From the secret life of sheep to how birds build their nests, ancient knowledge of the skies to pioneering chemistry laboratories – this year's University of Melbourne Science Festival has something for everyone.
Running now for over a decade, the week-long festival, held 11-15 August as part of National Science Week, celebrates scientific discoveries, progress and innovation that's making a big impact to the world around us.
This year brings a bigger-than-ever program with a variety of fascinating and fun behind-the-scenes tours, public lectures and demonstrations free to the public.
For the first time, our one-hour masterclasses will be broadcast live from each of the Faculty of Science's five campuses – Burnley, Dookie, Creswick, Parkville and Werribee. Teachers are encouraged to tune in with their class.
Dean of Science Professor Moira O'Bryan said Science Festival invites curious minds of all ages to explore how science plays a role in real-world issues in a fun, hands-on way.
"Science is about creating impact and positively transforming our lives and planet," Professor O'Bryan said. "Every question asked, and every scientific discovery made, moves us closer to addressing the complex challenges facing our world.
"We are extremely excited to open our doors for this hallmark science event to showcase the extraordinary work of our researchers, who strive every day to make the impossible possible."
View the full Science Festival program here.
Featured events include:
- Climate Kids Live: Mon 11 Aug, 1.30-2.30pm. Featuring special guests, science demonstrations and even some time travel, our experts are here to answer kids' questions on climate change.
- Burning lessons from Country: ancient and new understanding of bushfires: Tues 12 Aug, 10.30-11.30am. Learn about our world-class fire lab and bushfire strategies by Indigenous Australians.
- The Secret Life of Sheep: How technology and animal behaviour research are shaping agriculture: Wed 13 Aug, 10.30-11am. Learn about animal behaviour in agriculture live from our research and teaching farm.
- Flora, fauna and TIGRR: the past and future of biology: Thurs 14 Aug, 5.30-8.30. Tour our Herbarium (home to 150,000 plants), Tiegs Museum with rare and exotic animals and a lab working on animal de-extinction.
- How antimicrobial resistance in animals impacts public health: Fri 15 Aug. 10.30-11.30am. Learn about "superbugs" and how our researchers are preventing antimicrobial resistance in animals and humans.
