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State’s top scientist to visit USC
Queensland Chief Scientist Dr Geoff Garrett AO will visit the University of the Sunshine Coast on Thursday 18 August to meet the next generation of science investigators.
Dr Garrett, who was appointed to the position this year after eight years as CSIRO Chief Executive, provides high-level, strategic advice to the Premier and Cabinet on the role of science, research and innovation in achieving priorities.
He will be a judge at the Science Investigation Awards, a competition for school students hosted by the University’s Primary Industry Centre for Science Education (PICSE) at the Innovation Centre from 4pm to 8pm.
More than 100 students in Years 6/7 and Years 11/12, representing 28 schools from the Fraser Coast to Deception Bay, will present their poster displays for judges including scientists, researchers, Education Queensland staff and USC academics.
The PICSE Awards promote student engagement in science and offer the next generation an opportunity to showcase their science investigation work.
A total of $5,500 in cash prizes is available. The overall Junior and Senior Scientists are awarded $500 each.
“With project titles like ‘Burn Baby Burn’, ‘Hands Up and Freeze’ or ‘Blonde Ambition’, the event is sure to showcase some interesting science,” said Sue Lanham, one of three PICSE USC science education officers involved in the awards.
Ms Lanham, of Mapleton, recently received a major new national industry award at a Think Tank in Canberra.
The Science Education Officer Professional Development Award from Dow AgroSciences was in recognition of her outstanding leadership.
She said there were unlimited career opportunities in the field of primary industries science, which involved any of the food and fibre industries.
“The Science Investigation Awards are a great way of getting the message across to children,” she said. “Ninety percent of primary students involved last year indicated they enjoyed science more because of the awards.”
– Julie Gatehouse