Zaneta Mascarenhas MP
Federal Member for Swan
MEDIA RELEASE: FINDING ALIENS & RAISING THE DEAD: GET CURIOUS IN SCIENCE WEEK | 10 AUGUST 2023
Federal Member for Swan Zaneta Mascarenhas encourages students to get curious and check out National Science Week. Ms Mascarenhas said the events taking place between 12-20 August are an opportunity for people to meet scientists, discuss the hot topics, experiment, and celebrate the cultural and economic impact of science on society.
Activities include:
- Finding aliens, love, energy, innovation, and the bottom of the ocean at The Anti-conference – Perth, Saturday 12 August
- Raising the dead: fossils and rock art at Afterlife Bar – Perth, Friday 19 August
- Gems and ancient sea fossils: rocks on earth and in space – Gascoyne Junction, Saturday 12 August
“WA’s National Science Week is the perfect opportunity to spark the curiosity of young minds. Who would not want to explore the ocean with Australia's deepest female diver, Paige Maroni? Or debate the best renewable energy sources? Or identify humans by analysing hair protein, or explore how robots can help construct a building?
“It can’t be missed!” she said.
As one of the few engineers to sit in Federal Parliament, Ms Mascarenhas is passionate about science. She said National Science Week plays an important role in promoting STEM careers and encouraging students, and girls in particular, to consider careers in STEM.
"Science was at the forefront of helping our community navigate the pandemic. Whether it be the fast track development of vaccines, the innovation of manufacturers to make critical goods in Australia, tech professionals helping people stay connected online or even WA engineers helping the economy keep afloat by continuing mining resources.
“Science fundamentally made our lives better - and we need more people to choose STEM careers so we can continue to improve our community and keep it safe!
“That’s why we need to capture the interest of young West Australians. Science Week provides the opportunity to so this. Young people can meet world-leading scientists or do some scientific experiments,” she said.
Ms Mascarenhas said a review commissioned by the Government that aims to improve diversity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is expected to make its recommendations to by the end of 2023.
“Diversity in the STEM workforce is needed to ensure that we have the smartest and most compassionate minds to shape a better world,” said Ms Mascarenhas.
First held in 1997, National Science Week has become one of Australia’s largest festivals. Last year about 1.9 million people participated in more than 1650 events and activities.
The festival is proudly supported by the Australian Government, and partners CSIRO, the Australian Science Teachers Association and the ABC.
National Science Week 2023 will run from 12 to 20 August. WA Event details can be found at www.scienceweek.net.au.
List of local events in Swan:
City of Belmont
CSI Workshop for National Science Week 2023 (Morning Session) – 11am-12pm, Saturday 12 August
CSI Workshop for National Science Week 2023 (Afternoon Session) – 12:30pm-1:30pm, Saturday 12 August
Curious Kids: Medicine to Infinity and Beyond – 4pm-5pm, Wednesday 16 August
City of Canning
Waterbug Wonders in National Science Week – 10am-11am, Saturday 12 August
Supersonic Science Workshop – 2pm-3pm, Saturday 12 August
Science Alive in National Science Week – 10:30am-11:30am, Saturday 19 August
Caring For Our Wildlife in National Science Week – 1:30pm-2:30pm, Saturday 19 August
Town of Victoria Park
NATIONAL SCIENCE WEEK: The First Scientists – 4pm-5pm, Thursday 17 August
City of South Perth
National Science Week Grant – Award Winner
