ABC TV personality to share expertise at Grand National Challenge

Host of ABC TV's Catalyst Graham Phillips will be the special guest speaker and presenter during the Science and Engineering Grand National Challenge at USQ's Toowoomba campus from October 17-18 2007.

Graham will be a guest speaker at the Grand National Challenge dinner on Wednesday 17 October and will also present the trophy to the overall winners the following day at the conclusion of the event.

2007 Grand National Challenge Regional Chair Harry Spencer said that Graham would provide an interesting insight into the world of science and engineering.

'Graham is well known for his positive stories on innovative ways for everyone to do their bit to help save the climate and I am looking forward to hearing his perspectives on this and other scientific and engineering issues,' Mr Spencer said.

'He has a great reputation nationally and I am sure that the students here for the Challenge will be thrilled to meet him.'

With more than a decades experience covering science issues on ABC TV, Graham has forged an impressive career, also authoring several books.

'For over ten years Graham has been a reporter with ABC TV's science unit and he has also been a presenter with Channel Seven's Beyond Tomorrow and a reporter with ABC TV's Quantum,' Mr Spencer said.

'His journalistic skills have also been extended into the print media, with Graham having written about science for almost every major newspaper in Australia and had regular science columns in many of them.

'In that time Graham has also had four popular science books published and he is a regular guest expert on radio.'

While Graham has made a name for himself in media circles he also developed an impressive resume as a scientist.

'Before moving into journalism, Graham started his career as a scientist, has a PhD in astrophysics and has done research work in engineering and environment at universities and the CSIRO,' Mr Spencer said.

'Some of his research areas include solar power, alternative energy, the disposing of carbon dioxide waste and he also has completed research on new ways to combat climate change.'

The Science and Engineering Grand National Challenge will get underway from 9:30am on both mornings of the competition, with final presentations at 2:30pm.

Media are welcome to attend.

Media Contact: Josh Ada, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 1628