Inspiring the next generation of scientists

From a virtual astronomy tour to live-streamed Q&As with leading scientists, authors and artists, there is something for everyone in City of Parramatta’s digital program for National Science Week 2020.

Council has partnered with Western Sydney University (WSU) to deliver a dynamic line-up of online events and activities from 15–23 August for Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology.

“The City of Parramatta is a premier destination for science-themed events, and everyone from toddlers to seniors can enjoy scientific adventures at home thanks to Council’s inspiring online program,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Bob Dwyer said.

“Our City has offered the biggest National Science Week program in Sydney for the past three years. Council’s partnership with Western Sydney University this year highlights that Sydney’s west continues to be a hub for science and innovation.”

Popular Australian novelist James Bradley will discuss his new science-themed book Ghost Species as part of the City of Parramatta Libraries series of online events. The live-streamed Planting Patience lesson will help you hone your green thumb, and Story Time books will be science-themed.

WSU experts will also take the digital stage. Dr Andy Milne will connect fractions, bicycle wheels, and social distancing in Music and Maths. MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development experts will reveal Nine Ways to Keep Your Brain Healthy as You Age and a communication checklist for infants in Babylab. Associate Professors Ricky Spencer and Julie Old will explain how you can help turtles and wombats in Citizen Science.

As part of the Parramatta Heritage and Visitor Information Centre’s online program, participants can take a virtual astronomy tour in Written in the Stars: Astronomy in Parramatta, explore pandemics in the Pandemic in Parramatta 1919 and 2020 exhibition, and learn about eels in the interactive Riverkeepers session.

Parramatta Artists’ Studios will release a new episode of their Studio Conversations podcast, in which artist Tully Arnot and WSU Ecologist/Ornithologist Julia Ryeland will discuss local bird life from the perspectives of art and science. Local artist Yasmin Smith will reveal how she creates her art by collecting and distilling materials from Parramatta River in Distilling Scents with Artist Yasmin Smith.

Professor Deborah Sweeney, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research, Enterprise and International) at Western Sydney University (WSU) says the variety of online events and activities on offer this year will engage and inspire participants of all ages.

“Western Sydney University is delighted to showcase our commitment to science and innovation during National Science Week. This annual celebration of scientific enquiry and discovery offers a unique platform for our researchers to demonstrate, to a broad audience, the real-world impact of science. We invite everyone to engage with our online offerings and learn more about what we do at WSU,” Professor Sweeney said.

This is the fourth year the City of Parramatta has delivered programming for National Science Week.

To view Council’s National Science Week program, visit this page.