Media personality and maths whiz Adam Spencer will put artificial intelligence under the microscope in Newcastle this month to celebrate National Science Week.
The former Triple J presenter and comedian is headlining City of Newcastle's packed program of events, which kick off with Spencer's tech talk at City Hall on 15 August and culminate in a hands-on weekend of scientific discovery at Newcastle Museum.
Lord Mayor Dr Ross Kerridge said hosting high-profile science communicators like Adam Spencer reflects Newcastle's reputation as a destination for innovation and learning.
"Welcoming nationally recognised speakers such as Adam Spencer, who will decode AI and other emerging technologies, provides engaging learning opportunities for all ages," Cr Kerridge said.
"Newcastle is a creative and innovative city, home to world-class researchers and scientists on the cutting edge of their fields.
"By collaborating with these experts and providing hands-on events at the Museum, we can inspire the next generation of innovators."
Tickets are on sale now for Spencer's show, which will break down the basics of AI for audiences aged 10 and older, delve into the latest developments and offer eight examples of how Novocastrians can use these technologies today.
The science-fuelled fun will continue all weekend at Newcastle Museum, with a super Saturday of soccer-playing robots, sustainable architecture and computer science skills thanks to technology and education specialists The Brainery. Tickets for the various workshops are on sale now, with different sessions suitable for primary and high school aged students.
Younger children will also welcome the return of the Poo Palace - an amazing inflatable journey through the digestive system delivered by the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), which will be available all weekend.
Newcastle Museum will cap off Science Week celebrations will the largest single-day event on its annual calendar, the Hunter Science Festival, which is expected to attract thousands of visitors to the free, all-ages hands-on activities on Sunday 17 August.
The festival is delivered by City of Newcastle in conjunction with a range of partners including Hunter Innovation and Science Hub (HISH), showcasing the latest in science and technology from local researchers, educators and institutions.
City of Newcastle's Director of Museum, Archive, Libraries and Learning, Julie Baird, said bringing Science Week to Newcastle is a chance to spark curiosity that could last a lifetime.
"Newcastle Museum is proud to be the hub for discovery and ideas. Providing an opportunity for our community to interact with leading experts and local institutions, could help nurture and inspire a lifelong passion within the future innovators of our region," Ms Baird said.
"We hope to foster a sense of pride in the region's contributions to science and technology and help to break down barriers and show that science is for everyone, not just the classroom or the lab."
Festival-goers can explore solar technology by building and racing solar cars or boats or catch the Big Science Big Fun! Show by Fizzics Education. There will be opportunities to meet and chat with scientists from the Hunter and interact with displays hosted by leading Hunter-based groups including Irukanji Shark and Ray Centre and Hunter Astronomical Society.
City of Newcastle's Waste Services and Climate Change and Sustainability teams will be there to help visitors calculate their environmental footprint, pick up a free native plant or see the inside of a garbage truck.
For more science week information and bookings visit: https://newcastlemuseum.com.au/what-s-on/current-events
