'Smart Moves' for regional and rural science

The Minister for Communications, IT and the Arts, Senator Richard Alston, has launched the commonwealth government's 'Smart Moves' outreach program, designed to promote research, innovation and entrepreneurship in science, engineering and technology.

In a major boost for potential young scientists in regional and rural Australia, the government is providing Questacon-The National Science and Technology Centre with $3.7 million over four years for the program.

Smart Moves aims to inspire Australian teenagers to think seriously about careers in scientific and technological innovation.

From this week, teams of science presenters will tour regional and rural Australia, speaking to groups of 15 to 18 year-olds, encouraging them to pursue study paths that could see them enter science, engineering and technology careers.

The second phase will inspire young people to become involved, and to immerse themselves in a science or enterprise education project through one of the many established ventures such as the Young Achievement Australia program.

Finally, the program will develop regional conferences to be held around the nation, involving students, scientists and the business community, to promote and to drive entrepreneurial ideas.