National Science Week has been launched

Australia’s Chief Scientist, Professor Ian Chubb AC officially launched National Science Week 2011 with the help of Premier Anna Bligh and, 2006 Australian of the Year and creator of the cervical cancer vaccine, Professor Ian Frazer.

Held at the Queensland Museum, the launch literally went off with a bang when some of the State’s top science students joined Professor Chubb and Professor Frazer for the experimental opening consisting of a chemical reaction creating a tremendous crack with bright blue foam overflowing from seemingly nowhere.

Professor Chubb said he was delighted to be launching his first National Science Week since being appointed Australia’s Chief Scientist in April.

“National Science Week brings science to around 1.6 million Australians through events that give them a better understanding and respect for the great benefits that science offers to us in our everyday lives,” Professor Chubb said. “This is an exciting and excellent national platform to advocate for Australian science.”

Premier Anna Bligh highlighted the importance of science in Queensland.

“This Government has had a strong commitment to science and will continue to do so. Science offers benefits to us all and, as we face the challenges of the 21st Century, it is science that can give Queensland the edge we need,” she said.

There was also a battle of the minds in the form a quiz with Team Eureka, headed by Professor Ian Frazer and students from Brisbane Boys Grammar and Kenmore State High, and Team Laureate, led by Professor Jenny Martin, Australian Research Council Laureate and students from Brisbane State High and Clayfield College.

The two students on the winning team won the chance to experience a Day in the Life of the Queensland Chief Scientist, Dr Geoff Garrett.

This year, National Science Week will take place from 13 to 21 August with over 1,000 activities taking place Australia-wide, including 39 events funded through the Australian Government’s Inspiring Australia initiative.

“National Science Week showcases the great work of Australia’s scientists and allows people of all ages to engage their interest in science or to discover it for the first time through the multitude of events on offer,” Professor Ian Chubb said.

For more information about National Science Week activities go to the website.