Broaden your knowledge at this year’s Sydney Science Festival at the Powerhouse Museum, which kicks off on August 12. Produced by the museum since 2015, the week-long festival is Australia’s leading program celebrating the world of science.
This year’s theme is Revival, which aims to cast a spotlight on the climate and environment, and explore the notion of rebounding and renewal post-pandemic. The line-up features talks from some of the world’s most fascinating minds including a former Google engineer turned design ethicist and a former NASA astronaut, as well as fun activities the whole family can enjoy. Here are five highlights:
James Williams: Ethics in the Attention Economy
Where: Powerhouse Ultimo
When: Fri Aug 19, 6-7pm
How much: Adult $30, concession $25, child $20
Hear an insightful talk from former Google engineer turned design ethicist, Dr James Williams. One of the keynote international speakers for Sydney Science Festival, James will discuss how our ‘freedom of attention’ is central to human life, and confirm what we’ve been suspecting all along – that big tech companies manipulate and persuade us in the attention economy. Williams believes that we need to gain a deeper understanding of what’s at stake in our interactions with the digital world, so we can protect our attention and its commercialisation. Bookings are essential. Book now.
Veena Sahajwalla: Microrecycling
Where: Powerhouse Ultimo
When: Sun Aug 14, 2-3pm
How much: Free
Mark your diaries as materials scientist, engineer and 2022 NSW Australian of the Year, Professor Veena Sahajwalla, will be doing a keynote talk at the Sydney Science Festival.
A visionary inventor creating a new generation of green materials, products and resources reformed from waste, Veena is a true pioneer for the science of microrecycling, which offers a sustainable solution to some of the environmental challenges we currently face. Sahajwalla is also the founding Director of the Sustainable Materials Research & Technology Centre at the University of New South Wales and a Fellow of both the Australian Academy of Science and Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering. In her free talk, Veena will explore the significance of her inventions, research and how her technologies deliver not only benefits for the environment but also create new jobs, supply chains and other economic and societal gains. Book now.
Women in Health Science
Where: Powerhouse Ultimo
When: Wed Aug 17, 5-9.30pm
How much: Free
This cross-cultural evening recognises the mutual desire of Australia and France to support gender equity in science and better facilitate women’s scientific careers. The centrepiece is a panel of Australian and French women scientists chaired by Professor Katherine Daniell discussing ‘Challenges and Opportunities for Women in Research’. You’ll want to hear from the likes of Dr Claudie Haigneré (the first French woman in space); Professor Natalie Hannan (University of Melbourne); Dr Madge Martin (researcher at the French research agency CNRS); and Dr Jiawen Li (University of Adelaide).
The talk is followed by a cocktail networking session and a screening of the film Marie Curie: The Courage of Knowledge, a 2016 French language drama telling the story of the famous scientist who discovered radium. The event is presented by Powerhouse in partnership with the Australian-French Association for Research and Innovation. Tickets are free but bookings are essential. Book now.
100 Climate Conversations
Where: Powerhouse Ultimo
When: Aug 12 & 19, 9.30-10.30am & 3-4pm
How much: Free
Did you know that some coastal wetlands – known as blue carbon ecosystems – capture carbon dioxide 30 to 50 times faster than forests, and can help mitigate climate change and support aquatic biodiversity? Learn these interesting facts and more at the 100 Climate Conversations, which continues through to December 2023 with regular talks with innovators leading Australia’s response to climate change.
For Sydney Science Week, 100 Climate Conversations will showcase four inspiring individuals. Hear from thought leaders Martin Green, Maria del Mar Palacios, Johanna Johnson and Victor Steffensen on everything from solar power to Indigenous-led cultural burning practices and how human waste can be transformed into biochar, a process which removes carbon from the earth’s atmosphere, destroys microplastics and saves the community money. Entry is free to the four 100 Climate Conversations talks, though you’ll need to book early as places are limited. Book now.
Mary Ellen Weber: To Boldly Go
Where: Powerhouse Ultimo
When: Aug 12, 6-7pm
How much: Free
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be an astronaut and explore space, you’re in luck. Listen to former NASA astronaut Dr Mary Ellen Weber as she shares recollections from her extraordinary career while offering her expert insights into what’s next as we look towards the future for space. As one of their youngest ever astronauts Mary logged 450 space hours over two space flights. In this free talk, she’ll share her experiences from her 1995 flight aboard the space shuttle Discovery to launch a communications satellite and a 2000 flight aboard Atlantis to advance construction on the International Space Station, as well as other awe-inspiring stories from her decade with NASA. Book now.