The importance of STEM and the future of food will be in the spotlight as National Science Week begins today.
This year's theme 'Food: Different by Design' encourages Western Australians to explore the science of food production and sustainable agriculture.
Activities being held locally include learning how to use solar cookers in Belmont, growing verge vegetable patches in Girrawheen and exploring the science of preserving food in Mirrabooka.
Now in its 24th year, National Science Week aims to encourage people to take an interest in STEM by taking part in science activities, in-person and online events, talks, podcasts, at-home activities and competitions.
Through the Future Jobs, Future Skills strategy, the WA Government has outlined a commitment to building a globally competitive and innovative workforce to drive the State's STEM future and create job opportunities.
Scientific literacy and STEM skills underpin many of the State's endeavours and are essential for ensuring we can respond to social and environmental challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and securing food and water supplies.
For more information and to see a list of organised activities, visit the National Science Week website at https://www.scienceweek.net.au/your-state/wa
As stated by Science Minister Roger Cook:
"Each year, National Science Week provides opportunities for the community to learn more about STEM and the often invisible but important role it plays in our day-to-day life.
"This year's theme 'Food: Different by Design' aims to highlight the important work being done to ensure new ways to produce food, and important work being done to provide future food security across the country through technology and science.
"STEM skills are essential to ensuring we're able to respond to the current and future challenges."
As stated by Chief Scientist of Western Australia Professor Peter Klinken:
"National Science Week is the annual opportunity to inspire our next generation of budding scientists to embrace their curiosity and learn more about STEM.
"This year's National Science Week aims to challenge our definition of food, as the science world continues to investigate what we can do to make our diets healthier and our food production more efficient.
"I encourage parents and teachers to make the most of the National Science Week activities and utilise these events to introduce our young people to the intriguing and exciting world of STEM."
