- Australia's largest annual celebration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics runs from 12-20 August
- Hundreds of events and activities across the State embrace 2023 theme of Innovation: Powering Future Industries
- Initiative drives WA's strong STEM culture and engagement with sectors diversifying the State's economy
Western Australians are being encouraged to take an interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as National Science Week 2023 gets underway.
This year's theme, "Innovation: Powering Future Industries" is an opportunity to acknowledge how WA's best and brightest are breaking out on the international stage by embracing fresh ideas to solve the world's challenges.
Now in its 26th year, National Science Week is an Australian Government initiative through Inspiring Australia. The week encourages people to explore science through thousands of events, talks, podcasts, at-home activities and competitions around the country. The Cook Government supports Inspiring Australia in WA through Scitech.
WA's 2023 flagship event "The Anti-conference: Innovation, Inspiration, Intelligence" will see the WA Museum Boola Bardip and Perth Mess Hall host workshops, quizzes and debates featuring local scientists and innovators on 11 and 12 August.
Sixteen organisations are receiving a share of $44,265 in grant funding from the Western Australian Coordinating Committee for National Science Week. Events include a Science Fair in Bunbury, a Robotics Workshop in Broome and a STEM Kids Roadshow in WA's Mid-West.
John Pujajangka-Piyirn Catholic School in Halls Creek, Wiluna Remote Community College and La Grange Remote Community School in Bidyadanga have also won funding to run STEM events for their local communities.
This week the Science Minister Stephen Dawson launched National Science Week alongside WA innovators who shared their stories:
- Local company Neurotologix who were awarded the 2022 Western Australia Innovator of the Year for their low-cost remote patient monitoring system built to address a worldwide need by revolutionising how dizziness and vertigo are diagnosed; and
- ULUU, a Perth-based blue economy start-up, receiving international attention for their efforts to protect our oceans by developing a material made from farmed seaweed that can replace plastic used in manufacturing.
National Science Week aligns with the State's STEM skills strategy, which is helping to develop a strong culture where STEM is supported and celebrated by the community alongside sports, the arts and other endeavours.
Scientific literacy and STEM skills underpin many of WA's endeavours and are essential for the jobs of the future.
For more information and to see a list of organised activities in your area, visit the National Science Week website at https://www.scienceweek.net.au/your-state/wa
As stated by Science Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The Cook Government is a proud supporter of National Science Week, which is a great opportunity to celebrate both STEM and innovation.
"It's also a chance to acknowledge the contributions of those working in these fields - STEM skills are vital for many sectors of WA's economy, and benefit us all as we build a better future for Western Australia.
"I hope that this week inspires all Western Australians to take an interest in STEM, and recognise its relevance in everyday life."
As stated by Professor Peter Klinken AC, Chief Scientist of Western Australia and patron of National Science Week:
"I encourage everyone to get involved in one of the many National Science Week events happening across the State.
"This is a fantastic way to inspire people of all ages to learn about the value of STEM and be fascinated about the world we live in.
"National Science Week is also an opportunity to showcase WA's outstanding talent and scientific, technological and innovative capability."
