From Cowra and Springwood to Merimbula and Wollongong, community members across New South Wales will have a range of exciting new opportunities to connect with scientists in all kinds of ways, both during National Science Week from 14-22 August 2021 and throughout the year.
Inspiring Australia NSW’s annual science engagement funding round will support the delivery of dozens of community events, continuing a strategic approach to extending networks in order to increase public awareness of the critical role science and technology plays in our lives.
Since 2012, the NSW Government has supported the Inspiring Australia program that seeks to develop influential networks and connect science and engineering researchers to big audiences.
NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte said that it was important that community members across the state are informed about the rapidly changing science, technology and innovation landscape.
“Scientific breakthroughs are accelerating faster than ever as urgent global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and food security continue to place enormous pressure on governments and citizens around the world,” he said.
“Australian scientists are at the forefront of new knowledge that can help solve some of the world’s most pressing problems and it is vital that the broader community understands why we must invest in and sustain a vibrant research culture and encourage more young people into STEM careers.”
Professor Durrant-Whyte said that by ensuring widespread community access to scientists, often in a recreational and family-friendly context, community members across New South Wales will be better informed about scientific research and the process of investigating critical challenges.
“As we make an effort to increase scientific literacy, people are able to make better decisions about issues that affect their lives and understand the importance of seeking evidence-based information,” Professor Durrant-Whyte said.
“Fostering lasting networks and supporting hundreds of community partners to deliver quality science public engagement experiences to a broad public is no mean feat. I commend all those who work with Inspiring Australia NSW in its collaborative approach to promoting our brilliant NSW scientific researchers and engineers and ensuring more people are aware of their achievements.”
Further information: https://inspiringnsw.org.au/2021/05/04/funding-boost-for-nsw-stem-engagement/
MEDIA: Bruce Ritchie | OCSE | 0429 412 426