Celebrating everything science

USQ will host four separate events as part of National Science Week, between Sunday August 19 and Thursday August 23 2007 to highlight how science is changing worlds.

All four events will give the public the opportunity to see first hand how science is used everyday to make a difference and highlight the importance of the role that scientists play.

'Through the four different events we want to give people the chance to see that scientists are not just people in lab coats, they are people who are out saving lives and undertaking cutting edge research,' USQ national science week organiser Andrea Brosnan said.

'We also want to show people that National Science Week is not only for kids but it has merit for the wider community.'

During the week a number of special guest presenters will visit the University to share their scientific expertise, as well as a special science show that will be held in conjunction with USQ's Toowoomba campus Open Day.

'On Sunday August 19, there will be a magical science show for primary aged children at the Open Day, where kids will be able to take part in hands-on activities and demonstrations to experience the fun and excitement of science,' Ms Brosnan said.

'Following that on Tuesday, special guest Peter Morris who is from MSF (Doctors without Borders) will speak about his experiences working in health in countries such as Bosnia and Tanzania.

'Dr Julia Playford from the EPA will speak about pure sciences on Wednesday night and finally Dr Penny Sweetser, who is a game designer at The Creative Assembly, will talk on IT the following night.'

Although the University has been involved in National Science Week in years gone by they have significantly increased their participation in the event in 2007.

'Previously we had held activities during National Science Week over three days, but only ever for primary school children,' Ms Brosnan said.

'This year we wanted to get the wider community involved and that is what we are doing through these events.'

The magical science show will be open between 10am and 3pm during Open Day, while each of the evening presentations will run from 5:45pm to 7pm in the Alison Dickson Lecture Theatre.

For more information on USQ's national science week events contact Andrea Brosnan on 07 4631 2732.

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