scientists and see some wonderful art and science cross over. For more info or to book tickets:
https://www.facebook.com/sciencestreetparty/
https://www.facebook.com/events/1081049775420106/
Episode 21: There’s a Hack for that!
What happens when you mix crazy good skills with creativity and technology?Â
Paranormal investigations, microwave kilns, a wonderful safe space in the community to gain life skills and a place for children to realise their insane ideas. We’re talking about the Hobart Hackerspace.Â
We have special guest Dr Tanya Mclahlan-Troup joining us on-air and clips from Hobart Hackerspace Committee members – Shane Dalgleish, Brian Marriot, David Craig and Mark Steele.
For more information about Hobart Hackerspace visit https://www.hobarthackerspace.org.au/
Episode 20: Diamonds from the deep.
Whether you’re the hardest beauty around, a diamond in the rough, or perhaps a girl’s best friend, there’s no doubting the reputation of the most sought after mineral on earth. But how do diamonds come to exist, where do they travel from, and are there any in Tasmania? These are some of the core questions that we cover in this week’s episode when we’re joined by special guest geologist Adam Abersteiner, PhD researcher from the University of Tasmania. Listen in for a journey that takes up from the depths of the Earth, with extreme temperature and pressures yielding some of the most precious and scientifically-scintillating rocks! This week’s geological discussions also showcase the key role of Tasmanian research towards the search for diamonds & finding what lies beneath us, beyond the physical limits of exploration!
Special guest: Adam Abersteiner, PhD researcher, University of Tasmania
Image: Diamond in situ within kimberlite rock (courtesy of Adam Abersteiner)
Intro music: adapted from Kevin McLeod Retro Future Nasty
Episode 19: Knocking heads
This week we’re talking about a risk factor for developing dementia-related diseases; traumatic brain injuries. We hear from two current PhD candidates from the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre; Ross Langley and Olivia Holloway.
Get in touch with the team with questions, feedback or future topic suggestions:
Twitter: @nowscienceTAS
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Instagram: @nowsciencetas_