Science under the microscope: online event series

One of Australia’s largest online science events is being held from 13 August – 13 September.

Hosted by the Australian Museum and the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney as part of National Science Week, nearly 15,000 students, teachers and families are expected to take part in Sydney Science Trail.

Now in its second year, Sydney Science Trail is back to celebrate the role science plays in shaping our lives — especially during the COVID-19 outbreak, which has seen the event move online again.

The 2021 theme is Food: Different by Design, which aligns with the United Nations International Year of Fruits and Vegetables. The event will be guided by leading scientists and educators who will explore our role in food production, as well as highlight food through the traditions, cultures and customs of First Nations peoples.

The packed online program features something for everyone including inspiring virtual talks with leading scientists, on-demand activities such as plant and soil regeneration, design competitions, virtual tours, films, quizzes, interactive games, at-home science and more.

Australian Museum Director and CEO, Kim McKay AO, said it’s important now more than ever to seek and understand the correct information on complex scientific issues — not only about the pandemic, but also on food-related subjects and how we can help mitigate risks to our food and water supply through innovative research and technology.

“As the nation’s first museum and home to a world-leading scientific research institute, the Australian Museum is committed to demonstrating the importance of science to all. The Sydney Science Trail is one of our flagship public programs, and every year we welcome thousands of students, families and teachers to meet the researchers behind some of the leading science in Australia,” McKay said.

Executive of the Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust and the Australian Institute of Botanical Science, Denise Ora, said the Sydney Science Trail helps students and families discover not only how science works in the world around us every day, but also how remarkable and rewarding a career in science can be.

“After last year’s online success, I am excited that the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and our recently launched Australian Institute of Botanical Science is part of the Sydney Science Trail for 2021. National Science Week is an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of careers in science and to inspire Australia’s next generation of botanical scientists, horticulturists and more. Students all over Australia will have fun learning about technology, animals, space, plants and earth during the month-long programming schedule,” Ora said.

With the theme of food running through the program, there are five virtual zones to explore online during lockdown: Earth, Plants, Animals, Technology and Space.

Learn more and register: https://www.sydneysciencetrail.net.au/.