Science Minister Dave Kelly today encouraged all Western Australians and especially young people and their parents to get involved in this year’s National Science Week.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of the fields of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). At the height of the pandemic, it was STEM skills that underpinned Western Australia’s effective response to the challenges posed by the virus.
STEM skills have been critical in the management and treatment of the virus, from using data to assess the impacts of the coronavirus and researching new medical treatments, to the technological solutions which allowed Western Australian schools and businesses to remain open.
This year’s theme, ‘Deep Blue: Innovations for the future of our oceans’, aims to encourage workable solutions to create and maintain healthy oceans.
The theme also embraces the technologies, capabilities and skills needed to ensure our oceans are sustainable.
As part of Deep Blue, the National Science Week Coordinating Committee and For Blue are delivering a collection of online, socially distanced activities, webinars and educational videos about marine ecosystems.
The online festival draws on inspirational stories from local STEM ‘heroes’ to encourage more people to take up STEM subjects, courses and careers – complementing the McGowan Government’s recently launched Take 2 STEM campaign that has seen more than 18,000 website hits in its first two months.
The stories include a deep-sea diver who uses drones to monitor the behaviour of sharks; an oceanographer who designs biodegradable plastic alternatives to minimise pollution; and an entrepreneur who created a swimwear line made from recycled marine debris.
For more information, please visit the National Science Week website:
https://www.inspiringwa.org.au/nationalscienceweek
As stated by Science Minister Dave Kelly:
“National Science Week is a fantastic opportunity for the community to experience the important work being done to protect the future of our oceans.
“COVID-19 has put the importance of science under the microscope, and the theme ‘Deep Blue: Innovations for the future of our oceans’ highlights how diverse and fascinating the various realms of science can be.
“STEM skills are essential to ensuring we’re able to respond to the current and future challenges which impact our lives, and they can be seen put into practice right across the public sector every single day.”
As stated by Chief Scientist of Western Australia Professor Peter Klinken:
“This year’s National Science Week is the perfect opportunity to dive into the world of science and learn more about our planet and how it works.
“Events in 2020 are more accessible than ever due to the COVID-19 restrictions, with many socially distanced and online events available to everyone.
“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.”
