UNSW Sydney will host events and talks across Sydney in August for the Sydney Science Festival and National Science Week.
A virtual dive into Australia’s hidden reefs, an expert panel on latest research in heart disease and immersive virtual reality experiences are some of the highlights in a program of events presented by UNSW for National Science Week and Sydney Science Festival throughout August.
Look Inside My Heart: Medical Science, Health and Lifestyle – 7 August
A panel of top researchers will discuss the latest in heart disease research – from major medical developments to the role of nutrition and exercise.
UNSW academics available for interview:
– Dr Belinda Parmenter, Exercise Physiologist UNSW Medicine
– Dr Rebecca Reynolds, Nutritionist UNSW Medicine
Bioinformatics for Citizen Scientists – 7 August
Interested in becoming a citizen scientist? Join UNSW student Lachlan Gray for an introduction to bioinformatics – a low cost and high powered 21st century research tool used by researchers and citizen scientists. Lachlan will show you when armed with a laptop, internet connection and basic coding skills you can become a citizen scientist.
– Lachlan Gray, Masters Student, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences is available for interview
Using Virtual Reality to Understand Balance, Posture and Movement – 8 August
Immerse yourself in state-of-the-art VR technology to discover how our sense of balance and motion is regulated through our vision and our vestibular system, the sensory organs of the inner ear that detect gravitational forces applied to our head.
– Dr Juno Kim from UNSW’s School of Optometry and Vision Science is available for interview
From Reef to Harbour: The Hidden Wonder of NSW Corals – 10 August
Researchers will lead a “walking snorkel” tour of the Sydney Institute of Marine Science featuring the coral reefs and habitats from Northern NSW to the southern reaches of cold-water corals. They will share the latest research on the crucial ecosystem functions these corals provide.
– Coral expert Associate Professor Tracy Ainsworth from UNSW Science is available for interview
What’s innovative about neurology? “Time is Brain” and its importance to stroke – 15 August
Learn how to recognise stroke symptoms, latest breakthroughs in acute stroke treatment, and the importance of rapid access to time-critical therapies.
– Dr Sonu Bhaskar (clinician scientist and neurologist) UNSW Medicine is available for interview
Coding a Virtual Spacecraft in HappyBrackets – 16 August
In this workshop, high school students will learn how to program with HappyBrackets, a Java-based creative coding tool kit. Students will code for a physical virtual spacecraft where the goal for the player is to navigate their way to various planetary objects.
– Dr Angelo Fraietta, Postdoctoral fellow at Art & Design UNSW in the Interactive Media Lab is available for interview
Scientists in the Bookshop: Is there such a thing as a healthy brain? – 17 August @UNSW Bookshop
Why are we so fascinated with brain health? Hear three scientists from UNSW’s School of Psychology talk about their research spanning brain health from toddler to old age.
UNSW academics available for interview:
– Professor Kaarin Anstey (Dementia risk and ageing expert)
– Dr Susanne Schweizer (adolescent mental health researcher)
Scientists in the Bookshop: Tales from the field – 17 August
This session will feature three field scientists who work in far-flung corners of the globe. These experts are all fascinating examples of the diversity of the work of a scientist.
UNSW academics available for interview:
– Dr Jodi Rowley (amphibian expert, biologist and conservationist). She also heads up FrogID, Australia’s first app to track Australia’s national frog count
– Dr Kate Brandis (expert on Australian wetlands and waterbirds)
– Professor Iain Suthers (estuarine and coastal ecosystems)
Tour UNSW’s Museum of Human Disease
Explore a collection of more than 2500 diseased human specimens demonstrating hundreds of diseases and their complications
– Dean Lovett, Director of the Museum of Human Disease is available for interview
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